Article by Ayman Alheraki on January 11 2026 10:36 AM
"I Hate C++": Does Hatred Belong in the World of Programming?
For more than 25 years, I’ve often come across the statement: "I hate C++." This seemingly definitive phrase often stems from personal experiences or an incomplete understanding of the language’s nature. But the real question is: Why would a programmer hate a particular language, whether it’s C++ or another? And is hatred truly the appropriate reaction?
The Language Doesn’t Fit Their Needs: A programmer may find that a certain language isn’t suitable for their field or the project they’re working on. For example, while C++ is incredibly powerful, it might feel overly complex when designing fast web applications compared to other languages.
Difficulty in Learning and Application: Languages like C++ contain deep and complex concepts, such as manual memory management, advanced object-oriented programming, and templates. Struggling to grasp these concepts can make using the language frustrating.
Negative Past Experiences: A programmer might have had a bad experience with C++ due to common mistakes or complex projects, leaving them with a negative impression of the language.
Bias Toward Other Languages: A programmer might favor another language they find easier or more aligned with their way of thinking, leading to unfair comparisons and devaluing of C++.
Disliking a programming language often reflects an emotional reaction rather than an objective critique. All programming languages, including C++, have their strengths and weaknesses, and each exists to serve specific purposes.
C++ as a Versatile Language: Its strength in high performance and precise resource control makes it ideal for applications requiring exceptional efficiency, such as operating systems, games, and graphic processing.
Every Language Has Its Audience: If C++ doesn’t suit you, another language might align better with your needs. But that doesn’t render C++ useless or irrelevant.
As a professional programmer or an aspiring one, it’s essential to move beyond the concept of "loving" or "hating" programming languages. Tools, including programming languages, are simply means to achieve goals. Instead of focusing on your feelings toward a specific language, focus on selecting the right tool for the task:
If you’re building an AI application, Python might be the best choice.
If you’re developing a system that requires high performance, C++ could be your ideal solution.
For newcomers to programming, it’s crucial to eliminate the phrase "I hate a certain language" from your vocabulary. Instead:
Learn the Language Thoroughly: Have you truly delved into C++ or any other language before passing judgment? You may discover its strengths once you overcome the initial learning curve.
Choose Your Tools Wisely: The right environment and the field you’re interested in will guide you to the optimal tools, including programming languages.
Be Flexible and Productive: Regardless of the tools you use, your ultimate goal as a programmer is to be productive and excel.
Hatred for a programming language like C++ often arises from misunderstanding or negative experiences. As a serious programmer, you should adopt a flexible mindset that sees programming languages as tools, choosing the ones that suit your needs. Mastery of a language requires deep understanding and practical application, not preconceived judgments. Programming is a world of possibilities, where hatred has no place—only innovation and creativity.