Over the last 7-8 years what are the biggest influences on C++ programming?

Question

I started programming in C++. It was my first language, but I have not used it in many years.

What are the new developments in the C++ world? What are the BIG things -

Answer 1

Commercially available whole-program and profile-guided optimization from various C++ compilers, notably Intel's and Microsoft's. In particular, cross-module inlining makes it easier to write well-factored code that blazes.

Answer 2

C++0x

Modern C++ is not only a OOP language. C++0x (the new standard) will include many new additions. It might take some time before it is applied thoroughly in every IDE/compilers but it will add a lot to an already excellent language.

Here is a list of new features of the new standard: C++0x

**Edit: C++0x is the result of the past 8-9 years (thank you jalf).

Answer 3

• It’s usually not the first language you learn at college or university anymore. This makes prospective learners appreciative of C++ and eases them into it.

• The internet, video editing sites, and forums that help programmers of all levels to get help and feedback in a very timely fashion.

Answer 4

To me, besides the already mentioned boost, TMP, MC++D etc., the shift away from teaching C++ as "C plus some extras" towards "C++ is a very different language that's not to be used like C" is very important. That would make Koenig/Moo "Accelerated C++" is a huge influence, even though it's a beginners book and even though it's a beginners book that has (with only 250 pages) much too steep a learning curve.

Stroustrup had been saying things about a better language hidden within C++ and the need to teach it better, but I never really understood what he meant until, after 10 years of C++ programming and experience in TMP, I read the book and was enlighted. :^> It's not that I learned any new technical facts from the book. It just taught me a better way to look at (and teach) C++.

And, yes, I have been programming different since then.

Answer 5

Boost:

free peer-reviewed portable C++ source libraries.

We emphasize libraries that work well with the C++ Standard Library...

We aim to establish "existing practice" and provide reference implementations so that Boost libraries are suitable for eventual standardization. Ten Boost libraries are included in the C++ Standards Committee's Library Technical Report (TR1) and in the new C++11 Standard. C++11 also includes several more Boost libraries in addition to those from TR1. More Boost libraries are proposed for standardization in C++17...

Answer 6

Qt is also pretty useful, 'pretty', well-documented, portable, and free (now under LGPL).