Why C and C++ Still Matter in the Age of Python and AI

From my observation, C developers have a wide range of opportunities, including embedded systems, operating systems, and hardware-level programming. However, in the job market, many tend to gravitate towards game development, as game engines still heavily rely on C or C++. When it comes to writing libraries, C is often not the first choice. This is primarily because developing comprehensive, clean libraries in C requires significant skill, patience, and time, especially due to the complexities of low-level memory management. While some developers create their own libraries for personal use, few share them publicly.

C remains an excellent language, but as technology evolves, it may no longer be viewed as a “modern” language and might gradually fade from widespread use. The rapid rise of AI-driven development has contributed to an influx of new languages and frameworks produced quickly, often lacking proper documentation and stability. This trend is concerning, especially for those whose expertise lies solely in C, as versatility becomes crucial for career growth.

In response to the argument that it makes little sense to invest in C libraries because they will often be executed through higher-level languages like Python, I believe this viewpoint overlooks important technical considerations. Python is a powerful and accessible language, but it is not a replacement for the raw performance and control offered by C and C++. Python’s reliance on bindings to interface with C/C++ libraries introduces overhead and complexity. While these bindings serve as useful bridges, they do not substitute the core capabilities and efficiency of native code.

C and C++ offer unparalleled speed, memory efficiency, and hardware-level control, essential for performance-critical applications such as embedded systems, operating systems, and high-performance game engines. Python, while excellent for scripting, automation, and data analysis, cannot match the deterministic performance and low-level access required in these domains. Additionally, Python’s Global Interpreter Lock (GIL) limits true multithreading capabilities, which can be a bottleneck in concurrent or parallel processing scenariosareas where C/C++ excel.

Ultimately, successful software development requires choosing the right tool for the task. While Python is invaluable for rapid development and prototyping, C and C++ remain foundational for building robust, efficient, and scalable systems. Developers who invest in mastering these languages position themselves well for a broad range of challenging and rewarding opportunities.

Thanks for spending time on TL;DR blog. We gonna keep increasing TLDR buffer limit together ;)