Features of C++

C++ is a powerful, general-purpose programming language that is widely used for developing system
software, application software, game development, and much more. It is an extension of the C
programming language with additional features such as classes and objects, making it an object-oriented
programming (OOP) language. Below are some of the key features of C++:

1. Object-Oriented Programming (OOP):

• Classes and Objects: C++ supports the creation of classes, which are user-defined types
that encapsulate data and functions that operate on that data. Objects are instances of
classes.

• Inheritance: C++ allows classes to inherit attributes and methods from other classes,
enabling code reuse and the creation of hierarchical relationships.

• Encapsulation: C++ supports encapsulation, which is the bundling of data (attributes) and
functions (methods) that operate on the data within a single unit (class), preventing direct
access to the data from outside the class.

• Polymorphism: C++ supports polymorphism, allowing functions to behave differently

based on the object they are operating on or the data they are given.

2. Low-Level Manipulation:

• Pointers: C++ provides support for pointers, which are variables that store memory
addresses. Pointers allow direct memory manipulation and efficient data access.

• Memory Management: C++ gives the programmer control over memory allocation and
deallocation through operators such as new and delete, enabling efficient memory usage
and avoiding memory leaks.

3. Standard Template Library (STL):

• The STL is a powerful library that provides a set of generic classes and functions for
common data structures (e.g., vectors, lists, queues, stacks) and algorithms (e.g., sorting,
searching, manipulating containers). It enables developers to write efficient and reusable
code by leveraging pre-built components.

4. Performance:

• C++ is known for its high performance and efficiency. It compiles directly to machine code,
allowing it to execute quickly with minimal runtime overhead. It's often the language of
choice for performance-critical applications such as games, operating systems, and real-
time systems.

5. Platform Independence:

• C++ code can be compiled to run on various platforms, including Windows, Linux, macOS,
and embedded systems. It provides a high level of portability, allowing developers to write
code that can be deployed across different environments.
6. Compatibility with C:

• C++ is backward compatible with C, meaning that most C code can be compiled and run
with a C++ compiler. This allows developers to leverage existing C libraries and codebases
while taking advantage of C++'s additional features.

7. Support for Multi-paradigm Programming:

• C++ supports multiple programming paradigms, including procedural, object-oriented,

and generic programming. This flexibility allows developers to choose the best approach
for their specific requirements and design patterns.

8. Community and Ecosystem:

• C++ has a large and active community of developers, contributing to libraries, frameworks,
tools, and resources that enhance productivity and solve common challenges. Popular
frameworks and libraries include Boost, Qt, and OpenGL.