Created by: Codenga 11.01.2022

What is it about the C++ language that, despite its 35-year history, still holds strong in the IT industry?

As usual, we'll start with a reliable survey from Stack Overflow: https://insights.stackoverflow.com/survey/2021#technology-most-popular-technologies

According to the survey above, C++ is used more or less by almost 25% of the survey participants. So it may not be number one, but it has a solid, steady user base. That goes without saying..

Used in many fields

During its peak, C++ was one of the most popular languages. There was a time, in the '90s, that you used this language kind of by default. Programmers used C++ everywhere, perhaps partly because there wasn't much choice when writing applications for popular Operating Systems.

Its prime has passed, but the language itself is certainly not going to disappear soon, few reasons, it has many uses:

• games;
• VR (Virtual Reality);
• banking, finances;
• libraries;
• robotics and automotive engineering.

You will notice that these fields mainly need consistency, performance, and security

C++ is often a part of a vaster system made of various technologies. So it may not be the first choice language if you want to write a complex mobile or web application, for example. But there is no doubt that C++ has many uses. And in some areas, it is the core language.

C++ also means specialized growth opportunities

C++ has a relatively high entry threshold compared to other popular languages. But at the same time, this means you can stand out in the job market. While others are into popular Python or JavaScript, you can get into an intriguing and growing niche.

Salaries for C++ Developers look pretty good. Specific values depend, of course, on such factors as position (junior, mid, senior), job seniority, etc. If we want to give an approximate average value, it will be around 120,000$. In the beginning, this amount will be smaller, but after a few years of work, it is possible to reach or even exceed it.

Game development relies on C++. In that case, there is no need to think twice. If you are interested in this subject, you still need to know C++ well, even if you are currently programming or learning to program in another language.

C++ as a second language

You might also consider an exciting career path. Many programmers are proficient in more than one language. And C++ is a good choice if you already know other languages and want to expand your career opportunities.

Its relatively high entry threshold in such a situation will not be a problem. And at the same time, you will gain a lot as a developer proficient in various fields and languages.

The Challenge

There are certainly languages that are simpler than C++. The ones that are easier to learn by novice programmers. For example, Python - a real hit in recent years. Or JavaScript - also an incredibly well-known language, quite easy to pick up.

C++ poses quite a few challenges to you from the beginning. It has its quirks but has a lot of pros too.

For example, the previously mentioned performance. And the resulting specialized applications like writing games or performing complex calculations.

General reliability - as long as you know what you're doing. Because C++ is not lacking in pitfalls waiting for inexperienced developers.

There is also a standard library that provides a set of ready-to-use functions. In practice, such a library makes writing C++ programs much easier because you don't have to implement every functionality by hand. It has always been an advantage of this language.

Your own development path

So is it worth taking an interest in learning C++? It's a language well established 35 years ago. It also has many applications and offers specialized development opportunities unavailable in other languages.

On the other hand, it is pretty complex and is not as beginner-friendly as, for example, Python. It's an engaging language for brave programmers who want to follow their path. One that does not necessarily follow the latest trends and fashions.