Why Modern Programming Languages Will Not Supplant C/C++
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Chapter 1: The Enduring Legacy of C/C++
C and C++ have been foundational to computing and are unlikely to be replaced by modern alternatives.
Every CPU is accompanied by a hardware language known as the Instruction Set Architecture (ISA) Assembly, which comprises operations for data manipulation, mathematical computations, and structured programming (like jumping to a different code section). However, writing in Assembly for every computing task can be tedious, prompting the development of more user-friendly programming languages and compilers.
Dennis Ritchie, a pioneering computer scientist, developed the C programming language to meet the needs of Unix operating system development. During this early era of computing, C became the go-to language for programmers crafting essential applications, including compilers, operating systems, and database management systems. C++ later emerged as an extension of C, offering additional features while preserving C's performance capabilities.
In the 2020s, languages like Go, D, Rust, and Carbon have been introduced as alternatives to C/C++, each bringing unique features not found in C/C++. However, these languages continue to compete as alternatives rather than outright replacements, for several reasons.
Section 1.1: The Foundational Role of C and C++
C and C++ serve as the bedrock for many contemporary computing applications. For instance, if you’re reading this article on Google Chrome, you’re using the Chromium open-source browser, which is primarily written in C++. If you’re using it on a GNU/Linux system, you’re interacting with a Linux kernel coded in C. Similarly, MySQL, a leading relational database management system, relies on C/C++.
Despite the existence of stable alternatives, many programmers still favor C/C++ for systems programming. C++ is particularly adept at interfacing with operating system APIs. Google, for example, developed the Flutter engine in C++, which utilizes C/C++ to engage with GTK library functions.
Section 1.2: Control and Efficiency in C/C++
C and C++ provide unparalleled control over program resources. They allow direct allocation and deallocation of physical memory for data storage and enable direct interaction with native operating system threads, unlike languages such as Go, which require managing a separate concurrency runtime.
While modern languages with automatic memory management can enhance productivity, they often introduce performance overhead and limit programmers' freedom. C/C++ empowers programmers to write efficient code that precisely executes their instructions.
Chapter 2: C/C++ in Academia and Beyond
Most programmers start their journeys in various stages of their lives, often learning programming in school or during their university years. Many universities introduce programming through C, helping students grasp the connection between software and hardware.
After mastering the basics, students often learn data structures and algorithms using C++, which is favored in competitive programming due to its speed and built-in data structures. While Rust boasts memory safety and performance, its syntax can be daunting for beginners. Go may suit industrial applications but lacks the traditional structure preferred in academic settings.
Conclusion: The Future of C/C++ in a Changing Landscape
The evolution of programming languages has been shaped significantly by C/C++. They underlie the development of operating systems, programming languages, and network software. Most modern web services, including popular web servers like Apache HTTP and Nginx, also utilize C/C++.
While some may see languages like Rust, Go, D, and Carbon as potential replacements, they are more accurately described as alternatives designed for specific purposes. The legacy of C and C++ is deeply embedded in the history of computing, and rewriting that history is impractical.
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