Why C++ is Amazing

I am currently revisiting C++ to prepare for a module next semester, and I have developed a newfound appreciation for the elegance of this language. I'm struck by its powerful features and the level of control it offers over system resources. From its robust support for object-oriented programming to its efficient memory management capabilities, C++ embodies a balance of performance and flexibility that continues to impress me.

C++ is a language built on C, adding object-orientated features, stronger type checking and a richer standard library.

C++ is compiled directly into machine code, which represents the program at the lowest level. Unlike Java, where the source code is first converted into bytecode and then compiled by the JVM, C++ eliminates the need for an intermediate layer.

C++ code undergoes Ahead-Of-Time compilation, allowing the compiler to generate highly optimised machine code for the system architecture.

In contrast, Java uses Just-In-Time compilation where the JVM's JIT compiler optimises bytecode at runtime. This involves interpreting bytecode initially and then dynamically compiling it, introducing some overhead.

C++ features manual memory management, providing precise control over memory allocation and deallocation, which reduces the runtime overhead associated with garbage collection in languages like Java.

C++ uses static typing, meaning type checks are performed at compile time, eliminating the need for runtime type checks resulting in reduced overhead. Inversely, languages such as python, which are dynamically typed, require type checks to be performed at runtime which results in overhead.

C++ provides low-level features like pointers and inline assembly, enabling developers to write highly optimized code with minimal abstractions. In contrast, languages such as Java and Python offer high-level abstractions to simplify development, but this convenience introduces additional layers of overhead.