The automotive industry has undergone a massive transformation, especially in the last few decades. From early electronically controlled systems to today’s sophisticated self-driving cars, technology has become integral. A significant portion of a modern car’s cost now comes from its electronics, highlighting the critical role of software in automotive innovation. Among the various programming languages, one has consistently remained at the forefront for developing the brains behind these autonomous machines: C++. But What Language Is Used To Program Self Driving Cars specifically, and why is C++ the dominant choice?
Why C++ Dominates Self-Driving Car Development
Powering Computer Vision and Image Recognition
Self-driving cars rely heavily on their “eyes” – computer vision and image recognition systems. These systems interpret data from cameras and sensors to understand the surrounding environment. Crucially, the core libraries and frameworks that enable this vision are predominantly written in C++.
Libraries like OpenCV, a cornerstone in computer vision, are built using C++. OpenCV allows developers to manipulate and analyze images – resizing, color adjustments, edge detection, and more – all essential for a car to “see” and process visual information in real-time. Similarly, TensorFlow, while offering Python APIs, has a C++ backend, leveraging its performance for demanding deep learning tasks critical for autonomous navigation.
The sheer volume of data from multiple sensors in an autonomous vehicle demands rapid processing. C++ excels in this area due to its speed and efficiency. Without the processing power of C++, self-driving capabilities would be significantly limited.
The Foundation of Embedded Systems in Automotive
Embedded systems are the unsung heroes of modern vehicles. Engine control units (ECUs), the specialized computers within a car, are most effectively programmed in C++. C++ allows for high-level structured programming while maintaining control over low-level hardware mechanisms.
A modern car can contain over 100 ECUs, managing everything from basic engine functions and power steering to advanced safety, infotainment, and security features. These ECUs, controlling critical systems like transmission, engine management, anti-lock braking (ABS), advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), navigation, and climate control, are largely powered by C++ code.
The intricate network of hardware and software within a car, accounting for a substantial portion of its price, relies heavily on C++ for its reliable and efficient operation.
Meeting Stringent Safety Standards: ISO 26262
The automotive industry operates under rigorous safety standards, and ISO 26262 is the mandatory international benchmark for functional safety in road vehicles. C++ is well-suited to meet these demands, aligning with the performance, security, and functional safety requirements outlined in the standard.
ISO 26262 emphasizes scalability, updateability, and seamless integration of software components. It also stresses dependability in terms of libraries, tools, and qualified components. C++ supports a vast ecosystem of libraries and is compatible with cross-platform compilers, covering a wide range of CPU architectures used in vehicles.
C++ effectively addresses the core tenets of ISO 26262, making it a preferred language for developing safety-critical automotive systems where reliability is paramount.
A Highly Sought-After Skill for Automotive Programmers
The rise of self-driving technology, spearheaded by companies like Tesla, Apple, Ford, and General Motors, has fueled the demand for skilled C++ programmers in the automotive sector. These companies actively seek developers proficient in C++ and C to drive innovation in autonomous driving.
Industry analysis, like studies from Indeed, indicates that companies such as Aptiv and Nvidia are leading employers of C++ vehicle programmers in tech hubs like Detroit and Silicon Valley. Beyond C++, expertise in Python, image processing, artificial intelligence, and machine learning are also highly valued skills, complementing the core C++ proficiency.
The Global C++ Programmer Landscape
Despite being a mature language, C++ remains highly relevant, especially in performance-critical domains like automotive. It consistently ranks among the most popular programming languages globally, holding a strong position in the TIOBE index.
In 2018, the world had approximately 4.4 million C++ programmers, and this number was projected to reach 5.4 million by the end of 2021, demonstrating its continued growth and importance. The multi-trillion dollar global automotive industry, with major markets in China, the US, and India, and employing millions, relies on this talent pool.
While other languages like JavaScript and Python have steeper learning curves, C++ has a strong adoption in regions like Eastern Europe, including Ukraine, Belarus, and Poland. Ukraine, for instance, is recognized for having a significant number of C++ developers, making it a notable source of talent for the automotive industry.
C++ Programmer Salaries Around the World
Reflecting the demand for C++ skills, particularly in the automotive domain, programmer salaries vary significantly across the globe. Australia, the United States, and Denmark offer some of the highest compensation for C++ developers, while countries like Ukraine and Sweden represent more cost-effective locations.
| Countries | C++ Programmer Salary |
|---|---|
| Ukraine | $30,400 dou.ua |
| Sweden | $55,703 Average Salary Survey |
| Germany | $58,897 SalaryExplorer |
| the Netherlands | $73,644 SalaryExplorer |
| the UK | $76,203 Indeed |
| Denmark | $81,516 SalaryExplorer |
| Australia | $118,705 Indeed |
Within the United States, California stands out as the highest-paying state for C++ programmers. Cities like Santa Clara, San Francisco, and Fremont in California offer average annual salaries exceeding $120,000.
| City | C++ Programmer Salary |
|---|---|
| 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 |
In Ukraine, a country with a substantial C++ developer pool, salaries range from approximately $1000 per month for junior developers to $3500-$4000 for senior-level programmers, reflecting different experience levels and expertise.
Eastern Europe: A Hub for C++ Automotive Talent
The automotive industry faces a significant challenge in talent acquisition, particularly for specialized skills like C++ development. This demand, coupled with salary considerations, has led automotive companies to look towards outsourcing destinations like Eastern Europe, encompassing countries such as Ukraine, Poland, Moldova, and Romania.
Eastern Europe has emerged as a strong talent pool for C++ developers, offering a balance of skilled professionals and competitive costs. Companies seeking to build or expand their automotive software teams often find a valuable resource in this region.
Conclusion
So, to directly answer the question, what language is used to program self driving cars? The answer is predominantly C++. Its performance, suitability for embedded systems, compliance with safety standards, and robust ecosystem make it the cornerstone of autonomous vehicle development. While other languages play roles in the broader software stack, C++ remains the fundamental language driving the intelligence and capabilities of self-driving cars, and will likely continue to do so for the foreseeable future.
