C++ is an extension of the C programming language. This expanded version of C has features that allow for easier troubleshooting, more flexibility, and other benefits. C++ is popular for developers interested in programming graphical applications, which enable interaction with a user interface through icons instead of text—for instance, Apple’s iOS interface seen on an iPhone.

With user-centered design increasingly becoming the goal of development teams, C++ is important to learn for people interested in programming intuitive computer systems and electronic devices. C++ is also widely used for game and embedded-device programming, which is credited to its efficient memory usage.

According to Jeff Cogswell, author of “C++ Cookbook”, an eagerness to develop new C++ skills will get job seekers far in Programming—and with the language’s performance, reliability, and wide variety of applications, skilled C++ users are much sought-after. In the U.S., Software Engineers specializing in C++ can make $135,000 on average, depending on location and other factors.

Besides the obvious C++ Programmer title, there are various other roles where C++ knowledge is useful. Those roles include C++ Developer, C++ Engineer, Embedded Software Engineer, Video Engineer, Software Tester, UI Engineer, and others that are related.

C++ courses offered through Coursera equip learners with knowledge in creating large projects in C++; writing a program in the C++ language; understanding how C++ compares with other languages; debugging C++ code; implementing data structures as C++ classes; and more.

Lessons on C++ are taught by instructors from major tech names and universities, including University of California at Santa Cruz, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, and other institutions. Learners can enjoy exploring C++ with instructors specializing in Computer Science, Communications, Data, and other disciplines. Course content on C++ is delivered via video lectures, readings, quizzes, hands-on projects, and other types of assignments.