Tech Teacher

Author/Source: Kevin Lee / TechRadar See the full link here

Takeaway

This article explains that Microsoft is not planning to completely get rid of its C and C++ programming languages. Instead, they aim to use these languages less for new projects and use safer alternatives like Rust and C# more often, especially in new code that could have security risks. Older, existing code written in C and C++ will still be maintained and used.

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Technical Subject Understandability

Intermediate

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Analogy/Comparison

It’s like a chef deciding to use some newer, safer kitchen tools for certain cooking tasks while still keeping their trusted old tools for others. They aren’t throwing away all their old knives, but are choosing newer options when safety is most important.

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Why It Matters

Programming languages are the building blocks of all software, including the operating systems like Windows and cloud services like Azure that many people use daily. The article explains that many security problems come from how older languages handle computer memory. By using safer languages for new projects, Microsoft aims to create more secure software, which helps protect users from cyber threats and keeps systems running smoothly.

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Related Terms

C/C++, Rust, C#, Memory safety, Legacy code. Jargon Conversion: C/C++ are older computer languages used to build many core parts of software. Rust is a newer computer language known for preventing common security problems. C# is another computer language made by Microsoft, also designed to be safer. Memory safety means a programming language helps prevent mistakes in how programs use a computer’s memory, which stops crashes or security holes. Legacy code refers to older computer programs that are still important and used today.