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C++ broke into the top of the most loved programming languages according to StackOverflow
The annual StackOverflow developer survey is one of the most authoritative snapshots of sentiment in the IT community. In 2024, the results came as a surprise: the C++ language, often perceived as "heavy artillery" for systems programming, not only held its position but also entered the list of most loved languages among respondents. This is a serious signal for the entire industry.
What do the numbers say?
According to the survey, which involved over 65,000 developers from around the world, C++ took a place in the top five in the "most loved language" category. It surpassed giants such as Java and C#, yielding only to Rust, Python, TypeScript, and Go. At the same time, the share of developers who would like to continue using C++ in the future increased by 5% compared to last year.
Why is C++ back in favor?
Analysts highlight several key reasons for this renaissance:
- Explosive growth of AI and ML: Most high-performance machine learning libraries (TensorFlow, PyTorch) are written in C++ at the low level. Developers working with neural networks are increasingly delving into optimization in C++.
- Games and real-time: The gaming industry (Unreal Engine) and embedded systems development still rely on C++. The demand for low-level optimization is growing along with the popularity of VR/AR.
- Modernization of standards: The release of C++20 and C++23 (modules, coroutines, concepts) has made the language significantly more convenient and safer. Developers note that writing in modern C++ has become more pleasant than in older versions.
- Financial sector: In high-frequency trading (HFT) and fintech, C++ remains king due to the requirements for minimal latency.
What about salaries?
Interestingly, C++ also entered the top languages with the highest median salary (about $98,000 per year according to the survey). Developers who know C++ in combination with Python or Rust receive a salary premium of 15-20%.
Conclusion for those learning programming
If you are thinking about which language to learn next after Python or JavaScript — pay attention to C++. It is not just a "language for veterans." It is a tool that provides an understanding of how memory, the processor, and the operating system work. And most importantly, it is genuinely liked by those who write in it. The StackOverflow survey only confirmed this.
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