C++ is a general-purpose, high-level programming language used for around 40 years. It was designed to provide low-level access to system resources while providing features found in more modern languages. However, most people outside the web development industry struggle to understand what C++ is used for.
C++ (sometimes called CPP) was primarily developed to be an extension of C, with additional features that would allow for more complex programs to be written.
Today, C++ is used in various applications, from software development to video game programming. It’s a popular language that gives programmers great control over their programs’ inner workings.
However, this versatility comes at a cost, as C++ programs can be more challenging to write and debug than programs written in other, more specialized languages. Nevertheless, C++ remains the go-to choice for many programmers due to its flexibility and performance.
Let’s look at ten of the most notable real-world applications of C++ in detail.
Machine Learning
Machine learning is a rapidly growing field that’s radically changing the way we interact with technology. At its core, machine learning teaches computers to recognize patterns and make predictions based on data.
This pattern recognition process is known as inference and forms the basis of many modern Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications. However, to carry out inference, machine learning algorithms require a large amount of data to learn from. This is where C++ comes in.
C++ is a high-performance language that can handle large amounts of data efficiently. Additionally, C++ offers features that make it easier to develop machine learning algorithms, such as support for linear algebra and matrix operations.
Perhaps most importantly, C++ is a very fast language in compilation and execution latency, which is crucial for efficiently training large neural networks. As a result, developers can write code that can be easily reused in other more extensive projects.
Finally, C++ has a rich history of use, meaning a large pool of developers with experience using the language. This makes it easier to find designers with a C++ background and machine learning knowledge.
Database Programming
C++ is often thought of as a language for system programming, but it can be just as effective for developing database applications.
Speed is of the utmost importance when working with large amounts of data. As a versatile and compiler-friendly language, C++ can help you to get the most out of your hardware, making your database applications run faster and more efficiently.
In addition, C++ offers a number of features that can be particularly helpful when developing database applications. For example, C++’s template system makes it easy to create generic code that can be used with different data types. This can be a big help when developing database code that needs to support multiple data types.
Notably, C++’s support for object-oriented programming can make it easier to create scalable and extensible database applications.
Perhaps most importantly, C++ is portable and can be used on various platforms. This makes it an excellent choice for developing database applications that need to be deployed across multiple environments.
Computer Operating Systems and Compilers
One of the most important uses of C++ is developing operating systems. Most operating systems are written in C or C++ and a kernel language, and these languages provide several features essential for creating reliable and efficient operating systems.
In particular, C++ gives developers a high level of control over memory management, which is crucial for ensuring that an operating system can run smoothly on various hardware devices.
Additionally, C++’s support for object-oriented programming concepts makes creating modular and reusable code easier, another vital requirement for operating system development.
Windows, macOS, and iOS have all been developed with extensive C++ programming.
Additionally, C++ is usually used to code compilers for higher-level languages. As such, C++ can be a great starting point if you need to learn a more specific language.
Web Browser Development
C++ is critical in most modern web browsers, including Chrome, Internet Explorer, and Firefox. Developers often use the language to build backend services that help browsers to fetch information from databases and pass it on to your screen in an interactive manner.
C++ does this with speed, ensuring you don’t have to deal with lengthy load times when browsing various web pages across the internet.
Additionally, C++ is commonly used to create search engines, indexes, and web scrapers, which form a bulk of modern communication and marketing bases.
Game Development
While it’s not the only language that can be used for game development, C++ is one of the most popular choices due to its flexibility and high level of functionality.
C++ enables developers to create highly detailed 3D graphics, complex artificial intelligence algorithms, and robust physics engines. As a result, many of the most popular video games are built using the language. Some well-known examples include Halo 5: Guardians, Gears of War 4, and Unreal Tournament.
While each game is unique, they all showcase the power of C++ in enabling developers to create immersive and exciting gaming experiences. As the video game industry grows, C++ will likely remain an essential language for game development.
Development of IoT Devices
C++ is a powerful programming language well-suited for developing internet of things (IoT) devices.
One of the main reasons for this is that C++ is very efficient, which can help reduce the overall size and complexity of IoT device software.
What’s more, C++ enables developers to create highly portable software, which can be easily adapted to work on different types of hardware. This is important for IoT devices that often need to be able to operate in a variety of different environments.
Finally, C++ has a large and active community of developers, which makes it easy to find help and support when needed.
Development of Cloud Storage Systems (Distributed Systems)
C++ was designed with portability in mind, and as a result, it can be used on a wide variety of platforms. This makes it an ideal choice for developing cloud storage systems and other distributed systems, which need to be able to run on multiple servers.
One of the critical reasons developers prefer C++ to other programming languages when it comes to distributed systems is its significant support for networking. Using C++, developers can use low-level network primitives to create high-performance networked applications.
In addition, C++’s support for concurrency and parallelism allows developers to easily create distributed systems that can scale up to meet the demands of large data sets.
Development of Financial Tools
In the financial sector, C++ is used for developing trading platforms, risk management systems, and financial data analysis software. C++ is well-suited for this work because it is fast, reliable, and easy to scale.
Developing trading platforms in C++ has become increasingly popular due to its numerous benefits. For example, C++ can handle large amounts of data quickly and efficiently, which is essential for making split-second decisions in high-frequency trading.
Furthermore, C++ platforms are highly customizable, so they can be tailor-made to the specific needs of each individual trader. As a result, many financial firms are now turning to C++ when they need to develop a new trading platform.
Risk Management
Financial firms use sophisticated risk management systems to monitor and control risk exposure. These systems must be able to process large amounts of data rapidly and accurately. C++ is ideal for developing such systems due to its speed and reliability.
Data analysis is another common use for C++ in the financial sector. Financial firms need to be able to analyze vast volumes of data to make informed investment decisions. C++ makes it possible to develop sophisticated software that can sift through enormous amounts of data and identify patterns and trends.
AR/VR applications
While it’s most commonly used for traditional software development, it is also well-suited for developing augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) applications. AR and VR apps require real-time 3D graphics, and C++ is particularly well-suited for this purpose.
Furthermore, C++ provides a high level of control, which is essential for ensuring that VR applications run smoothly and accurately. As a result, many leading VR developers rely on C++ to create immersive and responsive VR experiences.
The growing popularity of AR and VR will likely increase the demand for C++ developers with expertise in creating AR and VR applications.
Final Verdict: C++ Is Here to Stay
If you’re wondering what C++ is used for, the answer is that it’s a versatile language with many modern and future applications. It can be used for anything from developing video games to creating sophisticated software programs. So if you’re looking for a comprehensive and versatile development platform, C++ is definitely worth considering.
While it may take some time to learn all of the ins and outs of this robust programming language, the benefits are well worth it. Learning this language is an excellent way to future-proof your career in the tech industry with skills and concepts easily translatable to competing languages.
