Is C++ Still Relevant in Today's Corporate World?

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  • Thread starter Thread starter AlvisPrabhu
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    C++ even
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relevance of C++ in today's corporate world, particularly in comparison to other programming languages such as Java and Python. Participants explore its usage in various applications, its advantages and disadvantages, and the reasons for its continued presence in the industry.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that C++ is still widely used in the corporate world, particularly for system tools, compilers, operating systems, and game development.
  • Others question the relevance of C++ in light of higher-level languages like Java and Python, suggesting that these languages are easier to use.
  • There is a discussion about the performance differences, with some arguing that C++ can be significantly faster than Java or Python in certain applications.
  • One participant mentions that while high-level languages offer ease of use, they come with trade-offs in terms of control and execution speed.
  • Another participant highlights that C++ provides access to lower-level programming capabilities that are not available in Java or Python.
  • Some express a preference for C++ over other languages, citing its capabilities and control over hardware.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the relevance of C++. While some firmly believe in its continued importance, others advocate for the advantages of higher-level languages, leading to an ongoing debate without resolution.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying opinions on the definitions of "higher-level" languages and their implications for programming efficiency and control. The discussion reflects differing perspectives on the trade-offs between ease of use and performance.

AlvisPrabhu
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Is c++ even used nowadays? I'm am currently learning it in school and I wonder if it's used in the corporate world.
 
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AlvisPrabhu said:
Is c++ even used nowadays? I'm am currently learning it in school and I wonder if it's used in the corporate world.
I'm surprised that you would doubt it.
 
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phinds said:
I'm surprised that you would doubt it.
Why is it still in use?
 
AlvisPrabhu said:
Why is it still in use?
I don't even know how to begin to answer that. Why would it NOT still be in use?
 
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phinds said:
I don't even know how to begin to answer that. Why would it NOT still be in use?
Because there are more higher level languages like Java, Python and etc.
 
AlvisPrabhu said:
Because there are more higher level languages like Java, Python and etc.
In what sense do you think that Java, for example, is "more higher" than C++ ?
 
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AlvisPrabhu said:
Because there are more higher level languages like Java, Python and etc.
There are things you can access using C/++ that you can't in Java or Python.
 
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I am not defending C++ (in fact, I do not like it), but its parent language ("C") is the only language to consider when writing device drivers. Of course, you could also do such programming in assembly language (and I have done so).

So. So-called high-level languages are high-level in the sense that looking out from the top of the Eiffel tower gives you a high-level view of Paris. But in order to have that high-level view somebody has to design the tower, and somebody has to build it (using simple parts).
 
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  • #10
Java and Python have some nice features that C++ does not have, but I don't think you could call them "higher level". They also have some disadvantages. I know some very good programmers who would prefer to use those languages whenever they can. They are usually significantly slower and the features that give them advantages are often the same features that are outlawed in some applications (such as self-modifying interpretive code) for security and safety reasons.
 
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  • #11
AlvisPrabhu said:
Because there are more higher level languages like Java, Python and etc.

While it is usually easier to code something up in a language like Java or Python than in C or C++, there are many cases where the same code in C or C++ can be hundreds of times faster than in Java or Python. Even when you use Python, when you access a "number-crunching" feature like numpy, the real work is done by code written in C or C++.
 
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  • #12
AlvisPrabhu said:
Is c++ even used nowadays? I'm am currently learning it in school and I wonder if it's used in the corporate world.

What operating system are you using on your computer? Just google to find what the role of C++ is, regarding system tools, toolchains and several utilities in it.
In the real world, C++ is used to develop compilers, system tools / utilities, is an integral part of many operating systems, is used for scripting database systems, is used to develop software for the web (web servers, web browsers as two examples), is used to develop simulators and other advanced software, is used to develop games, game engines and game development tools and the list goes on. In many of the previous cases there are other languages that are also used but C++ is prevalent because it is extremely fast, reliable and gives sufficient control of hardware.

AlvisPrabhu said:
Because there are more higher level languages like Java, Python and etc.

I think that you mean that they are easier for us to use. While this is true in general it has the downside that the added software layers i.e what sums up to the easier for us logical abstraction, takes a lot of control from the hands of the programmer. The price is reduced execution speed compared to C++ and also no direct control in cases that is needed.
 
  • #13
AlvisPrabhu said:
Because there are more higher level languages like Java, Python and etc.

"higher level" does not imply better...

I agree with my colleagues, I consider C++ to be a better language, matter a fact, I wouldn't even consider you for a position if you didn't know C++ and given my requirements, if you knew Fortran also you'd at least be called in for a formal interview.
 

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