C++ and the automotive industry have forged a strong partnership over the past four decades. Starting in the early 1980s with electronically controlled ignition and fuel injection systems built using C, the precursor to C++, electronics have become an increasingly vital part of vehicles. Today, they constitute a significant 35% of a car’s total price.
Over the last ten years, C++ has undergone rapid evolution, enabling programmers to develop advanced functionalities and safety features even before industry standards like ISO 26262 became mandatory. This begs the question: What Programming Language Is Used For Self Driving Cars? The answer, predominantly, is C++.
Let’s delve into why self-driving car manufacturers overwhelmingly choose C++ for their software development, explore the global community of C++ programmers, and examine their earning potential across Europe, the US, and Australia.
C++: The Cornerstone of Autonomous Vehicle Development
Powering Computer Vision and Image Recognition Systems
Computer vision and image recognition are essentially the “eyes” of self-driving cars. C++, with its capacity to manage multiple sensors and data streams efficiently, is exceptionally well-suited for these critical systems.
Libraries like OpenCV, a leading computer vision library written in C++, are fundamental. OpenCV allows for image manipulation, including transformations, resizing, color adjustments, contour detection, blurring, and edge detection. It also facilitates reading images as pixel matrices. Furthermore, TensorFlow, a widely adopted framework for deep learning, also has a C++ core, enhancing its performance.
These technologies, heavily reliant on C++, are what enable vehicles to “see” and interpret their surroundings. The speed and efficiency with which C++ processes vast amounts of sensor data in real-time are crucial for the safe operation of autonomous vehicles.
The Foundation for Embedded Automotive Systems
Embedded systems within cars, particularly Engine Control Units (ECUs), are optimally controlled and programmed using C++. This is because C++ allows for high-level structured programming to interact directly with low-level hardware mechanisms.
Modern vehicles contain upwards of 100 ECUs, managing a wide array of functions, from fundamental operations like engine ignition and power steering to comfort, access, and security features.
Consequently, C++ is instrumental in controlling critical systems such as transmission, infotainment, engine management, active and passive safety systems (ABS, ADAS), navigation, security, and climate control.
The sophisticated hardware and software integrated into today’s automobiles, largely powered by C++, are what create a secure and comfortable experience for drivers and passengers, representing a significant portion of the vehicle’s cost.
Meeting Stringent Automotive Safety Standards: ISO 26262 Compliance
C++ is highly favored in the automotive industry because it aligns with the stringent performance, safety, and behavioral requirements outlined in ISO 26262. This international standard is mandatory for automotive manufacturers, ensuring the functional safety of electronic systems in vehicles.
The latest ISO 26262 guidelines emphasize that automotive software should be:
- Scalable and Updatable: Easy to modify, update, and integrate with systems from various suppliers.
- Dependable: Utilizing reliable libraries, components, and ASIL (Automotive Safety Integrity Level) qualified components.
- Optimized and Performant: Delivering efficient and responsive software.
C++ effectively meets these demands. Its extensive library support and compatibility with cross-platform compilers across diverse CPU architectures make it an ideal choice for developing safety-critical automotive applications.
C++ Expertise: A Valued Skill for Autonomous Vehicle Engineers
The performance, power, and suitability of C++ for embedded systems have made it the go-to language for leading automotive innovators. Companies like Tesla, Apple (in their automotive endeavors), Ford, and General Motors are driving the demand for skilled C++ programmers.
Industry analysis from sources like Indeed indicate that companies like Aptiv and Nvidia are among the top employers seeking C++ expertise in automotive hubs like Detroit and Silicon Valley.
The most sought-after skills for automotive software engineers are centered around C and C++. Following closely are proficiency in Python and experience in specialized fields such as image processing, artificial intelligence, and machine learning – all areas where C++ often plays a foundational role.
C++: Enabling the Reality of Self-Driving Cars
The role of C++ in the automotive sector cannot be overstated. It not only enhances vehicle comfort and convenience but, more crucially, empowers vehicles to make independent, data-driven decisions.
What were once simple ECUs have evolved into intricate, interconnected systems. These systems, programmed in C++, are now responsible for critical real-time decisions – initiating stops and starts, managing engine temperature, and countless other micro-adjustments that were previously the sole domain of human drivers.
Top Skills for Vehicle Programmers (Indeed):
- C/C++ Programming
- Python Programming
- Image Processing
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Machine Learning (ML)
The Global C++ Programmer Community
The rise of the autonomous vehicle industry has injected new vitality into C++, a programming language with a rich history spanning over 35 years.
According to the TIOBE index, C++ consistently ranks among the top most popular programming languages globally, currently holding fourth position.
In 2018, the estimated number of C++ programmers worldwide was around 4.4 million, projected to reach 5.4 million by the end of 2021.
The global automotive market is a massive $2.7 trillion industry, with major markets in China, the United States, and India. In the US alone, the automotive sector employs approximately 1.7 million professionals.
While manufacturing and software development are not always geographically aligned, the demand for C++ developers in the self-driving and autonomous vehicle space is global.
Despite a steeper learning curve compared to languages like JavaScript or Python, C++ has a strong foothold in Eastern European countries, including Ukraine, Belarus, and Poland.
For example, Ukraine is recognized for having a large pool of C++ and Unity3D developers. Eastern Europe also offers a robust talent pool for Python programmers relevant to automotive development.
Global Salaries for C++ Programmers
C++ programmers in the automotive industry command competitive salaries, particularly in regions driving innovation in autonomous vehicles. Australia leads with the highest average salary at approximately US $118,705, followed by the US at $117,874, and Denmark at $81,516. Conversely, countries like Ukraine ($30,400) and Sweden ($55,703) show lower average salaries.
| Country | C++ Programmer Salary (USD) |
|---|---|
| Ukraine | $30,400 |
| Sweden | $55,703 |
| Germany | $58,897 |
| Netherlands | $73,644 |
| UK | $76,203 |
| Denmark | $81,516 |
| Australia | $118,705 |
Average Salary Data Sources: dou.ua, Average Salary Survey, SalaryExplorer, Indeed
Within the United States, California stands out as the highest-paying state for C++ programmers. Cities like Santa Clara, CA ($125,468), San Francisco, CA ($125,430), and Fremont, CA ($120,428) offer the most lucrative opportunities.
| City | C++ Programmer Salary (USD) |
|---|---|
| Santa Clara, CA | $125,468 |
| San Francisco, CA | $125,430 |
| Fremont, CA | $120,428 |
| San Jose, CA | $117,874 |
| Alexandria, VA | $117,004 |
| Oakland, CA | $116,597 |
Average Salary Data Source: Salary.com
Ukraine, despite having a large C++ developer pool, offers more moderate salaries. Monthly salaries for C++ programmers in Ukraine typically range from $1000 for junior roles to $1500-$2200 for mid-level, and $3500-$4000 for senior positions.
Leveraging Eastern European C++ Talent
A significant challenge facing the automotive industry is a shortage of skilled talent. C++ developers, particularly those with expertise in embedded systems and automotive applications, are in high demand. This demand, coupled with varying salary expectations across geographies, leads many automotive companies to look towards outsourcing destinations like Eastern Europe. Countries such as Ukraine, Poland, Moldova, and Romania offer access to a deep bench of skilled and cost-effective C++ developers.
For companies seeking to build or expand their automotive software development capabilities, Eastern Europe presents a compelling opportunity to access top-tier C++ talent and accelerate innovation in the rapidly evolving world of self-driving cars.
