Introduction to C++ – What is C++?
In this lesson: C++ for beginners — what it is, how it relates to C, why it's used for games and systems, and a first program with output.
What is C++?
C++ is a general-purpose programming language that grew out of C. It keeps C's speed and low-level control, and adds powerful tools for organising larger programs — most famously object-oriented programming with classes and objects. In short, C++ lets you write code that is both fast and well-structured.
Because it sits close to the hardware yet supports high-level ideas, C++ is a favourite wherever performance and control both matter.
A short history
C++ was created by Bjarne Stroustrup at Bell Labs. He started it in 1979 as "C with Classes" and the language was renamed C++ in 1983 — the ++ is C's own "add one" operator, hinting that C++ is "C, incremented." It has been standardised repeatedly, and modern versions like C++11, C++17 and C++20 keep adding useful features.
Why learn C++?
- It teaches both procedural and object-oriented programming, so it broadens how you think about code.
- It is extremely fast, which is why it is used in games, browsers and systems software.
- It is a top choice in competitive programming thanks to its speed and the Standard Template Library.
- Understanding C++ makes many other languages easier, since so many borrow its ideas.
Key features
| Feature | What it gives you |
|---|---|
| Object-oriented programming | Classes and objects to model real things |
| Speed and control | Close-to-hardware performance like C |
| Standard Template Library | Ready-made containers and algorithms |
| Function overloading & templates | Write flexible, reusable code |
| Rich standard library | Tools for I/O, strings, math and more |
A first look at C++ code
Here is a tiny complete C++ program. Do not worry about every detail yet — later lessons explain each part.
#include <iostream>
using namespace std;
int main() {
cout << "Welcome to C++!" << endl;
return 0;
}Welcome to C++!
#include <iostream>brings in input/output features.main()is where the program starts.coutprints text to the screen;endlends the line.
You will write and run this yourself in the first C++ program lesson, after setting up a compiler.
Where C++ is used
- Games and game engines (like Unreal Engine)
- Operating systems and device drivers
- Browsers and databases
- Competitive programming and high-performance computing
- Embedded systems and financial trading platforms
How this course is organised
We start with the basics — setting up a compiler, writing your first program, variables, input/output, loops and functions. Then we move to what makes C++ special: object-oriented programming (classes, inheritance, polymorphism) and the Standard Template Library. Each lesson has code you can run and practise with.
Summary
- C++ is a fast, general-purpose language built as an extension of C.
- It adds object-oriented programming, templates and the STL to C's speed.
- Bjarne Stroustrup created it; modern versions keep it up to date.
- It powers games, systems, browsers and competitive programming.
- This course starts with basics, then OOP and the STL.
