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 and a general-purpose language.

The C++ Programming Language 1986

I invented C++ because I didn't want to program in C.

Interview/Talks

C++ is a multi-paradigm programming language.

The C++ Programming Language (various editions)

C++ is a language for serious programmers.

Interview/Talks

If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.

Interview/Talks (often attributed, not original to Stroustrup but he uses it)

The ideal is to be able to write programs that are both efficient and elegant.

Interview/Talks

C++ is not just C with classes.

Interview/Talks

The C++ community is a vibrant and diverse group of people.

Interview/Talks

The primary purpose of C++ is to provide facilities for writing programs that are efficient and close to the hardware, while also supporting high-level abstraction.

The C++ Programming Language (various editions)

Complexity is the enemy of reliability.

Interview/Talks

C++ is a language that rewards careful thought and design.

Interview/Talks

The best way to optimize a program is to make it simpler.

Interview/Talks

C++ is a language that allows you to build large, complex systems.

The C++ Programming Language (various editions)

The most important thing in software development is to understand the problem you are trying to solve.

Interview/Talks

C++ is a language for building infrastructure.

Interview/Talks

The future of C++ is bright.

Interview/Talks

C++ is a language that gives you control.

The C++ Programming Language (various editions)

The key to good design is to keep things simple.

Interview/Talks

C++ is a language that evolves.

Interview/Talks

The purpose of a programming language is to help people express ideas.

Interview/Talks