C++

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C++

The Hello World program in C++, compiled with clang++
Release Status	Maintained
Last Release	C++23
Language(s)	C++
Developer(s)	Standard C++ Foundation
Website	https://isocpp.org/

C++ is a high-level multi-use programming language built on top of the C programming Language to add Object-Oriented Programming features. Originally developed by Bjarne Stroustrup in 1985, from its inception, C++ was designed with key principles in mind: efficient resource usage, high performance, and exceptional flexibility. By the release of C++98 in 1997, the language had evolved significantly, incorporating advanced features like functional programming capabilities and enhanced low-level memory manipulation. These additions greatly expanded its utility, making it a foundational language for developing major operating systems like Linux and Windows, as well as various microcomputer applications. Today, C++ is a wide-spread language, found in a vast array of applications. It powers everything from desktop applications and high-performance video games to robust server systems and precision-critical software. Its versatility has made it a common choice for demanding computing tasks.

C++ is predominantly used as a compiled language, meaning its source code is translated into machine-readable instructions before execution. Numerous companies and vendors offer C++ compilers. Notable examples include g++ from the GNU Compiler Collection and clang++ from LLVM, along with compilers distributed by major tech players like Microsoft, Intel, and IBM.

Despite its widespread adoption, powerful functionality, and flexibility, C++ does face criticism within the programming community. Prominent figures, such as Linus Torvalds, the creator of the Linux Kernel, have voiced concerns about certain aspects of the language, among other notable voices.

Since 2012, C++ has followed a predictable three-year release schedule for new versions of its standard. Currently, the active standard is C++23, and the next anticipated release, following this established pattern, will be C++26. This consistent release cycle allows developers and compiler implementers to plan for upcoming features and changes.

Compatibility

With different vendors producing different compilers, there is bound to be some incompatibility. Yet C++ standards committee members have overall decided it was best that the implementation of fixes for a couple of common problems found in many compilers to be solved by the compiler without having a "standardized" way of doing so.

It should also be noted that C++ is not just a version of C with more features. In other words, valid C code might not exactly be valid in C++. Many common examples include OOP features such as classes. The term class in C++ can be used as a variable name in a C program.

Installation

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To install support for the C++ Language, ensure you have a viable compiler, it is likely you already have a compiler on a Linux System, to check, you can run:

[user] $ g++ --version
g++ (GCC) 15.1.1 20250425
Copyright (C) 2025 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
This is free software; see the source for copying conditions.  There is NO
warranty; not even for MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

If you do not have a compiler, you can install one using your distributions package manager OR you can directly download it from source, these commands will download the GCC-Suite (aka, gcc, g++, etc).

[user] $ sudo apt install build-essential # for apt (Ubuntu/Ubuntu-based)
[user] $ sudo pacman -S base-devel # for pacman (Arch)
[user] $ sudo dnf install gcc-c++ # for dnf (Red Hat/Fedora)
[user] $ sudo xbps-install base-devel # for xbps (Void)
...
[user] $ g++ --version # To verify the installation.