Top 11 Applications of C++

In the previous articles at TechVidvan, we got to know the various numerous features of C++. In order to understand how C++ survived in the IT world, we will discuss its wide range of applications.

Now, let’s have a look at the interesting departments where C++ is useful.

Applications of C++

1. Operating Systems

C++ was used in developing most of the operating systems in the world, from Microsoft Windows to macOS to Linux.

C++ is a strongly typed fast programming language that gives it an upper hand over other languages for developing various OS. Whereas C is a low-level language that developers use for developing drivers in the respective OS.

2. GUI Based Applications

C++ was also used in developing most of the GUI (Graphical User Interface) applications that we use regularly.

For example, C++ is the backbone for scripting GUI applications from Adobe i.e. Photoshop, Illustrator, Adobe Premier. Even the GUI application from Windows like the Windows Amp Media Player, a source for our music for years, uses C++ in the backend. It supported the streaming of both audios and videos along with access to the internet radio stations.

3. Browsers

Most of the browser requires a faster rendering process as the users do not like to wait for the page to load. Since C++ has faster execution, it helps in developing rendering engines in browsers.

C++ supported all the major browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla (Firefox and Thunderbird), Safari, Opera, and many more.

4. Graphics

C++ has high performance and speed which comes in handy for making applications that require 3D animation, modeling, image processing, and real-time simulations. It is beneficial to use C++ as a back-end programming language for all the graphics applications that require faster loading and minimum rendering, just like in browsers.

The speed that C++ offers helps such applications to expand their target audience because the application is so smooth that it is even capable of running on low-end devices. These features helped develop mobile apps which use various different kinds of sensors, visual effects (VFX toolkit), and real-time image processing.

5. Database Software

Along with browsers and GUI applications, C++ is also used in developing the most important DBMS engines like MySQL, Postgres, Redis, and Oracle. These softwares are the backbone of many top-tier IT companies including Google, Wikipedia, and Yahoo.

Features like file handling, speed along OOP concepts like classes, objects, functions, and reliability makes C++ a preferable scripting language for developing this database software.

6. Libraries

C++ has got a great set of in-built standard libraries which help in developing high-level machine learning and mathematical computation libraries.

Most high-level machine language libraries use C++ as a backend programming language. Such libraries require huge calculations and operations in order to train Machine Learning models, for which C++ comes to help the developers.

7. Cloud computing

Nowadays cloud storage systems are extensively used in the current technology scenario. Cloud system storage requires scalability in file systems and also closeness to the machine, for which C++ is preferable.

C++’s scalability and rich set of libraries provide developers with the high concurrence and load tolerance which are the prerequisites for such scenarios.

8. Compilers

C++ being a low-level language is closer to the hardware. Hence, the developers use it as a backend part for the compilation systems of newer and modern programming languages like C sharp and Java. C++ also helped in developing a range of compilers including Dev-C++, Apple C++, Clang C++, and MINGW.

9. Games

As C++ is closer to the hardware, its speed and faster execution help game developers utilize the CPU for thorough and intensive purposes. C++ removes the complexities of 3D in-game graphics. It also helps to optimize resource management which enables a multiplayer communication system.

10. Scanning

C++ has also helped develop scanning applications like film scanners and camera scanners along with the very useful MRI Scans Machines used in hospitals. PDF Technology shorthand for Portable Document Format which now helps us in sharing, printing, archiving, and publishing documents used C++ in the backend.

11. Banking Applications

C++, because of its speed, faster execution, closeness to the hardware, and multithreading supports, is perfect to develop banking applications. Since banking applications go through a multitude of transactions on a day-to-day basis, the low latency and faster processing of C++ comes in handy.

One of the most important banking applications – Infosys Finacle is in C++.

Other Applications of C++

There are many applications of C++ in the fields of medicine and engineering as well. MRI scans in the medical field and CAD/CAM systems in the engineering fields for construction and mining purposes use C++.

Along with medical machines, smartwatches also use C++ as their primary language. C++ also helped with programming Telephone Switches, Routers, and Broad Bands because of its speed.

Summary

In this article, we saw how C++ is present in day-to-day modern applications. Seeing the wide range of applications in the modern world, learning C++ would definitely benefit all.

Hope this article has helped you know the various fields in which C++ is used. Also you can now decide for yourself whether or not C++ would be helpful for your future.