C++ ("C Plus Plus", pronounced /ˌsiːˌplʌsˈplʌs/) is a general-purpose programming language. It is regarded as a middle-level language, as it comprises a combination of both high-level and low-level language features. It is a statically typed, free-form, multi-paradigm, compiled language where compilation creates machine code for a target machine hardware, supports procedural programming, data abstraction, object-oriented programming, and generic programming.

The language was developed by Bjarne Stroustrup in 1979 at Bell Labs as an enhancement to the C programming language and originally named "C with Classes". It was renamed to C++ in 1983. Enhancements started with the addition of classes, followed by, among other features, virtual functions, operator overloading, multiple inheritance, templates, and exception handling.

The C++ programming language standard was ratified in 1998 as ISO/IEC 14882:1998, the current version of which is the 2003 version, ISO/IEC 14882:2003. A new version of the standard (known informally as C++0x) is being developed.

C++ enjoys wide use in the software industry. Some of its application domains include systems software, device drivers, embedded software, high-performance server and client applications, and entertainment software such as video games. Several groups provide both free and commercial C++ compiler software, including the GNU Project, Microsoft, Intel, Borland and others.