Why move to C++?

As I am on vacation this week, I thought that I would leave behind a short note, which might provoke some discussion.

The most widely used programming language for embedded systems continues to be C. I observe great interest in the use of C++ and have frequently written and talked about the subject. Its adoption is also progressing steadily, though much more slowly than anticipated a decade ago. With this in mind, I would like to pose two key questions:

Why would you move to C++?

• Is it because you want to use object oriented coding techniques?
• Do you just want a “better C”?
• Do you want to be able to leverage class libraries?
• Do you think that the language results in more manageable code for larger projects?
• Do you just want to be up to date?
• Or something else …

Why would you not want to move to C++?

• Is it because you are just happy enough with C?
• Have you hear too many horror stories?
• Are you worried about resource [memory] utilization?
• Are you concerned about legacy code?
• Or something else …

I would be pleased to receive any input via email or comment. Thanks.