My journey with C++: growth and opportunities
Robin Staes - January 30
As a software engineer at OMP, I’ve spent a lot of time working with C++. It’s a language that continues to challenge and inspire me. While some may question its relevance today, I’d like to share why I believe it still has a bright future.
Embracing the challenge
When I first started with C++, I found it a bit daunting — like trying to solve a set of complex puzzles. Over time, with the outstanding guidance of my colleagues, I came to see these challenges as opportunities to grow and improve my skills. The satisfaction of solving a tricky problem is hard to match, and it’s helped me build confidence and capability as a software engineer.
Insights from CppCon
Blog post
At last year’s CppCon conference, many speakers addressed a critical concern: the safety of C++, a topic spotlighted by a White House declaration urging developers to avoid using C++ for critical applications due to memory safety issues. However, optimism prevailed as experts like Herb Sutter highlighted the language's evolution. C++ is shifting from a performance first default — where safety must be explicitly managed — to a safety default, enabling skilled programmers to balance performance and safety.
This shift reflects the transformation in programming, making it easier for developers, especially those new to C++, to thrive in this sophisticated environment.
Blog post
C++ at OMP
C++ is constantly evolving, and we’re excited to be part of its future here. The updates in C++26 are bringing important improvements in safety, performance, and usability, which makes it easier to build applications that are more reliable and efficient. Being part of the C++ community through events like CppCon has been a great experience. It’s a chance to connect with other developers, share ideas, and keep up to date on the latest advancements.
For me, C++ is more than just a programming language — it’s a way to think critically and solve problems creatively. It challenges me to innovate and keep growing. At OMP, this mindset is supported by a culture of learning and collaboration. In addition, we support each other through mentorships, invest in our C++ toolchains and frequently discuss C++’s evolution.
We are driven to solve complex software challenges and uncover innovative solutions. If you share this curiosity, you’ll feel right at home here.
Robin Staes
Software Architect at OMP BE
Biography
With over ten years of experience in software development at OMP, Robin has played a key role in designing, building, and maintaining software solutions that facilitate seamless data exchange between OMP and customer systems.
