5 Main Uses of C++ in 2023

Even as a beginner programmer, you've probably heard of C++.

It is one of the most popular languages in the world and is used in different domains like video game development, IoT devices, Databases, Operating Systems, etc. In this blog, we will explore the history of the C++ language, various areas where it is used, and the benefits and drawbacks of using C++.

History of C++

C++ is a programming language developed in the early 1980s by Bjarne Stroustrup, a Danish computer scientist at Bell Labs.

Stroustrup was working on a research project that involved creating a new C-based programming language with additional features.

The first version of C++, called "C with Classes," was released in 1979, which introduced the concept of "classes" and object-oriented programming. Classes allow programmers to create reusable code, which makes it easier to develop large, complex programs.

C++'s new version introduced many features like function overloading, inline functions, default arguments, and more.

Over the following decades, C++ adoption skyrocketed, and in 1989, the first official standard for C++ was released. This version of C++ changed the language's syntax and semantics, and introduced a formal specification. C++ is used in various industries today, which include software development, IoT devices, finance, and even video game development. As C++ has widespread use, it remains one of the most popular choices for developers.

What is C++ used for?

C++ is a general-purpose programming language that can be used to develop a wide range of applications.

Here are some significant areas where C++ is used heavily:

Operating Systems

C++ is widely used in operating systems because of its efficiency, flexibility, and ability to support object-oriented programming.

The primary use of C++ in operating systems is to create the core components that make up the operating system, which includes the kernel.

The kernel is the central part of the operating system that manages resources such as memory, CPU, and device drivers, allowing the operating system to communicate with hardware devices like printers, keyboards, and displays.

C++ is also used to develop word processors, spreadsheet programs, games, and multimedia applications. It is suited for these types of applications because C++ allows developers to create highly efficient and responsive programs that can take advantage of the underlying hardware resources of the system.

In addition to its use in operating systems and applications, C++ is also commonly used to develop middleware, software that provides a bridge between different applications or systems. For example, a middleware program might allow a program written in one language to communicate with a database written in another.

Game Development

C++ is a high-performance programming language great for coding resource-intensive video games.

Since video games need to access hardware like CPU, RAM, and graphics cards for low-level control, we need a language that can interface between the game and the hardware. That's where C++ comes in.

C++ developers can access features like memory management and pointers to manipulate hardware and get optimal performance. They can also efficiently use these resources with extensive C++ libraries.

In addition, there are tons of  C++ developers in the video game industry to share knowledge and experience. There are many C++ tools to help you create video game mechanics and engines.

Video game creation platforms such as Unreal Engine and Unity are also made with C++.

IoT Devices

IoT (Internet of Things) refers to a network of physical devices (like sensors, computers, and appliances) connected in a way that allows them to exchange data. Smart TVs, Light-bulbs, refrigerators, watches, phones, computers, etc., make up the modern IoT ecosystem. IoT devices also need software to run on, and C++ is a popular choice for coding them. The language is often used for IoT devices because of its efficiency and performance.

Since C++ is compiled, it is translated into machine code directly so that the computer's processor can execute it. This makes it faster than interpreted languages like Python.

C++ also provides a wide range of features and libraries that help us create robust and scalable applications. Here's how C++ might be used in IoT:

• We can develop firmware for IoT devices with C++ and run them on microcontrollers such as sensors and actuators.
• C++ can help develop software for IoT devices like routers and hubs.
• We can also create IoT applications with C++ on smartphones and laptops through APIs or other communication methods.
• C++ is also often used to develop backend services that run on the cloud and provide services like data storage, data processing, and creating analytics for IoT applications.

Databases

A database is a collection of data stored in a structured manner for easy and efficient access.

We can use C++ around Database technologies in multiple ways:

• We can embed SQL statements inside C++ code and then pass it to DBMS for execution. The DBMS will then translate the SQL statements into appropriate commands for the underlying database and return the results to the C++ program.
• C++ programs can use libraries like ODBC (Open Database Connectivity) or JDBC (Java Database Connectivity) to connect and query databases. These libraries provide a standard interface allowing C++ programs to work with multiple database systems.
• Database drivers, which are libraries that implement the protocols used by the database, are also made with C++.
• C++ programs can be integrated with databases through APIs or other methods. This also allows the C++ programs to retrieve and modify data in the database as needed.

Web Browsers

A web browser is an application that enables us to access and view web pages and other content on the internet.

C++ can be used to develop multiple web browser components like extensions, browser engines, and even web applications. Popular browser engines like Mozilla's Gecko and Google's Chrome engine are written in C++.

We can also create extensions with C++. Extensions are tiny programs that add a few bonus functionality to a web browser.

C++ is also used heavily while creating network libraries to connect to web servers, send HTTP requests, process responses, and more.

In addition, we can use C++ to create backends for websites running on HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.