C++ is a general-purpose programming language created by Bjarne Stroustrup to serve as an extension/evolution of the C language. The idea behind C++ was to create C “with classes” in order to expand the usability and flexibility of the language.
Due to its reliability, versatility, and stable performance, C++ remains in high demand. Despite its more than 4 decades of history, C++ is still relevant today. Video game engines such as Unity and Unreal are all developed in C++, as well as widely used programs from companies such as Adobe and Microsoft.
Stack Overflow’s 2021 Annual Developer Survey puts C++ among the top 10 most commonly used programming languages, ahead of names such as PHP, C, and PowerShell.
Which Industries Use C++?
C++ was originally designed toward system programming and resource-constrained software running on large systems. Since its inception, however, it has been found to be incredibly useful in a large number of applications. Case in point, many companies rely on the customizability of C++ to develop a wide number of real-world applications, such as:
- Games
- Desktop applications
- Databases
- Operating systems
- Web browsers
- Advanced computation and graphics
- Banking
- Cloud/Distributed systems
- Compilers
- Embedded systems
- Enterprise software
- Libraries
It’s important to understand that C++ isn’t only used to write the compilers some programming languages use but also some of the operating systems compilers are installed on. Needless to say, C++ is an incredibly important language. And even though it’s nearly 40 years old, it’s still intrinsically tied to so much of the technology we use today. That makes it very important for your company to hire the best C++ developers you can find, regardless of the industry you’re in.
How Do I Hire a C++ Developer?
C++ is an incredibly resourceful and stable programming language, but its also complex and precise. This means that when you hire C++ developers, you must enlist experienced engineers who can extract the most out of it so that you can profit from its many advantages.
If you are looking to hire C++ developers, there are specific details you need to pay attention to. Not only is it important to be aware of the language’s functionalities, but you must also have a few pointers in mind to guide you through your selection process.
Hiring Guide
There are so many reasons why you need to hire quality C++ developers. For example:
- C++ is highly portable, so you can create applications for multiple devices and platforms using a single language.
- C++ is an Object Oriented Programming language that includes classes, inheritance, polymorphism, data abstraction, and encapsulation.
- C++ has a large function library.
- C++ allows exception handling and function overloading.
- C++ is a very fast language, so it fits a wide range of use cases.
It’s important to understand that although C++ is considered a portable language, it’s not portable in the way you can create a single application that will run on all platforms. Instead, it means you can use the same piece of code in various environments. The only difference is you have to compile it specifically on or for a particular operating system.
C++ is also a high-level programming language, which means it’s closely associated with human-comprehensible language (in particular, English). Because of this, C++ isn’t nearly as challenging to learn as, say, C (which is a mid-level programming language).
If you’re curious as to what specific applications have been written in C++, here’s a shortlist:
- Adobe Photoshop & Illustrator
- Spotify (back end)
- YouTube (video processing)
- Amazon.com (processing requests)
- Linux, macOS, and Windows operating systems
- Microsoft Office
- Chrome
- MySQL
- Firefox
- Bloomberg
That’s an impressive list for a language that is nearly 4 decades old. And if C++ is good enough for those companies and applications, you can be sure it’s good enough for your company.
How difficult is it to find good C++ developers?
Fortunately, C++ is one of the first languages taught in many computer science classes around the world. Why? Because it’s so useful. That means you shouldn’t have any problem finding high-quality C++ engineers.
In fact, according to the TIOBE Index for June 2021, C++ is the 4th most popular programming language on the planet. That means a lot of developers depend on it. And no matter how old the language is, it still remains a great option for the development of operating systems, compilers, and other types of crucial software.
How to choose a C++ developer for your project
When you start looking for C++ developers, it’s important that you look for those who have a strong grasp on:
- Object-Oriented Programming
- Classes
- Databases
- Operating systems
- JavaScript and XML
- Modern software design and UX
- Integrated Development Environments
- Testing and debugging
Because C++ is a general-purpose language, it’s important to find developers who are well-rounded, with a solid foundation in many programming and design concepts. You don’t want a one-trick pony here, you want a sort of jack-of-all-trades who is highly skilled in every aspect. That means you’ll want to spend a good amount of time interviewing those C++ developers to make sure you’re not about to hire someone who’s exceptional at programming but not so great at UX or databases.
Interview Questions
What is the difference between C++ and C?
The biggest difference between C++ and C is that C++ is an Object-Oriented language, while C is a procedure-oriented language. Also, C++ supports classes, while C doesn’t.
What are the 4 data types in C++?
- Primitive Data Type
- Derived datatype
- Enumeration
- User-defined data types
What are Classes in C++?
A class is a user-defined data type that includes data members and member functions.
What is polymorphism?
Polymorphism means that a function or object can show a different behavior in different situations. For instance, the “+” operator can serve to add numbers or concatenate terms.
What is a virtual function?
A virtual function is a member function that can be redefined as a base class and is declared using the virtual keyword.
What is an in-line function?
An in-line function is a function where the compiler places a copy of the code for the function at each point where the function would be called upon at compile time.
What is abstraction in C++?
Abstraction is the process of only showing essential details to the user while hiding details the users don’t need to see.
What is inheritance?
Inheritance is the process of creating new classes from existing classes. The new classes inherit all of the capabilities of the base class, but can also have new features added.
Job Description
We are looking for a developer responsible for creating exciting C++ software that could range from desktop applications to native mobile applications and embedded systems. Your primary responsibility will be to design and develop these applications while coordinating with a team to deliver every layer of the software stack.
Our C++ developers will be responsible for analyzing both user and company requirements to successfully build and deploy a meaningful, useful, and profitable (if applicable) application.
Responsibilities
- Design, build and maintain efficient, reusable, and reusable C++ code
- Integrate data storage solutions
- Implement performance and quality modes
- Identify bottlenecks and bugs and resolve all discovered issues
- Carefully monitor the performance of deployed software and constantly find ways to improve them
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define and design new features
- Stay up to date with new technology trends, applications, and protocols
- Help maintain code quality, organization, and automation
- Analyze user requirements to help inform application design
- Define application objectives and functionality
- Align application design with business goals and customer needs
- Produce detailed documentation
- Recommend changes to existing applications and the infrastructure used to build them
- Ensure continuous professional self-development
Skills And Qualifications
- Degree in Computer Science or related field
- Experience with C++, UX, database structures, and statistical analyses
- Basic understanding of front-end technologies, such as JavaScript, HTML5, and CSS3
- Understanding of the principles behind scalable applications
- Fundamental understanding of Version Control Systems (such as Git)
- Solid problem-solving skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication
- Good organizational skills
- Ability to work as part of a team
- Attention to detail
Conclusion
C++ is a sort of “mother of all” languages in that it can do just about anything. At some point in your company lifetime, you will need a C++ developer (or a team of C++ developers) who can help bring your products to the next level and beyond. C++ might well be the language to make that possible.
