C++
Statically typed multi-paradigm language — Bjarne Stroustrup, 1985, originally "C with Classes". Dominates AAA games, browsers, finance systems and systems-level code.
Adds classes, templates, RAII and exceptions on top of C. Modern C++ (C++11/14/17/20/23) adds smart pointers, lambdas, ranges, coroutines, modules and concepts. Standardised by the ISO C++ committee — new versions every three years.
Criticised for complexity (undefined behaviour, language ABIs, build-system jungle). Rust has eroded C++ in systems space; C++ retains its hold in performance-critical domains (game engines, HFT, autonomous driving, browser engines).