Originally developed as an extension of the C programming language with extra features, such as the ability to program object-orientedly, C++ is a flexible and strong programming language. Bjarne Stroustrup created C++ in the early 1980s, and it has since grown to be a mainstay in the software development industry. Its strength is in its ability to support high-level abstractions and enable low-level memory management, which makes it useful for a variety of applications, from system-level programming to application development. With features like pointers and manual memory management for users who need more control, as well as abstraction methods like classes and templates for creating intricate, modular systems, C++ places a strong emphasis on performance and efficiency. C++ is still widely utilized in fields including game development, embedded systems, and large-scale software projects.