As an experienced data analyst and business expert, I highly recommend learning C++ in 2024 based on its continued relevance in key industries, strong career prospects for developers, and foundational nature. Keep reading as I fully break down the pros, cons, and everything else you need to know about learning C++ today in this comprehensive guide.
The Case for Learning C++
First, let‘s tackle the main question – is learning C++ worth it in 2024? My unequivocal answer is yes.
Despite newer languages like Python and JavaScript dominating certain domains, C++ remains deeply embedded in major industries as a powerful and high performance language. It also provides value as a foundational language that teaches core programming concepts and skills that translate to many other languages.
Let‘s dig deeper into the key reasons I recommend learning C++ for most developers:
C++ is Ubiquitous in Key Industries
As a systems programming language, C++ is ubiquitous across industries like:
- Gaming – Major game engines like Unreal Engine, Unity, CryEngine, and Amazon‘s Lumberyard are written in C++. Game logic and rendering code often requires C++.
- Finance – High frequency trading firms and hedge funds leverage C++ for low latency trading systems built for speed.
- Operating Systems – Windows, Linux, Mac OS, Unix kernels and core components are largely written in C++. It‘s crucial for OS development.
- Embedded Systems – From auto to aerospace to robotics, C++ is widely used in embedded devices given its performance and hardware control.
- Databases – Leading databases like Oracle, MySQL, Redis, Couchbase, and MongoDB all rely on C++ under the hood.
This ubiquity gives C++ developers abundant career opportunities across industries. Let‘s look at some data on C++ usage:
| Percent of Developers Using C++ | 17.7% |
| Total Openings for C++ Developers (US) | 15,000+ |
| Median C++ Developer Salary (US) | $108,000 |
As you can see, C++ developer skills remain in high demand with competitive salaries.
C++ is a High Performance Language
For certain applications like 3D games and financial trading systems, performance is critical. C++ enables fine grained control over hardware resources and memory allocation for optimized performance in a way higher level managed languages can‘t match.
C++ is often the only choice for the most demanding real-time and resource constrained environments given this efficiency advantage.
C++ Teaches Transferable Skills
Mastering C++ means learning concepts like:
- Memory management
- Multiple paradigms – procedural, object oriented, functional
- Data structures and algorithms
- Compile-time polymorphism with templates
- Hardware access and low level control
These core skills will improve your ability as a programmer across other languages and make you more versatile. And you‘ll understand what‘s happening "under the hood".
C++ is Evolving and Improving
While C++ has a reputation for being complex, the language continues to evolve with new standards like C++17 and C++20 that add useful features and make it easier to use safely. Modern C++ feels much nicer while retaining the power of lower level control.
And C++ is not standing still – C++23 is on the horizon with further improvements coming like modules and pattern matching. The language will continue advancing.
So don‘t let outdated perceptions of C++ scare you away. The modern language is much friendlier while avoiding the pitfalls of sloppy code.
You‘ll Become Familiar with C
As a bonus, learning C++ means you‘ll naturally become proficient with C along the way since C++ builds on and extends C. This opens up even more options for you as a developer.
Having both C and C++ skills under your belt is extremely valuable.
The Challenges of Learning C++
Of course, while I strongly encourage learning C++ I don‘t want to sugarcoat the challenges and downsides:
- C++ has notoriously complex and intricate syntax that can make reading and writing C++ difficult. Be prepared to spend time mastering the nuances.
- As a low level systems language, properly managing memory allocation/deallocation and pointers in C++ takes practice and experience to do correctly.
- With C++ giving you a lot of control and flexibility, it can encourage sloppy code and "clever" programming if you‘re not careful. Discipline is required.
- C++ compile times are slow compared to interpreted languages which hinders rapid iteration and prototyping.
- C++ build ecosystems are less robust compared to languages like JavaScript and Python. You‘ll have fewer libraries and frameworks available.
- C++ doesn‘t have the buzz and excitement around newer languages like Rust and Go. You likely won‘t impress recruiters with C++ alone.
However, these challenges aren‘t dealbreakers for learning C++. And the payoff is worth confronting them. Just be aware you‘ll have to push through a non-trivial learning curve.
Who Should Learn C++?
Given the trade-offs, consider learning C++ if:
- You want to work in high performance fields like finance, gaming, robotics, aerospace or embedded systems where C++ is widely used.
- You specifically enjoy lower level systems programming and have a desire to understand what‘s happening "close to the metal".
- You want to grasp deep computer science concepts around memory, concurrency, hardware etc.
- Your goal is to get a backend or infrastructure role at a top tech company like Facebook, Google, Netflix etc where C++ is valued.
- You want to build the hard technical skills to become an expert software architect and engineer.
C++ may make less sense if you want to focus on data science, web development, or quickly build prototypes. But for most programmers, I believe having C++ in your toolkit will be advantageous.
Learning C++ Efficiently as a Beginner
As you embark on learning C++, here are my tips for mastering the language efficiently as a beginner:
- Use curated online courses like [Course 1] and [Course 2] to avoid poor quality content. Follow a structured path.
- Lean on resources like [StackOverflow] and [CPPreference] heavily for help. The community is your friend!
- Start by thoroughly learning basic syntax, pointers, memory management, OOP in isolation.
- Be patient with compile times! Rapid prototyping isn‘t C++‘s strength.
- Next tackle core libraries like STL, smart pointers, containers/algorithms. This is modern C++!
- Maintain discipline to write clean readable code and don‘t take shortcuts. It‘ll pay off later.
- Frequently compile your code as you go to catch errors early and cement concepts.
- Seek out mentors, online communities to continue advancing once you have basics down.
With consistent practice and an efficient learning path, you can pick up C++ quicker than you think!
Comparison to Alternative Languages
How does C++ compare today to potential alternatives like Rust or Go that some view as replacements? Let‘s contrast them:
Rust
Rust solves pain points like memory safety with its borrow checker but still provides low level control. However it has a still immature ecosystem and lacks C++‘s established pedigree. C++ remains the more proven choice for large scale production use cases.
Go
Go makes it easy to build scalable network services and run heterogeneous clusters, but doesn‘t fit as well in domains requiring high performance like AAA games. C++ gives more control over speed and resources.
Python
While very popular for areas like data science and ML, Python is slower and lacks native capabilities for systems programming. C++ is better suited for performance intensive applications.
Java
Java code runs on a VM so lacks C++‘s execution speed, but Java‘s higher level OOP model leads to quicker development cycles. C++ is faster when performance is critical.
So while alternatives have benefits, C++ retains advantages making it suitable for major industries. The languages can complement each other.
C++ Developer Career Prospects and Salaries
As mentioned earlier, C++ skills remain in high demand which translates into rewarding careers for C++ developers. Let‘s look at some key data points:
- 17.7% of software developers use C++, a higher percentage than languages like C# and Ruby.
- There are over 15,000 C++ developer job openings just in the United States right now. Globally that demand is even higher.
- C++ developers earn a strong median salary of $108,000 in the US, outpacing many other languages.
- Major tech firms like Google, Facebook, Netflix, Uber all hire C++ developers and value that expertise, especially for backend/infrastructure roles.
So there are abundant job opportunities and above average salaries available for skilled C++ programmers today, especially those with software architecture and engineering expertise. Given industries reliant on C++, that demand will remain strong well into the future.
Final Thoughts – Should You Learn C++?
C++ remains a foundational language with a strong industry foothold despite contending with newer languages. It equips you with valued skills applicable across domains and careers.
For most programmers, dedicating time to learn C++ will provide excellent return on investment. Just be ready for a steeper initial learning curve.
Of course assess C++ in light of your own specific career goals and interests. It may or may not be the best choice. But without a doubt, C++ remains a crucial tool to have in your developer toolbox today and I unequivocally recommend learning it.
So don‘t delay any longer – go forth and become an expert C++ programmer! The opportunities are waiting.
