The Shocking Truth About C++: The Language of the Greats

Many new graduates hear discouraging advice about C++: "C++ is difficult and complex, learn Python or JavaScript because they are more in demand, or use Rust because it’s safe and has a modern package manager"… The truth is that these pieces of advice only show half the picture, and those who repeat them have often never programmed C++ deeply or experienced its true power.

Here is a list of systems, applications, and libraries that are completely or mostly written in C++. Naturally, this is not intended to be a complete list. In fact, I couldn't list a 1000th of all major C++ programs if I tried, and this list holds maybe 1000th of the ones I have heard of. It is a list of systems, applications, and libraries that a reader might have some familiarity with, that might give a novice an idea what is being done with C++, or that I simply thought "cool".

https://stroustrup.com/applications.html

1. History and Prestige

C++ is not just an ordinary language. It is an extension of C, born in 1970, with object-oriented and modern abstractions added in 1980 by Bjarne Stroustrup. This language is the closest bridge between high-level programming and hardware, giving you control and performance no other language can match.

Example: Every line of code in the Adobe Photoshop engine or the Microsoft Windows kernel involves C++—languages like Python simply couldn’t handle this level of performance and hardware control.

2. Complexity is Strength

Yes, C++ is complex. But this complexity is its real strength:

• Complete memory control: You can manage every byte as you wish, allocate and free resources freely, and use techniques like RAII and Smart Pointers to prevent errors.

• Unlimited flexibility: Unlike Python or JavaScript, where everything is managed for you, C++ lets you control everything—from performance and cache usage to managing variables on the stack or heap.

• Freedom is power: Mistakes can be catastrophic, but the reward is the ability to build high-performance software others can’t.

Examples:

• Game engines: Unreal Engine (AAA games like Fortnite) is written almost entirely in C++. Python would collapse under such performance requirements.

• High-frequency trading: Many HFT systems use C++ for ultra-low latency operations, processing millions of transactions per second.

• Robotics and embedded systems: Real-time control systems for drones, satellites, and industrial robots rely on C++ for deterministic, high-speed performance.

3. Modern Features Beyond Competition

Modern C++ (C++11 to C++23) has introduced mind-blowing features that rival any modern language:

• Lambda expressions and built-in functional programming.

• Smart Pointers and memory management tools that balance freedom and safety.

• Modules for better code organization (still evolving, but highly promising).

• Coroutines to simplify asynchronous programming.

• Concepts & Ranges for reusable and type-safe code at compile-time.

• Template metaprogramming for highly efficient dynamic code without runtime cost.

Examples:

• Autonomous vehicles: Tesla’s Autopilot and other autonomous driving systems use C++ for real-time decision-making and sensor fusion.

• Simulations: NASA and CERN use C++ to simulate particle collisions, orbital mechanics, and climate models, where every microsecond counts.

• Game physics engines: Bullet and Havok physics engines rely on C++ for real-time simulation of rigid body dynamics and collision detection.

Compare this with Python or JavaScript: most of these features are only partially available, require external libraries, and are far less efficient. Rust may offer greater memory safety, but it limits the freedom you have over resources, which is critical for many high-performance applications.

4. Real-World Applications

C++ remains dominant in performance-critical domains:

• AAA game engines like Unreal Engine and partially Unity.

• Advanced operating systems like Windows, Linux Kernel, and embedded systems.

• Scientific and financial simulations that require maximum speed and processing power.

• Real-time applications like robotics and aerospace systems.

5. The True Test

Don’t just take anyone’s word for it: program in other languages and see the difference.

• Try the same project in Python, JavaScript, or Rust—you’ll notice differences in performance, memory control, and customization.

• Even a medium-sized project will reveal the limitations of these languages compared to C++, especially in efficiency, flexibility, and long-term scalability.

Conclusion

• Is C++ complex? Yes, but that is unparalleled power.

• Is C++ flexible and safe? Yes, if you use modern features wisely.

• Is C++ evolving? Absolutely, and it continues to lead in performance-critical domains.

• To those who say, “C++ is hard, learn Python or Rust”… say this: "C++ isn’t hard—it’s the language of the greats. Master it, and you can build anything your mind can imagine!"