The history of C++ - Tutorial Rocks

A Journey Through Time: The History of C++

C++ is a powerful, versatile language that has influenced countless software projects. Understanding its history helps us appreciate its evolution and impact on the modern programming landscape.

1. The Genesis: C with Classes (1979-1983)

The Beginning: Bjarne Stroustrup, a researcher at Bell Labs, started working on a language called "C with Classes" in 1979. The goal was to extend C with object-oriented features.
Early Influences: Stroustrup was inspired by Simula and Smalltalk, which introduced concepts like classes and objects. C with Classes built upon C's strengths, providing a more structured and modular approach to programming.
Key Features: C with Classes added features like classes, inheritance, and data abstraction.

2. The Birth of C++ (1983-1985)

Name Change: In 1983, the language was renamed "C++," reflecting its evolution from C. The "++" operator in C symbolizes incrementing, signifying the language's enhancement.
Early Implementations: Stroustrup developed the first C++ compiler and released it in 1985.
Growing Popularity: C++ gained popularity due to its power, efficiency, and suitability for system programming and large-scale projects.

3. Standardization and Evolution (1985-Present)

ANSI/ISO Standardization: To ensure consistency and portability, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) began standardizing C++ in 1985. The first standard was published in 1998 (C++98).
Major Updates: Over the years, several significant updates and revisions to the standard have been released, including C++03, C++11, C++14, C++17, and C++20. These updates introduced new features, refined existing ones, and addressed evolving programming needs.
Key Features Added: These updates introduced features like templates, exceptions, namespaces, the Standard Template Library (STL), and improved support for generic programming.

4. The Legacy of C++

Impactful Language: C++ has played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of software development. It has been used to create countless applications, operating systems, game engines, and more.
Continual Evolution: C++ remains a dynamic language, continuously evolving to meet the demands of modern programming.
Large and Active Community: C++ boasts a massive and active community of developers who contribute to its growth, provide support, and develop libraries and tools.

Understanding the history of C++ is crucial for appreciating its impact and understanding its design principles. Its journey from a simple extension of C to a highly sophisticated and versatile language is a testament to its power and flexibility. The future of C++ remains bright, with ongoing development and adoption across various domains.