Software applications play a crucial role in business development, as they can be products themselves or mediators that help to provide services and promote products. Software apps take these processes to a higher level.
The popularity of software apps grows along with the new functionalities and qualities of smart devices. According to the statistics provided by Finance Online, it is forecasted that mobile apps will achieve $935 billion by 2023.
Worldwide Mobile App Revenues Projection
So, software development is a promising thing as it is in great demand and can benefit your business by attracting a larger audience of users. To achieve these results, you should choose the right technology for your app creation.
Nowadays, various programming languages and frameworks for building custom software products exist. Among them are Python, Java, JavaScript, C, Qt, Lua, and Go to name a few. However, one of the most powerful and mature technologies is the C++ language which enables the development of complex, high-performance, and user-friendly software applications and systems.
Let’s go into the advantages of C++ and its tools.
- It is platform-independent. C++ language enables developers to create a portable software that can run on various operating systems. It does not require changes in the source code to switch a C++-based application to another platform.
- It is multi-paradigm. C++ allows for using up to seven coding styles. It also involves object-oriented, imperative, and generic. So, a developer can choose a suitable programming style for each task.
- Object-oriented programming. This property of C++ enables the development of reusable codes and secure software products. C++ is an object-oriented language. This type of programming includes classes, encapsulation, inheritance, polymorphism, and data abstraction. It allows for dividing complex parts into smaller tasks and creating objects to solve various problems.
- Speed and high-performance. C++ is famous for its high-speed nature in the software development process. C++ is an advanced version of the low-level C language. Low-level languages are much faster than high-level ones. It contributes to the development of AI-driven software and powerful applications.
- Memory control. C++ has a group of functions that enables a developer to manage memory efficiently. For that, a developer uses Dynamic Memory Allocation and pointers.
- Productiveness. C++ Standard Template Library helps developers to save time as it contains various ready-to-use codes, templates, algorithms, and container classes. It provides a rapid development process by enabling a developer to write new codes and project parts faster. Another significant feature of C++ is early error detection during the compiling process.
- Wide range of designs. C++ has all the necessary tools to create user-friendly GUIs, real-time software applications, software for games, web applications, and other kinds of software. So, you can create a software product for any kind of industry.
- Strong support. The C++ language has a huge community where a developer can find the answers to challenging questions that may arise. There are many C++-based open-source projects, repositories, and Q&A sections. It facilitates a comfortable learning process and gives the opportunity to adapt apps for different use cases.
- Continuous modernization. C++ keeps up with the time, and it has been constantly updated. There are a lot of versions of C++: C++03, C++11, C++14, C++17, C++20. The upcoming version is C++23 which is being released now. New advancements and features appear with each version, taking the C++ language to the next step of development. In so doing, your C++-based software app will always be up-to-date.
The advantages of the C++ language
The C++ language is a rich ecosystem and all these benefits are provided with the help of various tools. C++ ecosystem contains package managers, build tools, compilers, and IDEs that are created in C++.
Let’s explore some of these tools that can empower your software application development process.
Visual Studio Code is an open-source IDE that can run on Windows, Linux, and macOS. This IDE is rich with a number of features including deployment tools, built-in Git commands, code debugging, syntax highlighting and auto-completion, and the capability of installing various extensions.
Eclipse IDE is another open-source IDE that is really easy to use. It runs on Windows, Linus, and macOS. It includes an affluent set of plugins, support tools, auto code completion, debugging, refactoring, an improved search box, and a large community.
Qt Creator is a C++ IDE that allows for building GUI cross-platform applications. It contains tools for working with widgets, a Qt Quick module for UI design, and a large community.
GCC is an open-source and popular compiler that runs on Unix platforms and Windows. It allows compiling C++ code up to C++17 version and some parts of C++20.
Microsoft Visual C++ is a compiler developed by Microsoft. It is used for creating C++ applications in Microsoft Visual Studio. This compiler is compatible with Windows, Linux, Android, and iOS. It is used under a commercial license.
CMake is an open-source tool for building cross-platform software. It enables a developer to manage the whole software compilation process and create complex software in an efficient and comfortable way. The versions of CMake are available on Windows, Linux, and macOS.
Conclusion
The C++ language is a good choice for building powerful and user-friendly software applications with extended functionality. The benefits of C++ and its rich ecosystem can help you create a software application that will empower your business with the opportunity of providing the clients with your services on a high level.