[Longhanks]

> Most real-world code (by number of codes and lines of code) is something else than C/C++ nowadays, just because of developer velocity and a larger hiring pool.

This is simply not true. Examples of major software that is being actively developed:

- Lots of compilers/runtimes (gcc, LLVM (which Rust builds upon), Java/JDK/JVM, Swift, node.js) - All major browsers and browser engines (Chrome/Chromium, Firefox, WebKit) and thus Electorn - Lots of rich client applications using either some Windows API, or something like Qt, or Electron (JS + C++) - Major game engines such as Unreal, Frostbite, CryEngine - Major OS'es graphics API build upon C++: Microsoft's Direct3D, Apple's Metal

And this is completely ignoring the embedded world, where C++ competes at least at some higher level with C.

All of this requires C++ engineers.

[theshrike79]

Again, this is a tiny portion of actual coders.

The amount of people actually _making_ compilers and runtimes is multiple orders of magnitude smaller than the people using them.

Same with browser engines and game engines. For every coder doing the actual engine, there are a hundred others just using the engine, not touching C++.

You did list a pretty substantial portion of the segments where C++ is a valid choice and in many cases (along with C) the only option.

[jcelerier]

It's not like they are equivalent. I'd rather stop programming (or any kind of computer science related career) rather than take a job doing business Java or writing game logic in Lua or C#.

[pjmlp]

When the car's automatic gearbox breaks down, it is nice that there are some mechanics around.

[theshrike79]

True, but not everyone with a license needs to know how to rebuild a gearbox =)

[pjmlp]

Depends, on some countries getting a license means acquiring basic repair and first-help skills. :)

In any case, the point was that those that know how to repair the gearbox must come from somewhere.