C++ is a high-level programming language initially developed by Bjarne Stroustrup at Bell Labs in the early 1980s as an extension of the C programming language. It combines features of procedural programming with powerful object-oriented programming (OOP) capabilities, allowing for modular and efficient code development. C++ is renowned for its performance, efficiency, and versatility, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, including system software, game development, embedded systems, financial applications, and graphics programming. Its standard template library (STL) provides a rich collection of data structures and algorithms, further enhancing productivity and code quality.