A conversation with C++ creator Bjarne Stroustrup

At the beginning of last week, Embarcadero Technologies hosted the CodeRage 7 online conference for Delphi and C++ developers. Probably among the most interesting sessions was a one-hour conversation between Embarcadero's David Intersimone and the creator of C++, Bjarne Stroustrup.

Contributing to the session from his desk, Stroustrup discussed the development history of the recently established C++ Foundation as well as the progress in terms of standardisation. For example, the conversation touched on the C++11 developers' aim to make the new version of C++ easier to grasp as well as use and teach. The session also provided a short overview of future developments, and Stroustrup answered conference participants' questions on the popularity of C++ and of object-oriented programming.

Interview with Bjarne Stroustrup

Bjarne Stroustrup began to develop C++ in 1978, calling it a kind of "C with classes" at the time. His book "The C++ Programming Language" was considered the de-facto standard from its publication in 1985 until the language was standardised by the International Organization for Standardization in 1998. C++ was most recently updated in 2011. The responsible ISO committee, whose members include Herb Sutter, aims to release a minor standard update in 2014, followed by the next major release in 2017. To promote the ongoing development of C++, key industry players such as Microsoft, Intel, Google and ARM established the Standard C++ Foundation earlier this year. Their web site offers articles and books as well as ISO committee news and is designed to become a central hub for C++ developers.

Based in San Francisco, Embarcadero is a company that is mainly known for producing programming tools such as RAD Studio XE and Delphi, and it took over Borland's CodeGear division in 2008. Recordings of other CodeRage 7 conference presentations are available on the company's YouTube channel.

(djwm)