Bjarne Stroustrup

Computer Science Danish 1950 360 quotes

Creator of the C++ programming language.

Most quoted

"There are two ways of constructing a software design: One way is to make it so simple that there are obviously no deficiencies, and the other way is to make it so complicated that there are no obvious deficiencies."

— from Often attributed, widely circulated

"The problem with C is that it's too easy to shoot yourself in the foot. The problem with C++ is that it gives you a loaded gun, and then tells you to go ahead and shoot yourself in the foot, but with style."

— from Humorous anecdote (often attributed, not a private letter)

"C++ is a general-purpose programming language with a bias towards systems programming that supports efficient low-level computation, data abstraction, object-oriented programming, and generic programming."

— from The C++ Programming Language (2nd Edition), 1991

All quotes by Bjarne Stroustrup (360)

C++ is designed to be a systems programming language. It is not designed to be a toy language.

The Design and Evolution of C++

I don't believe in magic. I believe in well-designed systems.

Various talks and interviews

The purpose of C++ is to make programming enjoyable for serious programmers.

The Design and Evolution of C++

C++ is a multi-paradigm language. It supports procedural programming, object-oriented programming, and generic programming.

The C++ Programming Language

The most important thing in programming is to be able to read and understand code.

Various talks and interviews

C++ is designed to be a language that can be used for a wide range of applications, from embedded systems to high-performance computing.

The Design and Evolution of C++

The biggest problem with C++ is that it's too complex. But that's also its biggest strength.

Various talks and interviews

The ideal programming language would be one that is simple, powerful, and efficient.

Various talks and interviews

C++ is not for everyone. It's for people who want to build serious software.

Various talks and interviews

The best way to improve a language is to use it and see what works and what doesn't.

The Design and Evolution of C++

The most important thing in software development is to get things done.

Various talks and interviews

C++ is a language that allows you to express your ideas directly, without having to fight the language.

Various talks and interviews

The future of C++ is in its ability to adapt to new challenges and new technologies.

Various talks and interviews

C++ is not just about objects; it's about abstractions.

The C++ Programming Language

The most important thing in programming is to write clear, concise, and maintainable code.

Various talks and interviews

C++ is a language that rewards careful design and punishes sloppy design.

Various talks and interviews

The only way to write good software is to write a lot of software.

Various talks and interviews

C++ is a language that allows you to get close to the hardware, but also provides high-level abstractions.

The Design and Evolution of C++

The most important thing in computer science is to understand the fundamentals.

Various talks and interviews

C++ is a language that is constantly evolving, but its core principles remain the same.

Various talks and interviews