C++ Programming Language (Standard)

C++ is a high-level, general-purpose programming language that was originally created by Bjarne Stroustrup as an extension of the C programming language, or "C with Classes." Since its inception in the early 1980s, it has evolved into a global standard maintained by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The development and implementation of C++ occur worldwide, with compilers and tools developed by various international entities including the GCC, Clang, and Microsoft Visual C++ teams.

The language is not owned by a single corporation in the traditional sense; rather, it is a standardized technology. The brand and specifications are governed by the ISO/IEC JTC1/SC22/WG21 committee. This committee includes representatives from nearly all major technology companies, ensuring that the language remains an open and evolving standard for software development across all industries. Recent advancements, such as those finalized for C++26, continue to introduce modern features like Reflection to improve developer productivity and code efficiency.