C++ Certifications

C++ Certification

C++ is a general-purpose programming language that evolved from the C language to incorporate an object-oriented framework. It’s a compiled and imperative language. Since C++ is a middle-level language, it can be used to programme both low-level (drivers, kernels) and higher-level applications (games, GUI, desktop apps etc.). Both C and C++ have the same basic syntax and code structure.

Overview

Bjarne Stroustrup developed it in 1979 as a general-purpose, object-oriented programming language as an extension of the C language. It incorporates aspects of imperative, object-oriented, and generic programming styles. Groups, inheritance, default function arguments, and other features are available in C++ that are not available in C. Many modern systems, such as operating systems, web browsers, databases, and so on, have C++ code in at least some portion of their codebase. Furthermore, because of its speed, C++ is very useful in performance-critical areas. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has standardized C++, with the most recent edition, ISO/IEC 14882:2020 (informally known as C++20), ratified and published by ISO in December 2020. The ISO/IEC 14882:1998, which was later modified by the C++03, C++11, C++14, and C++17 codes, was the first specification for the C++ programming language. These are superseded by the latest C++20 format, which includes new features and a larger standard library. C++ was developed by Danish computer scientist Bjarne Stroustrup at Bell Labs in 1979 as an extension of the C language; he wanted an effective and scalable language similar to C that was standardized in 1998.

This kind of certification is specific to computer programming and computer languages. C++ is a type of computer language that is widely used by programmers while writing programmes. There are two forms of certifications available for programmers who wish to advance their career skills, according to the Institute C++ Institution: a C-Certified Associate Programmer and a C-Certified Skilled Programmer. An associate programmer certificate is required to obtain a certified programmer certificate in this case. Certificates in the C and C++ programming languages are usually provided after the applicant passes the required C++ exams. Candidates seeking certification have self-study and instructor-based choices, but they must be tools accepted by the institute awarding the certification. C++ certification is intended to enable industry professionals, such as developers, programmers, and specialists, to assess and document their programming abilities, as well as gain credibility for their achievements.

Candidates in a computer programming certificate programme learn the fundamentals of computer programming concepts and theories through seminars in the classroom and hands-on computer laboratories, where they can practise using different languages to create their programmes. The majority of computer programming certificate programmes are 15 to 21 credit hours long. Critical thinking, decision-making, and critical analysis skills are developed through the coursework. The following are some of the subjects covered:

  • C++ programming is an introduction to computer programming.
  • Programming language concepts
  • Assembly language and machine organisation
  • Application architecture in Java
  • Creating a website

The following are some of the characteristics and key points to consider about the programming language:

Simple: It is a simple language in the sense that it allows programmes to be broken down into logical units and components, has a large library, and a wide range of data types.

Independent of the machine but reliant on the platform: A C++ executable is not platforming agnostic (compiled Linux programmes will not run on Windows), but it is system agnostic.

Mid-level language: It can be used to programme all systems (drivers, kernels, networking, etc.) and large-scale user applications (Media Players, Photoshop, Game Engines etc.)

Rich Library Support: For quick and rapid growth, it has rich library support (both regular built-in data structures, algorithms, and so on) as well as 3rd party libraries (e.g. Boost libraries).

C++ programmes are known for their speed of execution: It’s a compiled language that’s also really procedural. Newer languages have built-in default features including garbage-collection, dynamic typing, and so on, which delay the program’s overall execution. It is lightning fast since there is no additional processing overhead in C++.

C++ supports pointers and direct memory access: allowing users to control storage addresses directly. This is useful for low-level programming (where one might need to have explicit control over the storage of variables).

Object-Oriented: One of the language’s strongest characteristics that distinguish it from C. Object-Oriented support in C++ makes it easier to write programmes that are easy to manage and extend. Large-scale implementations, in other words, are possible. As the size of the code increases, it becomes more difficult to maintain procedural code.

C++ is a compiled language: which contributes to its output.

Applications of C++

  • C++ finds varied usage in applications such as:
  • Operating Systems & Systems Programming. e.g. Linux-based OS (Ubuntu etc.) Browsers (Chrome & Firefox)
  • Graphics & Game engines (Photoshop, Blender, Unreal-Engine)
  • Database Engines (MySQL, MongoDB, Redis etc.)
  • Cloud/Distributed Systems

Some Interesting Facts about C++ certification

Here are some fascinating facts about C++ that you might find interesting:

1. The term C++ refers to the evolution of the improvements made from C. The increment operator in C is “++.”

2. C++ is a widely-used programming language for the development of a wide range of technological and commercial applications.

3. C++ requires Object-Oriented Programming, which is not available in C. Encapsulation, polymorphism, abstraction, and inheritance are among the four key features of OOP that C++ supports.

4. Simula67 Programming Language supported C++ with OOP features.

5. For a C++ programme to run, it must have at least one function.

6. T Bell Laboratories invented C and C++ at the same time.

7. Not entirely object-oriented: C++ code can be written without using classes and will compile without error. The language adds several features to C that make OOP and generic programming easier.

8. C++ has inspired many programming languages, including C#, Java, and even newer versions of C.

9. The concept of reference variables is based on the Algol 68 programming language’s operator overloading.

10. One of the main reasons for C++’s popularity is that it embraces a wide range of programming types. It’s a multi-paradigm approach to programming.

Keeping the C++ certification popularity and importance in mind, here are the reasons to learn it.

1. C++’s High Salary and Popularity

C++ is one of the most commonly used programming languages on the planet. It is used by 4.4 million developers all over the world. C++ Developers are also in high demand, and they have some of the highest-paying positions in the industry, with an estimated annual base salary of $103, 035.

2. C++ has a large library support

The Standard Template Library (STL) in C++ is very useful because it allows you to write code more compactly and easily. Algorithms, containers, functions, and iterators are the four main components.

There are various types of algorithms, such as sorting, scanning, and so on. Stacks, queues, hash tables, vectors, sets, lists, maps, and other widely used data structures are all implemented using the containers. The parameters passed to the functors can be used to customize the action of the associated function. Iterators are often used to operate with a series of values.

3. C++ has a large Community

A broad online community of C++ users and experts is especially helpful if assistance is needed. On the internet, there are various tools for C++, such as GeeksforGeeks and others. StackOverflow, cppreference.com, Standard C++, and others are some of the other online tools for C++.

4. Databases and C++

Many modern databases are written in C++, including MySQL, MongoDB, MemSQL, and others. This is because C++ is very modern and supports features such as exceptions, lambda expressions, and so on. Many databases written in C++ are used in almost all current applications, including YouTube, WordPress, Twitter, and Facebook.

5. C++ in Operating Systems

Windows, Linux, Android, Ubuntu, iOS, and other major operating systems are written in a mixture of C and C++. The Windows applications are written in C++, while the Android applications are written in Java with C/C++ support using non-default run-times. C++ can also be used to build the backbone of iOS applications.

Because of the speed and strongly typed nature of C and C++, they are widely used in operating systems.

6. C++ in Compilers

C++ is a comparatively low-level language that is closer to the hardware level. As a result, it is used as a backend programming language in many compilers. The GNU Compiler Collection (GCC) is an example of this since it is currently written primarily in C++ and C.

7. C++ in Web Browsers

C++ is used in the development of many web browsers, including Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and others. Chrome’s rendering engine, JavaScript engine, and user interface all use C++. Firefox uses it mostly in the rendering engine and to a lesser extent in the user interface. Safari’s rendering engine and JavaScript engine are both written in C++.

All these web browsers and more use C++, particularly in the rendering engines because it provides the required speed that is necessary for the rendering engines since they need to display the content at an accelerated rate.

8. C++ in Graphics

Because of its speed, C++ is used in applications that include graphics, such as digital image processing, computer vision, and screen recording programmes. This can also apply to a variety of games in which graphics play a significant role.

9. Embedded Systems and C++

Since C++ is closer to the hardware level, it is especially useful in embedded systems, where the software and hardware are tightly coupled. C++ is used in many embedded devices, including smartwatches, MP3 players, GPS systems, and so on.

10. C++ is a portable programming language

C++ programmes can be transferred from one platform to another. This is one of the key reasons why C++ is frequently used in applications that require multi-platform or multi-device creation.

Advantages of C++

Every benefit proves the stability and efficiency of the C++ programming language as follows:

C++ is an object-oriented programming language, not a procedural programming language. C++ has features that make it more powerful and quicker than any other programming language. One of the best benefits of using C++ as a programming language for the creation process is machine learning with the C++ library.

Speed

C++ is known for being the fastest programming language available. One of the best features it offers is the ability to run multiple codes in parallel, which directly aids in faster execution. And when the server is under heavy pressure, provide the best output possible.

Hard-Ware Based

When software is tightly coupled with hardware and some low-level software support is needed. Since it is closer to hardware than any other programming language, C++ provides that support.

Functionality

Inheritance, encapsulation, and abstraction are all features of C++ that support programmers in the software development process. When these benefits are combined, the result is a product that is both outstanding and successful. In C++, efficiency always comes first. Operator Overloading is supported in C++, as well as user-defined operators and function overloading.

Paradigm

Multi-paradigm scripting is used in the C++ software. The term “paradigm” refers to a programming style, while “logic,” “structure,” and “procedure” refer to the logic, structure, and procedure of a programme. C++ is a multi-paradigm programming language, which means it embraces three paradigms: generic, imperative, and object-oriented.

Extra Advantages

In C++, you can handle exceptions. In some cases, you don’t need to specify an exception because they come with built-in exceptions that you can grab and throw at your user output screen. The class name for implementing exception handling in C++ programming is an exception. Not only that, but you can also specify your exemption based on the needs of your project. In C++, the try, capture, and throw keywords are used to manage exceptions. Exception handlers are used in C++ programming to manage several exceptions. Variables can be declared anywhere in a C++ programme, but they must be declared first.

Conclusion

Because of its high-level functionalities, C++ is the most versatile and effective language. Abstraction, Encapsulation, Inheritance, and Polymorphism are the four primary pillars of C++. Individually, these pillars can perform complex tasks and features in any software development process, but when combined, they are the most effective in programming.