Is C++ still important to learn?

Question

I'm currently studying computer science in school and I'm wondering if it is still important to learn C++ now that there is Java and the Write Once, Run Anywhere theory.

I'm also wondering if there are a lot of C++ developers on the market right now and what they do in particular. What is the most common framework used for general development if one exists?


Thank you for your time.

Answer 1

C++ is the essential "grandfather" of hundreds of languages, and C before it.

It's native which gives it a substantial performance edge over virtualized code, allows pointers and memory management (no auto-garbage collection) and offers lower-level control over the computer.

It is mainly used in performance-critical applications, or as a next step from C or assembly.

As such it's commonly used in games and high-performance applications.

It's lack of a standard graphics structure makes it a pain to write GUI's, but the important thing to remember is that there's not a single language that is a cure-all for every app. They're suitable for different problems. Learning the concepts behind these higher-level languages will help with programming those higher-level applications. C++ has it's usage and so does Java.

Answer 2

You certainly wont need it to get a job (unless you are applying for a job that requires it). Most companies these days are using either Java or .Net. Though most business software these days aren't written in C++, there is probably some old legacy product that the company would love to get away from that is written in C++. If you are going to learn it, I suggested learning it before Java or .Net. It will make you appreciate the newer language and frameworks that much more.

Answer 3

Yes. Really the language doesn't matter too much. You will see C++ on many applications in the market, most company's want you to know it. Also, ever been on Facebook? That's written in C++. Although to tell you the truth the biggest difference from C++ to Java is that Java feels more well build an organized (and strict), while C++ feels more like things were an add-on.

Answer 4

A few recruiters have told me that C++ programmers can be hard to find. If true, it's useful. Of course, they often want you to have actual work experience in C++ (a few years I think, but not sure.)



C++ seems to be still used for high performance apps. Project I work on uses C++ for the guts of the code which must capture and store packets at high speeds. IMO, there is no way any interpreted language can handle 10 Gb/s of packets.



I think drivers are still commonly written in C/C++



For desktop apps, I would think C#, Java, languages like that.



For mobile, Objective C I hear, or whatever is used for Android



For web, there's a ton of languages. To name a few, PHP, Java, Javascript, C#? (for ASP,) Ruby (Ruby on Rails?) Not sure if VB for ASP is common or not.

Answer 5

There's a serious shortage of skilled C++ programmers today. With so many colleges turned into java mills, it will only get worse. Not a bad thing for individual programmers, since C++ salaries are going through the roof where there's a lot of work, e.g. on Wall Street and in HFT business, but not a good thing for the world in general - lives and livelihood of many people rely on C++. It runs where you don't see it - in your printer, network router, car, airplane, it runs hospitals, factories, power plants, stock exchanges, citywide infrastructures. Senior programmers get swept up by the finance, and there's nobody to replace them.

Answer 6

C++ is not required. It helps though since Java is very similar to C++. As far as it's effects on your career that depends entirely on what type of development you intend to do in the future. I never learned C or C++. Been programming computers for over 20 years now.

Answer 7

If you want to get a job programming C++, then it is important. Some of the more popular languages right now are web related like PHP, JAVA and .Net related languages.

Answer 8

every language have its own syntax but programming logic remain same in all.So learn how to program then you will no language is difficult. yes now java and php are more successful than c++ but there are numbers of people who still uses C++.

Answer 9

yes, c++ is one of the most powerful programming languages out there