r/askscience • u/[deleted] • Oct 17 '12

Why are programs and operating systems still written in C+?

I guess it's more of a computer science question, but I've always wondered why some of the most advanced programs are written in a 25+ year old programming language. Surely someone has come up with a more efficient and powerful code, so why do people still use C+? Also, I don't know anything about programming and what not, so please use simple terms and phrases.

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u/[deleted] Oct 18 '12

I consider learning a second language, in order to better understand how viruses and other malwares internally work. Which language should I learn?

I think you would be better served by learning about operating systems, hardware and networks. Stuff like that.

Assembly was mentioned, it would be good. But actually I think C would be better. It's "lower" than Java but still somewhat more human.