What Popular Apps Were Built With C/C++. Why Other Programming Languages Would Not Suit?

C and C++ are the cornerstones of software development, revered for their performance, control, and versatility. Despite the proliferation of modern programming languages, many of today’s most popular applications were built with C/C++. This article dives into some real-world examples, supported by statistics, to demonstrate the power of C/C++ and explains why other languages might not have been suitable.

Famous Applications Built with C/C++

1. Adobe Systems (Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro)

Adobe’s suite of creative tools, used by millions of professionals worldwide, relies heavily on C++. For instance, Photoshop processes high-resolution images and applies complex filters with lightning-fast speed. The performance criticality of such applications makes C++ indispensable.

• Statistics: Adobe Photoshop has over 30 million active users globally as of 2024.

• Why Not Other Languages? Languages like Python might have simplified the code but couldn’t achieve the required performance levels. A reputable C plus plus development company understands the advantages of heavy computational tasks that C++ can manage thanks to its near-hardware level control and efficiency.

2. Microsoft Office Suite

“C++ is the Ferrari of programming languages: high-maintenance but built for speed.” Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint have been household names for decades. These applications utilize C++ for their high-performance requirements, ensuring smooth handling of large datasets and complex computations.

• Statistics: Microsoft Office 365 reported 345 million paid seats in 2023.

• Why Not Other Languages? Java or C# might have been viable for GUI components, but the sheer speed and memory optimization of C++ make it irreplaceable for backend tasks like rendering large documents and charts.

3. Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox

Both of these leading web browsers are developed primarily in C++. They prioritize rendering web pages quickly and securely, where C++ provides the necessary speed and low-level memory management.

• Statistics: As of 2023, Google Chrome accounts for over 63% of the global browser market share.
• Why Not Other Languages? Interpreted languages like JavaScript or Python lack the performance characteristics needed for rendering engines like Blink or Gecko.

4. MySQL Database

MySQL, a leading open-source database management system, powers millions of websites, including WordPress and Facebook. Written in C++, it’s known for its speed and reliability in handling large-scale data.

• Statistics: MySQL is used by 59% of developers globally, according to a 2024 Stack Overflow survey.
• Why Not Other Languages? While Java or Python could manage the interface, they fall short in delivering the efficient data management capabilities required for databases.

C++ and Game Development

As Bjarne Stroustrup, creator of C++, said “C++ is designed to allow you to express ideas, but if you don’t have ideas or don’t have any clue about how to express them, C++ doesn’t offer much help.”

This quote by Bjarne Stroustrup highlights an essential truth about C++: it is a powerful tool designed to bring your ideas to life, but the language itself won’t compensate for a lack of creativity or understanding. Mastery of C++ requires not only technical knowledge but also clarity of thought and design.

Gaming is one of the most prominent fields where C++ dominates. From AAA blockbusters to indie projects, C++ is the backbone of many game engines and development workflows. Here’s why:

• Performance-Critical Tasks: Rendering realistic 3D graphics, managing physics simulations, and ensuring smooth frame rates demand the high performance that only C++ can deliver.
• Fine-Grained Optimization: Games often require precise tuning to run on various hardware configurations. C++ provides the control needed to achieve this.
• Cross-Platform Development: Game engines like Unreal Engine and Unity (partially written in C++) enable developers to build games for multiple platforms, from PCs and consoles to mobile devices.
• Extensive Ecosystem: The gaming industry has a rich repository of C++ libraries and tools, making it easier for developers to implement advanced features.

Conclusion

From Adobe’s creative tools to Google Chrome, C/C++ continues to underpin some of the most widely used applications in the world. While other languages excel in niche areas or simplify development, the raw power and control offered by C/C++ remain unparalleled for performance-intensive and resource-sensitive applications.

In the gaming industry, C++ stands out as the gold standard for developing immersive, high-performance experiences. The choice of programming language is often a balancing act, but for high-stakes software, C++ holds its ground firmly as a timeless classic.

Rajesh Kumar

I’m a DevOps/SRE/DevSecOps/Cloud Expert passionate about sharing knowledge and experiences. I am working at Cotocus. I blog tech insights at DevOps School, travel stories at Holiday Landmark, stock market tips at Stocks Mantra, health and fitness guidance at My Medic Plus, product reviews at I reviewed , and SEO strategies at Wizbrand. 

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