C and C++ Are Foundational Languages

The origins of virtually every essential computer program trace back to C or C++. For instance, if you're reading this on Google Chrome, know that the Chromium open-source browser (comprising the Blink rendering engine and V8) is built using C++. If you're operating Chrome on GNU/Linux, you'll find that the Linux kernel is crafted in C. MySQL, a leading relational database management system, is also written in C/C++. Most major operating systems provide a core C or C++ API for kernel functionalities.

Despite the existence of stable alternatives, many developers still favor C or C++ for system-level programming. Often, C++ is the preferred choice due to its compatibility with operating system-level APIs. For example, Google developed the Flutter engine using C++:

C/C++ has been the implementation language for many core computing components for decades, maintaining consistent language syntax standards over time. Attempting to find a replacement for C/C++ would be akin to altering a house's foundation post-construction.

C and C++ Provide Complete Control Over Code

C/C++ grants programmers extensive control over resource management during source code development. For instance, these languages allow for direct allocation and deallocation of physical memory for data storage. C/C++ enables interaction with native operating system-level threads instead of relying on a separate concurrency runtime, as Go does. Although C/C++ does not automatically manage memory (unlike languages with garbage collection), this requires programmers to be vigilant about memory leaks.

While automatic memory management and restrictions can enhance a language's modernity and productivity, they often introduce performance overhead and curtail the programmer's autonomy.

C and C++ do not impose limitations on memory access, instead offering manual management options that empower developers. When coding in C/C++, you can be assured that your source code executes exactly as intended.

C and C++ Are Fast and Efficient

The efficiency of a program hinges on two primary factors: the time complexity of the utilized algorithms and the efficiency of the resulting binary. While programmers can modify algorithmic complexity through source code changes, improving binary efficiency is less straightforward since it relies on the compiler.

Fortunately, one can select a compiler that generates efficient binaries. For instance, the GNU C compiler produces platform-specific binaries without integrating a dedicated runtime environment. The execution model for C programming employs minimal startup code, as defined in the crt0 Assembly segment. Consider the following example of the crt0 section on Linux:

Although C++ is a complex language, it does not offer the same level of abstraction as Python or Go. Additionally, it allows developers to choose their preferred standard language version (e.g., C++14) for compilation, enabling the use of only essential features to simplify development. C++ has been refined for over three decades to optimize performance since the dawn of computing.

C and C++ Are Ideal for Academia

Many programmers embark on their coding journeys at various stages of life. Some start during their school years with their first computers, while others enhance their skills during university. Most academic institutions introduce programming through C, providing students with insights into how software interacts with hardware.

Following this initial exposure, many universities teach data structures and algorithms using C++, focusing on its simpler components. Students often transition to competitive programming after learning about algorithms, with C++ being the favored choice due to its speed and availability of optimal data structures.

While Rust is a strong contender with its focus on memory safety and performance, its syntax can be daunting for first-time developers. Go, although suitable for industrial applications requiring efficient, C-like code, does not align well with traditional academic pseudocode, making it unlikely for educators to adopt it as a replacement for C/C++.

Modern Alternatives Still Rely on C

As previously mentioned, all POSIX and non-POSIX operating systems include a C library for kernel operations, simplifying the process of invoking kernel features from C/C++. Some systems even come pre-equipped with GNU C/C++ compilers and debuggers to encourage development in these languages. In contrast, utilizing Rust or Go often necessitates third-party bindings to interact with operating system APIs. Nevertheless, modern alternatives still allow for calling C code; for example, Go features the Cgo capability for invoking C code.

Nearly all alternatives to C/C++ aim to address specific shortcomings while presenting a syntax distinctly different from C++. When developers seek alternatives, they typically anticipate a smooth transition without the need to master an entirely new language.

C was specifically designed for low-level programming, and no contemporary language has emerged solely to fulfill its objectives. C++ has evolved C further into a more advanced language. While Rust, Go, D, and Carbon are alternatives to C/C++, they are not designed to replace them, as they pursue different future goals.

Conclusion

The evolution of C/C++ has significantly shaped our computing landscape. Early programmers developed operating systems, programming languages, database systems, mobile OSs, and networking software using C and C++. Many of today's web services owe their existence to these languages; for example, leading web server software like Apache HTTP and Nginx are built with C/C++. The vast majority of popular web browser components and networking software also originate from C/C++.

While some view Rust, Go, D, and Carbon as potential replacements for C/C++, others recognize them as alternatives. These modern languages serve specific needs rather than aiming to supplant C/C++.

Just as TypeScript has not replaced JavaScript, and Kotlin has not overtaken Java, hundreds of alternatives to C/C++ have emerged, yet C/C++ will continue to be utilized. Rewriting the history of computing defined by C/C++ is impractical. This does not imply that C and C++ are without flaws—some alternatives may outperform them in certain aspects (e.g., complexity, memory safety)—but they cannot replace the foundational role C/C++ play in our programming history.

Thank you for reading.