Modern C++: Staying Current Without Starting Over

C++ is still widely used in embedded systems, automotive software, and other performance-critical domains, but the language has changed significantly with modern standards. In this episode of 'The Curious Developer', Jesper Pedersen (KDAB) talks with Frances Buontempo about how to approach modern C++ in a practical, realistic way.

They discuss how C++ has evolved, why it remains relevant despite alternatives such as Rust and Java, and how developers who once used C++ full-time can catch up without reading thousand-page tomes. Frances explains why she wrote her book essentially for herself and for programmers who feel left behind by newer language features, and how focusing on a useful subset of C++ can help regain confidence.

You’ll hear about:

- Where C++ is still critical today (embedded, automotive, systems, devices)

- How to approach modern C++ without starting from zero

- Key features worth learning first, such as smart pointers, structured bindings, and standard library facilities

- Teaching and learning strategies for complex languages

- The trade-offs between C++ and newer languages in real-world projects

Links

Frances' Meeting C++ 2025 keynote talk

Bjarne Stroustrup publications

The C Programming Language (Kernighan & Ritchie)

Doni Tamblyn Laugh and Learn

Curious Developer interviews playlist

Frances' “Snake Game” presentation (C++ on Sea)

Chapters

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

02:24 Is C++ still relevant in the age of Rust and Java?

04:42 Getting started: Hacking Space Invaders on the BBC Micro

06:33 Writing a book for yourself: Catching up with modern C++

08:40 Why we need a new way to teach C++ (Modern standards vs. Pointers)

10:42 The "Handbag Test": The challenge of being concise

12:30 Explaining code to a computer vs. explaining to humans

14:42 An unconventional choice: Introducing Exception Handling and std::expected early

17:30 Book scope: From unique pointers to random numbers

21:00 std::variant vs. Object Oriented Programming

24:38 The art of presentation and getting the audience to think

27:30 Keynotes and big questions: Is AI actually intelligent?

29:15 Technology and dissent: From women reading books to AI

31:25 The struggle of remote teaching and "Cameras Off"

33:32 Book release timeline and wrap up

All 'The Curious Developer' videos

About the guest

Frances Buontempo is currently editor of the ACCU’s Overload magazine and has written two books: Genetic Algorithms and Machine Learning and Learn C++ by Example

She has worked as a programmer at various companies, mostly in London with a focus on finance. She enjoys testing and deleting code and tries to keep on learning.