While the world might have partly drifted towards lightweight, smaller apps, often developed by a single person or a limited team, powerful, robust software is still the backbone of the IT world. According to the 2020 Stack Overflow Developer Survey, approximately 20.5% of professional developers still utilize C++ — one of the more complicated programming languages, used for building truly complex software.
C++ is fast and performs great but it is also one of the languages that require truly expert knowledge. It takes time for newcomers to learn it and that’s why you should only hire C++ developers already experienced with using the language in a business environment.
How to find such devs? And how C++ can actually power up your digital offering? We dive deep into the topic in our guide to finding C++ coder for hire below.
When should your business hire C++ developers?
C++ amazingly handles very complex, CPU and GPU-heavy software built primarily for desktops. Your company may especially benefit from investing in the language if you are building one of the following types of products:
- Desktop software highly utilizing GUI (Graphical User Interface). One of the best examples is the Adobe toolset or Microsoft Office.
- Robust video games, especially for PC or consoles.
- A complex web app that requires truly high performance. C++ has been used on the back-end by companies like Spotify and Google.
- Software for banks or other financial institutions.
- Enterprise software.
- 3D animation and processing.
- Realistic simulations (e.g. flight simulators, scientific lab simulations).
- Internet of Things products.
- Machine learning and AI.
C++ has also been used to build operating systems like Windows and macOS as well as the major internet browsers including Chrome and Firefox.
What hard skills should a C++ coder for hire have?
C++ is a complex language that requires a very specific set of technical skills to use it well. Below we list some of the most important hard skills you should consider when you want to hire C++ developers.
- Expert understanding of C++
As C++ is „hard to learn and even harder to master” you will be most likely looking for a C++ coder for hire with at least a few years of experience in the language. Multithreading, RAII, algorithms, and relationships between objects are just some of the things your candidate has to understand well to truly thrive in the role.
- Proficiency with other relevant programming languages
C++ is often used alongside other languages for improved efficiency — simpler operations are done in lighter languages while C++ is utilized for actions that require top performance. Ideally, you should hire C++ developers experienced in other programming languages used at your company. For example, if you are planning to use C++ in the back-end of your web app, your developer should know also the front-end technologies of JavaScript, HTML, and CSS.
- Experience with relevant frameworks and libraries
Because there are so many different projects C++ can be used for, there are tons of dedicated frameworks and libraries to choose from, depending on your unique needs. Examples include mlpack and Shark (C++ machine learning libraries), Unreal Engine (video games engine), and Wt (web back-end framework). Hire C++ developers with experience in the tools you plan to use for the best efficiency.
Be aware that there might be some additional skills you should look for in C++ developers for hire depending on your unique project needs. For example, video game development might require skills with operating on 3D assets while for machine learning a deep theoretical and practical knowledge of AI and similar topics is a must. If you are unsure about the specific requirements your project entails, consider discussing your needs with an IT project manager or a software consultant.
The most important soft skills your C++ coder for hire should possess
A combination of technical mastery with a set of relevant soft skills is what makes the best C++ developers bring amazing results. Look especially for C++ coders for hire with the following attributes…
- Expert time management
To smoothly switch between routine tasks and unexpected issues that require immediate attention.
- Passion for teamwork
To thrive in brainstorming and cooperation with both other developers and non-tech teams.
- Curiosity
To always aim for innovation and develop industry-changing solutions.
- Attention to deliver
To deliver code that provides a smooth experience for all your users and secures your product’s reliability.
The job interview questions you should ask when you hire C++ developers
Even candidates with the most impressive resume should be reviewed during a proper technical job interview. Be aware that such a meeting should be run by a C++ expert — if you are not one yourself, consider asking for assistance from another C++ developer, a software consultant, or an IT project manager.
Wondering how such an interview may look like? Below we list some of our favorite C++ job interview questions.
- When would you use shared_ptr and when unique_ptr?
- l-value vs r-value — what's the difference between the two?
- What is constexpr?
- How is RAII useful?
- What is the difference between function overloading and operator overloading?
- In what kind of situation would you use a raw pointer instead of a smart pointer?
- What is a lambda expression?
- What is Undefined Behavior?
- In what situation should you make a destructor virtual?
- How would you approach implementing a class that opens two files if you would not be able to use exceptions?
Finding a C++ coder for hire who truly fits your project
Get the results you want faster by finding a C++ coder for hire who does not only have the right technical and soft skills but also fits your project perfectly. Consider the three main areas of the company fit and assess your candidates based on them.
- Product fit
Because there are so many different products that can be built using C++, it’s crucial for the sake of your success to hire C++ developers who have already worked on projects similar to yours. For example, if you are developing a robust web app, you want someone already experienced in web development and not a C++ expert who spent most of their career creating video games. It works the other way around too!
- Industry fit
It’s an amazing benefit to hire C++ developers who already have an understanding of your industry and the type of customer you are aiming for. Such knowledge allows them to develop solutions for you faster based on what they have experienced in the past.
- Company culture fit
The best C++ developers are not those who are only great at working solo but those who can cooperate with others well to create something truly industry-changing. To find the best match for your team, consider the most important values for your business and your candidate’s attitude towards them. This can include issues like preferred management style, the type of work environment you offer (close-knit startup vs huge corporation), approach to remote work, and more.
Who else does your project need to succeed?
Great-performing software is the basis of a popular product but it takes way more to take it to the true top. If you want to guarantee your business the success it deserves, consider adding more specialists to your team — such as digital designers and UI/UX designers, data scientists and machine learning engineers, or a Product Owner and a Scrum Master.
Whatever role you are currently planning to fill, we can help you find the right experts and hire them fast. At Ideamotive, we run the industry-leading network of IT professionals ready to pick up a new project. From C++ coders for hire to IT project managers — we have everyone you need to make your project successful. After you get in touch with us, our team will closely review your business profile and match you only with candidates who truly fit it.
