Is C++ still a good language to learn for 2023?

Harigovindan Parthasarathy
3 min readJan 15, 2023

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Why C++ remains a valuable skill in the ever-evolving tech industry

C++ is a high-level, general-purpose programming language designed for system and application programming. It was developed by Bjarne Stroustrup in 1983 as an extension of the C programming language. C++ is an object-oriented, compiled language that includes features such as classes, objects, templates, and exception handling.

It is widely used in the development of operating systems, video games, and other high-performance applications. Is C++ still a good language to learn for 2023?

C++ in Game Development

C++ is a popular programming language for game development because it is fast and allows for low-level memory manipulation, which is useful for creating high-performance games.

Many game engines, such as Unreal Engine and Unity, use C++ as the primary programming language for game logic and gameplay. C++ is also widely used for creating custom engine components or plug-ins.

However, it can be more difficult to learn and use compared to other languages such as C# or Python.

C++ in Computer Graphics and Virtual Reality

C++ is a widely used programming language in the field of computer graphics and virtual reality. Its performance and ability to work with low-level systems make it a popular choice for creating complex graphics and physics simulations.

C++ is often used to create game engines, 3D modeling software, and other interactive applications that require real-time rendering. Many popular game engines such as Unreal Engine, CryEngine, and Unity use C++ as their primary programming language.

Additionally, C++ is commonly used in virtual reality development for creating immersive experiences for VR headsets and other devices.

C++ in High-Performance Computing

C++ is a popular programming language in high-performance computing (HPC) because it allows for low-level memory manipulation, which can lead to more efficient use of computer resources.

Additionally, C++ supports a wide range of programming paradigms, including object-oriented, procedural, and functional programming, making it a versatile choice for HPC applications.

Many HPC libraries and frameworks, such as MPI and OpenMP, have C++ interfaces, making it easy to integrate them into C++ programs. C++ also has a large and active community, which contributes to the development of HPC-specific tools and libraries.

C++ in Operating Systems and Embedded Systems

C++ is often used in the development of operating systems and embedded systems because of its ability to handle low-level memory management and its support for object-oriented programming.

C++ can also be used to create cross-platform code that can be easily ported to different hardware architectures. Additionally, C++ provides a wide range of libraries and frameworks that can be useful for developing these types of systems.

However, C++ is not the only programming language used in these fields, other languages like C, Rust, and even Python are also used.

C++ in Game Engines and Libraries

C++ is a popular programming language for game development, and is often used in game engines and libraries.

Game engines, such as Unity and Unreal Engine, provide a framework for creating games with pre-built functionality for tasks such as physics, rendering, and input. These engines often have C++ APIs that allow developers to write custom code to extend or modify the engine’s functionality.

Game libraries, such as the Bullet physics library, provide specific functionality that can be integrated into a game engine or used directly in a game.

C++’s performance and low-level capabilities make it well-suited for game development, as it allows for efficient manipulation of large amounts of data and can be used to write high-performance code.

Closing thoughts

In conclusion, C++ is still a valuable language to learn in 2023. Its versatility, high-performance capabilities, and wide usage in industry and academia make it a valuable skill to have for job opportunities.

Additionally, C++ has a large standard library, strong backward compatibility and a large ecosystem of open-source libraries and frameworks that can be used to extend the functionality of the language and speed up development.

Learning C++ in 2023 can open up a wide range of opportunities in fields such as game development, operating systems, and performance-critical applications. Overall, C++ is a solid choice for anyone interested in programming and technology.

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