Computer scientist Bjarne Stroustrup, creator of the C++ programming language, visited the University of La Laguna to give a lecture on relevance of its language today. He shared a strong message and some advice for future programmers.
During his speech, he highlighted how C++ has been key in software development in multiple sectorsfrom artificial intelligence to operating systems and video games. According to him, the language has proven its strength over the years, remaining one of the fundamental tools for modern programming.
Today, C++ is still essential
In addition, he warned about misinformation on the Internet, recommending reliable sources to learn programming correctly. It should be noted that if you are currently involved in computing or programming, Bjarne’s name is a must.
This Danish mathematician is the original designer of C++, a language that revolutionized the industry of the software. Created in the 1980s, its objective was to improve the C language by adding features of object-oriented programming without losing its efficiency and flexibility.
Stroustrup developed it while working at Bell Laboratories, convinced that it I needed a language that combined control and structuring capacity. Since then, it has become one of the most used in the world.
During his lecture at ULL, Stroustrup defended the role of C++ in the present and future of programming. Despite the appearance of new languages such as Rust or Go, he assured that his is still essential thanks to its versatility and performance. In his opinion, the language has evolved enough to remain one of the best options in the industry.
Additionally, he talked about the challenges of its creation, explaining that it was not difficult to design the language, but rather to convince people of its benefits without a marketing team or budget to promote it. He also addressed the relationship between C++ and artificial intelligence, stating that most current AI tools are developed with this language.
«You can’t learn to program online,» Stroustrup’s warning
One of the most striking points of his speech was his warning about teaching programming. Bjarne Stroustrup noted that You can’t learn C++ just by surfing the internetsince much of the information available is outdated or inconsistent.
For those who want to master the language, recommended the use of updated books such as A Tour of C++ or Principles and Practice Using C++. According to him, the key to being a good programmer is not to rely on online tutorials, but to build a solid foundation and understand that the world of programming is constantly changing.
Despite the evolution of technology and the emergence of more modern languages, C++ remains an essential tool for computer scientists. As Bjarne stated in his lecture, Its success lies in its solidity and ability to adaptsomething it has proven for more than 40 years.
If you are thinking of learning it, the advice of its creator is clear: look for reliable sources, study updated books and understands that programming is a continuous learning process. The future of computing still relies on C++, and you can be part of it.
What is C++ and what is it for?
C++ is a programming language that combines the flexibility of the C language with the advantages of object-oriented programming. Thanks to its versatility, it is used in a wide variety of applications, from operating systems to video games, including software, databases and AI.
Many of the most popular libraries, such as TensorFlow and PyTorch, have C++ implementations due to their speed and optimization. In the automotive industry, it is the language behind the control systems in autonomous cars. Even in aerospace, C++ is key in software that controls satellites and navigation systems.
There is no doubt that this language stands out for its efficiency and control over hardwaremaking it ideal for developing systems that require high performance.
In addition, it is the basis of many video game engines, such as Unreal Engine, and is fundamental in the development of business and scientific software. Its ability to manage memory efficiently makes it a must-have option in the software industry.