The US government has recommended avoiding using programming language like C/C++ that are not memory safe.
Does this suggest that C/C++ have become dead programming languages?
Does this mean that C/C++ programmers will because obsolete?
Here's a breakdown of the situation:
C/C++ are not dead:
While the US government's recommendation highlights potential security concerns, C/C++ are still widely used and crucial in many areas:
System programming: Operating systems, device drivers, embedded systems rely heavily on C/C++ for performance and hardware access.
High-performance computing: Scientific simulations, game development often leverage C/C++ for speed and efficiency.
Memory safety is a concern:
C/C++ give programmers fine-grained control over memory, which can lead to vulnerabilities if not managed carefully.
This is why the US government recommends safer alternatives for specific applications.
C/C++ programmers will remain valuable:
The vast amount of existing C/C++ codebase necessitates experienced programmers for maintenance and development.
The skills learned in C/C++ translate well to other languages, making C/C++ programmers adaptable.
The future of C/C++:
While new languages may emerge for specific use cases, C/C++ will likely stay relevant in areas demanding performance and control.
The focus might shift towards stricter coding practices and leveraging libraries/frameworks to mitigate memory-related risks.
Noteworthy:
The US government's recommendation is a step towards secure software development, but it doesn't render C/C++ obsolete. C/C++ programmers will still be in demand, and the languages themselves will continue to play a vital role in specific domains.