C++ is a general-purpose programming language.It was first released in 1985 and has since become one of the most popular and widely used programming languages, especially in fields such as system/application software, game development, and high-performance computing. Here are some key aspects of C++:

1. Object-Oriented Programming (OOP): C++ is primarily an object-oriented programming language, meaning it supports the concepts of classes and objects, encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism. This allows for modular, reusable, and maintainable code.
2. Compiled Language: Like C, C++ is a compiled language, which means that source code is compiled into machine code before execution, providing fast performance.
3. Performance: C++ is known for its performance and efficiency, as it provides low-level control over hardware resources and allows for optimization at various levels.
4. Compatibility with C: C++ is largely compatible with C, allowing C code to be easily integrated into C++ programs. This feature enables developers to leverage existing C libraries and codebases within C++ projects.