Who is a C++ developer, what do they do, and how to become one?

Contents:

• A little bit of everything
• How the C++ programming language appeared
• What a C++ developer does
• What you should know and be able to do
• Where you work and where you will grow
• Pros and cons of the profession
• Useful materials from the editors of Skillbox.by

A little bit of everything

C++ is second in popularity in the TIOBE index. The language is considered one of the most powerful, because it is used to develop various programs: from games to operating systems for microcontrollers.

A C++ developer is a specialist who "speaks" this language and can create programs from scratch. For example, a C++ developer creates:

• Games. Graphics, physics, and logic in computer games are created using this programming language;
• Software.All the programs that run on your computer, from the operating system to the antivirus, can all be made in C++;
• Applications. For example, Photoshop was developed using C++.

How the C++ Programming Language Came About

C++ appeared in the 1980s as an extension of the C programming language, which was already popular. C++'s creator, Bjarne Stroustrup, added new features to it. For example, working with classes and objects. This is how the language became flexible and convenient.

And yet, a programming language has its own peculiarities. Let's consider how C++ differs from others:

• Speed. C++ works very fast - about 25 times faster than Python. This is possible because the C++ programmer himself manages the computer's memory in the code and the device does not need to spend resources on this;
• Control. C++ allows developers to fine-tune the computer's memory and resources. This is important for optimizing complex programs - speeding up and simplifying their operation;
• Wide application. C++ is used in mathematics, software development, games, and operating systems;
• Complexity. C++ is a programming language that is difficult to learn because it is closer to the hardware. For example, Python, unlike C++, manages memory automatically.

What does a C++ developer do?

A C++ developer creates and optimizes programs. His responsibilities include various tasks:

• Create applications. The developer writes code and improves programs. Examples of such programs are video games, financial systems;
• Develop system and firmware. These are programs that work directly with the hardware. For example, microcontrollers or systems on a chip. Such programs control devices: from household appliances to space satellites;
• Test the code.Developers write code and check it for errors. Programmers use different testing methods to make sure that the programs work correctly;
• Make the software stable and secure.Programmers do everything possible to protect the software from hacks.

But in each company, the employer sees the tasks of a C++ developer differently. Skillbox.by editors analyzed the responsibilities for the vacancies at rabota.by and hh.ru.

Here A C++ programmer must develop software for information security systems. Then maintain it, look for bugs and update it.

And here's another vacancy. The programmer needs to optimize game delivery systems to users and test existing code.

What should you know and be able to do

There is no "ideal" candidate for the position of C++ developer. There are no standards. Sometimes the employer wants to involve a specialist in all the work, right down to management processes. And sometimes just basic knowledge and skills are enough. Here they are:

• Understanding the C++ language.It is difficult to work without a good knowledge of the syntax and capabilities of the language;
• Knowledge of object-oriented programming principles.This is a way of writing programs in which everything in the code is divided into objects. OOP structures the code and simplifies working with large projects;
• Working with multithreading and parallel computing.Any program, even the simplest one, executes several processes simultaneously. For example, a browser can download files and search in parallel. Therefore, any C++ developer should be able to work with multithreading.

• Experience with libraries and frameworks. With their help, programmers speed up the writing of code;

• Working with version control systems.This is a tool that helps programmers track changes in code. It allows you to save all versions of a project, revert to earlier versions, and collaborate with other developers.

The Skillbox.by editorial team has once again analyzed employer requirements. We looked at the vacancies on hh.ru and rabota.by. 

Here in addition to experience and technical education, an understanding of OOP principles is required.

And here knowledge of the Git version control system and multithreading is required for a future candidate.

Where he works and where he will grow

In the IT field, career prospects for a C++ developer, as everywhere else, depend on their level and experience.

Skill Levels

• Junior.A programmer is just starting his career. The main task is to learn the language and do simple work. Mistakes are acceptable here, because the developer is just learning. He is guided by experienced colleagues, mainly senior specialists and team lead;
• Middle.The developer knows how the main technologies and data structures work, so he solves problems on his own. His responsibility is to write code and optimize processes;
• Senior.This is an independent specialist who is responsible for building application logic and mentoring junior colleagues. He has a deeper understanding of complex algorithms and software architecture, and solves important and complex problems.

You can grow not only by improving your skills, but also by expanding them:

• Team Lead. Manages a team of developers and monitors code quality. Responsible for choosing technologies and distributing tasks;
• Architect. Creates large systems and thinks about their structure. It's like building a house: a specialist decides where the walls will be and how to lay communications. The architect determines which technologies to use and how to integrate them into the project;
• Security Engineer. A cybersecurity specialist prevents hacks and makes applications secure.

However, improving your skills just by working for a company for a long time won't work. You need to constantly learn to grow your career:

• Improve your skills.Participate in projects and solve problems to improve your programming skills;
• Find an experienced mentor or become one. Networking with colleagues and sharing knowledge helps you do better in interviews;
• Attend events.Attend meetups and conferences. New acquaintances will help you find new projects.

C++ developers are needed in different areas. Working in each of them requires different skills, so programmers often develop only in one area:

• Games. C++ is used to create game engines. You've played almost every popular game thanks to this language. For example, Counter Strike;
• Finance.Banks and financial companies use C++ to develop exchange platforms and algorithmic trading. After all, speed and reliability are important here;
• Operating System Development.Many operating systems are written using C++. From Windows to Linux, they work in this programming language;
• Embedded systems. Any devices - from phones to smart refrigerators, work in C++. The "brains" of many gadgets are written in it.

Pros and cons of the profession

Every profession has its advantages and disadvantages. A C++ developer is no exception.

Pros

• High demand. Companies around the world are looking for C++ developers because the language is used everywhere: from banking systems to automotive electronics;
• Variety of projects. C++ is needed in various industries. For example, in the development of operating systems or virtual reality. Developer skills will be in demand everywhere;
• Salary. A C++ developer's salary starts at $500 and reaches $5,000 and above, depending on the level, experience, and region.

Cons

• High competition.There are many people wanting to work in IT. For example, a thousand or more candidates may respond to a vacancy at an IT company. But only a few people will have the required level of knowledge and skills for the job. Among the large number of responses, it is more difficult for HR managers to find a suitable specialist;
• Responsibility for important systems.Working with C++, you can develop systems that affect the security and operation of organizations. For example, a system for distributing orders in delivery. A coding error leads to serious consequences. Thus, the organization's work can stop for several hours. The company will lose money, and the developer will be to blame.

Useful materials from the editors of Skillbox.by

To become a C++ developer, you need to know the basics of the C++ language, be able to write programs, check their operation, use algorithms and special templates. If you decide to master this language, here are the materials that will help you take the first steps:

Literature:

• "Programming. Principles and Practice Using C++" by Bjarne Stroustrup - a book from the creator of the language;
• "Efficient and Modern C++: 42 Tips for Using C++11 and C++14" by Scott Meyers — a book with practical advice;
• "Agile Programming with Java and C++: Principles, Patterns, and Techniques" by Robert C. Martin — a book about software development that explains how to better organize your code.

Documentation: 

• cppreference.com is a reference site for the language and standard library. C++ programmers often look there to find the information they need.

Telegram channels and chats: 

• C++ Academy is a channel with news and interesting language frameworks; 
• Software Design/Architecture/Zen — a chat dedicated to object-oriented programming.