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.
Technologies, books, frameworks, libraries, etc.
Over the last 7-8 years what are the biggest influences on C++ programming?
Perhaps we could do one influence per post, and that way we can vote on them.
Qt is also pretty useful, 'pretty', well-documented, portable, and free (now under LGPL).
Although it started in 1998, but it really got going in the last 7-8 years, the boost libraries have added a huge amount of high quality code, which in many ways has helped keep c++ somewhat up to date with the capabilities of more modern languages.
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.
"Modern C++", STL, template metaprogramming and Generic programming.
(And yes, they're one single answer, because they're pretty closely intertwined and together represent a complete paradigm shift in C++ development. While some of them are older than 8-9 years, it's pretty much in the last years that they've really gained traction and really left "C with classes" in the dust.
Developers who actually understand OO rather than C with Classes.
Though the field is still full of C programmers with think they know C++ (but don't they are just C with Classes people).
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).
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.
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.
Scott Meyers wrote about most important C++ people and the most important C++ books. These all had a major influence on how programmers write C++ today.