C++ is a general-purpose programming language that was first developed by Bjarne Stroustrup in 1983 at Bell Labs as an extension of the C programming language. It is an object-oriented language that allows programmers to create modular and reusable code using classes and objects.

C++ is a compiled language, which means that code is translated into machine-readable code by a compiler before it is executed. This can result in faster execution times and more efficient use of system resources.

Some of the key features of C++ include:

1. Object-oriented programming: C++ allows for the creation of classes and objects, which can be used to organize and encapsulate data and behavior.

2. Low-level programming: C++ allows for direct memory access and manipulation, which can be useful for tasks that require fine-grained control over system resources.

3. Standard library: C++ has a large and powerful standard library that provides a wide range of useful functions and classes for tasks such as input/output, string manipulation, and mathematical operations.

4. Cross-platform support: C++ code can be compiled and run on a wide range of platforms, including Windows, Linux, and macOS.

5. Performance: C++ is often used for tasks that require high performance, such as game development, scientific computing, and operating systems development.

Some common applications of C++ include video game development, computer graphics, system software, and high-performance computing.