What is C++?

C++ is a general-purpose programming language created by Bjarne Stroustrup in 1985 as an extension of C. It is compiled: your code is translated into machine code the computer runs directly, which makes it extremely fast.

Where is C++ used?

• Games: Unreal Engine and most AAA games.
• Browsers: Chrome and Firefox.
• Operating systems and drivers.
• Finance: high-speed trading systems.
• Competitive programming and coding interviews: fast, with a great standard library (STL).

Setting up

• Install a compiler: MinGW-w64 (g++) on Windows, Xcode tools on macOS, or g++ on Linux.
• Use VS Code with the C/C++ extension, or Code::Blocks.
• Or practise in your browser on sites like onlinegdb.com.