What technologies do C++ programmers need to know? [closed]

Answer 1

As for every language, I believe there are three interconnected levels of knowledge :

1. Master your language. Every programmer should (do what it takes to) master the syntax. Good references to achieve this are :
   • The C++ Programming Language by Bjarne Stroustrup.
   • Effective C++ series by Scott Meyers.
2. Know your libraries extensively.
   • STL is definitely a must as it has been included in the C++ Standard Library, so knowing it is very close to point 1 : you have to master it.
   • Knowing boost can be very interesting, as a multi-platform and generic library.
   • Know the libraries you are supposed to work with, whether it is Win32 API, OCCI, XPCOM or UNO (just a few examples here). No need to know a database library if you develop purely graphic components...
3. Develop your knowledge of patterns. Cannot avoid Design Patterns: Elements of Reusable Object-Oriented Software here...

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So, my answer to your updated question would be : know your language, know your platform, know your domain. I think there is enough work by itself here, especially in C++. It's an evergoing work that should never be overlooked.

Answer 2

Standard Template Library

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Standard_Template_Library

Answer 3

C++ developer have to grok std and boost libraries.

List of other technologies largely depends on project type. For sure you will have some interaction with SO, so you will need to know API of your environment.

As for data-access and other stuffs there are tons for different solutions. C++ is much richer than some managed langs in that sense. 99% of old popular systems have C/C++ interface.

After you clarified your question a bit in the comment to my answer I can recommend:

• Good code browser (SourceInsight or Understand For C++ for example)
• Static analysis tools (Link, KlockWork Inforce, etc.)
• MySQL\SQLite (I encountered these DB in a huge number of C++ projects)
• UI technologies (OpenGL\GLUT, DirectX, GDI, Qt, etc)

Answer 4

This will largely depend on the used platform and other constraints. As a general rule, a good (C++) programmer is (or should be) able to learn a platform-specific API in a very short time. For C++, it's much more important to understand the different tool chains (e.g. a Windows programmer should also know the GCC tool chain) and differences in compilers. Programmer should also understand limitations and platform-dependend behaviour of the language.

As for libraries, C++ programmers absolutely need to know STL and Boost. No discussion.