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)

I'm proud of what C++ has become and the impact it has had on the world.

Interview/Public Statement

The key to good software is understanding the problem domain.

Interview/Public Statement

C++ is not for the faint of heart, but it's incredibly rewarding.

Interview/Public Statement

I've always been driven by the desire to build better tools for programmers.

Interview/Public Statement

The best way to improve C++ is to listen to its users.

Interview/Public Statement

C++ allows you to express ideas at different levels of abstraction.

Interview/Public Statement

I believe in the power of strong static typing to catch errors early.

Interview/Public Statement

The goal of C++ is to make programming more productive and enjoyable.

Interview/Public Statement

C++ is a living language, constantly evolving to meet new challenges.

Interview/Public Statement

I'm a firm believer in the principle of 'you don't pay for what you don't use'.

Interview/Public Statement

C++ is a multi-paradigm programming language. It's not just object-oriented, it's also procedural, generic, and functional.

Various interviews and lectures

My aim was to create a language that could be used for everything from device drivers to large-scale applications.

Various interviews and lectures

The most important single aspect of software development is to be able to communicate your ideas to others.

Various interviews and lectures

I designed C++ to be a better C, not a completely different language.

Various interviews and lectures

C++ is not a perfect language, but it's the best we have for many tasks.

Various interviews and lectures

The purpose of C++ is to make programming more enjoyable and productive.

Various interviews and lectures

Don't optimize prematurely. First, make it correct, then make it fast.

Various interviews and lectures

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

Various interviews and lectures

The standard library is an integral part of C++.

Various interviews and lectures

C++ is not just for systems programming; it's also for applications programming.

Various interviews and lectures