C++ (pronounced "see plus plus") is a programming
language that is general purpose, statically typed, free-form, multi-paradigm
and compiled. It is regarded as an intermediate-level language, as it comprises
both high-level and low-level language features.[3] Developed by Bjarne
Stroustrup starting in 1979 at Bell Labs, C++ was originally named C with
Classes, adding object oriented features, such as classes, and other
enhancements to the C programming language. The language was renamed C++ in
1983,[4] as a pun involving the increment operator.
C++ is one of the most popular programming languages[5][6]
and is implemented on a wide variety of hardware and operating system
platforms. As an efficient compiler to native code, its application domains
include systems software, application software, device drivers, embedded
software, high-performance server and client applications, and entertainment
software such as video games.[7] Several groups provide both free and
proprietary C++ compiler software, including the GNU Project, LLVM, Microsoft
and Intel. C++ has greatly influenced many other popular programming languages,
most notably C#[2] and Java.