# What C++ Is and Where It Is Used — C++

Source: https://www.skillbyai.com/en/cpp/f-what

> Describe C++'s design goals, standards and typical uses.

## Performance with abstractions

**C++** is a compiled, statically typed, general-purpose language created by Bjarne Stroustrup, starting in 1979 as "C with Classes". Its central idea is **zero-overhead abstraction**: you can write high-level code with classes, templates and containers, and the compiler turns it into machine code about as efficient as hand-written C, while giving you direct control over memory and hardware when you need it. That makes C++ the language of choice where performance and control matter: **game engines** (Unreal Engine), **browsers** (Chrome, Firefox), **databases** (MySQL, MongoDB), **trading systems**, **embedded and automotive software**, **compilers**, machine-learning runtimes such as the cores of TensorFlow and PyTorch, and **competitive programming**. C++ is standardised by ISO in regular releases: **C++11** (the start of "modern C++": `auto`, lambdas, move semantics, smart pointers), C++14, **C++17** (`std::optional`, `std::variant`, structured bindings), **C++20** (concepts, ranges, modules, coroutines) and **C++23** (`std::print`, `std::expected`). This course teaches modern C++, not the older "C with classes" style.

## From source to machine code

C++ source is compiled ahead of time to native machine code for each target platform.

![A document icon flowing through a gear labelled only by a lightning icon into a chip icon, with branches to three different chip shapes.](assets/figures/cpp/section-1-map.svg) — Figure 1.1 — Compiling C++ to native code for different platforms.

## A first modern C++ program

C++23's std::print, or the classic iostream version.

```cpp
#include <print>      // C++23
#include <string>
#include <vector>

int main() {
    std::vector<std::string> langs{"C", "C++", "Rust"};
    for (const auto& lang : langs) {
        std::print("Hello from {}!\n", lang);
    }
    return 0;
}

// classic C++ (works with every compiler):
// #include <iostream>
// int main() { std::cout << "Hello, C++!\n"; }
```

## Learn modern C++ first

Many tutorials still teach raw `new`/`delete`, C arrays and `char*` strings first. Start with `std::vector`, `std::string`, references and smart pointers; learn the low-level pieces when you need them.

**Quiz:** Which C++ standard is usually described as the start of "modern C++"?

- [x] C++11
- [ ] C++98
- [ ] C++03
- [ ] C++23

*Answer:* C++11. C++11 introduced auto, lambdas, move semantics and smart pointers, transforming everyday C++.