Is C++ Still Relevant in 2021?

BY M. FAHAD KHAWAJAPUBLISHED AUG 09, 2021

Maybe you've heard it's a dead language... but the career prospects say otherwise.

C++ is a reliable and powerful programming language with object-oriented and imperative features. Developed by Bjarne Stroustrup, C++ first came to the scene over three decades ago in 1985. Since then, C++ has evolved into a robust programming language that prioritizes performance, efficiency, and flexibility.

Many people (especially beginners) wrongly believe C++ to be a "dead" programming language with minimal scope. They would much rather learn trendy platforms and languages such as React and Python.

Today we’re going to discuss why C++ is still an exceptional programming language and one that's still relevant and needed in 2021.

What Makes C++ So Good?

C++ was at its peak the most widely used programming language in the world. While it may not be at its peak anymore, it still is a compelling and versatile programming language. It supports multiple programming paradigms, including object-oriented, procedural, and generic programming.

As an object-oriented programming (OOP) language (similar to Java), C++ provides developers with all the tools they need to efficiently create a program that adheres to the principles of OOP.

Moreover, the C++ Standard Template Library (STL) has numerous built-in functions that make writing code a whole lot easier. The rich library support allows developers to utilize built-in containers, hashmaps, heaps, etc. and code much more efficiently.

A significant reason C++ is so widely used today is due to its staggering speed. Applications that require low latency tend to use C++ as its compilation and execution are much faster when compared to other general purpose programming languages.

It also provides pointer support which is not available in other languages like Python.

Additionally, C++ is widely recognized as one of the best-performing programming languages available.

Another nifty benefit of C++ is the ease of installation, all you need to do is download an IDE such as Microsoft Visual Code, and you can start coding right away. On the other hand, installing Python or Java can be a hassle.

C++ Applications

Due to its incredible reliability, performance, and versatility, C++ remains in high demand even in 2021. A significant application of C++ is video game development. Many major video game studios use Unity Engine, PhyreEngine, and Unreal; all are based on C++.

This is because C++ is fast, gives users a lot of control over memory, and has an extensive set of libraries that are proficient in designing complex graphics. As a result, C++ also happens to be a crucial requirement for a job in the video game development industry.

Mozilla Firefox, Adobe applications, Chromium-based web browsers, Microsoft Office, and MySQL are all primarily developed in C++. Even operating systems such as Microsoft Windows and the macOS are to some extent developed using C++.

Salary Prospects of C++ Developers

Thanks to its versatility and speed, C++ can expect a very market-competitive salary in 2021. According to ZipRecruiter, the average annual salary of a C/C++ developer in the United States is about $104,000. Expert C++ developers can even earn as much as $150,000 per year.

In contrast, Python developers can expect a mean annual salary of $122,000, whereas Java developers earn approximately $118,000 annually. Despite being an “old” programming language, C++ continues to bring high-value opportunities to its developers.

C++ Is Very Promising in 2021

Today, C++ is one of the most popular programming languages and one that has a wide range of applications. Python, Java, and web development are all exciting career pathways, but C++ developers are often underrated and wrongly thought to be extinct.

If you do choose to pursue a career as a C++ developer, you can rest assured that you'll be on a promising career path with a comfortable salary. Even if you don't see yourself working as a C++ developer, we still believe it's an incredible programming language and one that you should have listed on your resume.

ORIGINAL News