C++ as Object Oriented Language

Origin of OOP in C++

C is a procedural language and it was used and trusted by programmers at large. When the object-oriented paradigm was being introduced, Bjarne Stroustrup incorporated the object orientation features in C and hence introduced C++.

Concepts in OOP

Soon C++ became widely acceptable object-oriented language. To introduce an object-oriented approach in C Stroustrup introduced concepts of Classes, objects, inheritance, dynamic binding, and polymorphism. We will be discussing each one of them later in our chapters in detail.

Preference over other Languages

C++ was successfully used in many applications including embedded systems, system programming, as well as for higher level programming tasks. Some people though argue that C++ is not a pure object-oriented Language. Reason being the use of main() function in C++ that can exist without any Class. Since making a Class is not a primary requirement in C++ hence it is considered a partial object-oriented language. However, the choice and use of language depend on the programmer and his nature of the problem. To-date many programmers still use C++ as object-oriented language regardless of other Pure object-oriented languages available.

Author’s Words

If you are interested in reading more about C++ as an object-oriented language, a highly recommended text is Why C++ is not just an Object Oriented Language by Bjarne Stroustrup. A little old text but it gives you the creator’s own perspective of explaining C++ as a language.

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In the next lesson, we’ll learn about the difference between three popular languages which use the object-oriented approach.