C++

C++ (pronounced "C Plus Plus") is a general-purpose and system-level object-oriented programming language. It is commonly regarded as a middle-level language as it incorporates features of both high-level and low-level programming languages. Bjarne Stroustrup started developement of C++ in 1979 while at Bell Laboratories in Murray Hill, New Jersey. He initially called it "C with Classes" but in 1983 the name was changed to C++. C++ source code is compiled to machine code for the target platform.

Language syntax

C++ is made up of most of C's syntax and includes the C preprocessor also simply called the preprocessor. Added features include classes and objects, references, function and operator overloading, exceptions, templates, namespaces, and an extended supporting operator set.

Classes and objects

The introduction of classes and the extension of structures (struct) provide the main features for object oriented design namely: encapsulation, inheritance and polymorphism. Classes, structures and unions provide a defined "description" from which objects are created at runtime.