Definition
Plain language
A programming language prized for running very fast, used in most programming contests.
As stated in the literature
A compiled systems language with manual memory management and low runtime overhead; the default choice in competitive programming because of tight time limits.
Also called: CPP
Why it matters: When a problem's grading depends on finishing within a strict time limit, the speed of the language itself can decide whether a correct idea passes or fails.
For example, a contestant facing a one-second time limit will write the solution in C++ because the same logic in a slower language would run out of time.