About

Born in 1950 in Denmark, Stroustrup received his Master's degree in mathematics and computer science from Aarhus University and later earned his Ph. D. in computer science from the University of Cambridge. While working at Bell Labs in the 1980s, Stroustrup began developing C++, an extension of the popular C programming language. C++ incorporated object-oriented programming principles and added several features such as classes, templates, and exceptions, making it a versatile language suitable for a wide range of applications. Stroustrup's design philosophy for C++ was to enhance the efficiency and expressiveness of C while maintaining compatibility with existing C code. He published the first edition of "The C++ Programming Language" in 1985, widely regarded as the definitive book on the subject. The subsequent editions of the book reflected the evolution of the C++ language. Throughout his career, Stroustrup has made significant contributions to the field of programming languages and software development. He has authored numerous papers and books, served on various committees, and received several prestigious awards, including the Grace Murray Hopper Award and the Draper Prize. In addition to his work on C++, Stroustrup has been involved in different projects, including the development of the Concurrent Programming Infrastructure (Concurrent C++) and the use of C++ in the field of programming for distributed systems. As of today, Stroustrup continues to contribute to the development and advancement of C++, advocating for its use in industries and educational institutions. He currently holds the title of Distinguished Research Professor at Texas A&M University and acts as a consultant and speaker on various programming and software engineering topics. Stroustrup's impact on the field of programming and his role in creating C++ make him one of the most influential figures in computer science.