C++ in the top of programmers' favorite languages according to Stack Overflow survey

C++ breaks into the top of favorite languages: results of the Stack Overflow 2024 survey

The annual Stack Overflow developer survey is one of the most authoritative snapshots of sentiment in the IT community. In 2024, the results brought a surprise: the C++ language not only maintained its position as one of the most used, but also entered the list of most "loved" languages according to respondents. This is an important signal for the entire industry, because just a few years ago C++ was often called "complex" and "outdated".

According to the survey, C++ took a place in the top five in the "favorite language" category, overtaking many younger competitors. What is behind this success? Let's figure it out.

Why is C++ back in favor?

• Modern standards (C++17, C++20, C++23). The language is actively updated. New features — modules, concepts, coroutines, ranges — make code shorter, safer, and clearer. Developers who have tried modern C++ often don't want to go back to the old style.
• Performance without compromise. In the era of hype around high-level languages, C++ remains the king for tasks where every CPU cycle matters: game engines, finance, robotics, high-load servers.
• Ecosystem and tools. Thanks to CMake, Conan, vcpkg, and improved IDE support (CLion, Visual Studio, VS Code), project building is no longer a "painful nightmare". The community actively helps newcomers.
• Market demand. Knowledge of C++ is one of the most stable skills. Demand for C++ developers is not falling, and salaries remain above the market average.

What do the numbers say?

The Stack Overflow survey showed that more than 22% of professional developers use C++ regularly. At the same time, the "love" index (the ratio of those who want to continue using the language to those who want to abandon it) for C++ has grown significantly. The increase in sympathy is especially noticeable among developers aged 25–35 — those who started with Python or Java and then "grew up" to tasks requiring low-level control.

Conclusions for the educational process

For PythonLib readers, this is great news. If you are learning Python and thinking about broadening your horizons — C++ will be a logical next step. It does not replace Python, but gives an understanding of how memory, pointers, and compilation work. And most importantly — now you have statistical confirmation: C++ is not only useful but also brings joy to programming.

Follow new materials on the site — we will prepare a series of articles about modern C++ for those already familiar with Python.