Article by Ayman Alheraki in January 24 2025 01:40 PM
Jon Kalb is a renowned figure in the C++ community, playing a pivotal role in organizing and promoting events that bring together developers, experts, and enthusiasts from all over the world. As a speaker, author, and advocate, Jon has contributed significantly to the growth and development of the C++ programming language by fostering collaboration, education, and innovation through C++ events.
This article explores Jon Kalb’s role in organizing and presenting C++ events, his contributions to the community, and the impact he has had in shaping how developers engage with and learn about C++.
Jon Kalb’s career in software development spans over several decades. He has worked with C++ since the 1980s, beginning with C++ version 1.0. His extensive experience includes positions at companies like Apple, Yahoo, and Lotus, where he gained hands-on expertise in systems programming, frameworks, and performance optimization. His deep understanding of C++ and its evolution gave him a unique perspective on the language, which he has leveraged to promote best practices and modern C++ programming techniques.
Throughout his career, Jon recognized that there was a gap in how C++ developers shared knowledge, learned from one another, and engaged with new developments in the language. To bridge this gap, Jon shifted his focus to organizing C++ events that could bring the community together in meaningful ways.
One of Jon Kalb’s major contributions to the C++ community is his work with C++Now (formerly known as BoostCon). C++Now is an annual conference held in Aspen, Colorado, which serves as a gathering place for C++ developers and experts to discuss the latest advancements in the language and share ideas about the future of C++.
Jon Kalb played an instrumental role in transforming BoostCon into C++Now, expanding its focus beyond the Boost Libraries to cover all aspects of C++. As one of the principal organizers, Jon helped make C++Now a vital event for the C++ community. The conference provides a venue where developers can learn about cutting-edge techniques, libraries, and tools, while also engaging in deep technical discussions about the direction of the language.
C++Now continues to be one of the most important C++ conferences, known for its collaborative environment and the quality of its speakers. Many of the attendees are contributors to the C++ Standard Committee, making it a place where new ideas are shared and debated by the people who shape the future of the language.
Perhaps Jon Kalb’s most notable contribution to the C++ community is his work as the founder and organizer of CppCon, the largest annual C++ conference in the world. CppCon attracts hundreds of C++ developers, from novices to industry veterans, providing them with a week-long event filled with talks, workshops, tutorials, and networking opportunities.
CppCon was established in 2014, and Jon Kalb has been one of its driving forces since its inception. He recognized that there was a need for a large-scale event where developers could come together to discuss all things C++—from the core language to libraries, tools, and real-world applications. CppCon quickly became a success, growing in size and scope each year, attracting speakers from top technology companies such as Google, Microsoft, and Nvidia.
At CppCon, Jon Kalb himself frequently presents, discussing a wide range of topics related to modern C++. His talks have focused on subjects such as best practices, performance optimization, and the evolution of the C++ Standard. Jon's engaging speaking style and deep technical knowledge make his presentations both educational and entertaining.
CppCon is not just a place to learn about C++, but also a platform for developers to collaborate on open-source projects, share new ideas, and shape the future of C++ development. Many attendees have cited CppCon as a transformative experience that helped them grow as C++ developers.
In addition to organizing major C++ conferences, Jon Kalb is an active advocate for C++ education. He is the author of "C++ Today: The Beast is Back", a well-regarded book that explains the current state of C++ and its resurgence in popularity. The book outlines the reasons why C++ continues to be relevant in modern software development, particularly in systems programming, game development, and high-performance computing.
Jon’s dedication to C++ education extends beyond his writing. He is a frequent speaker at various user groups, webinars, and online communities, where he shares his knowledge and insights on modern C++ practices. Jon is known for his ability to break down complex C++ concepts and explain them in a way that is accessible to developers at all levels.
Jon Kalb’s work organizing events like CppCon and C++Now has had a profound impact on the C++ community. These conferences have become critical venues for knowledge exchange, helping developers stay up-to-date with the latest features of C++, learn from experts, and build relationships with peers in the industry.
One of the key benefits of these events is the opportunity for developers to engage directly with members of the ISO C++ Standards Committee. Many committee members present at these conferences, providing insights into the decision-making process behind the evolution of the language. This direct engagement fosters a stronger sense of community and encourages developers to contribute to the ongoing development of C++.
The importance of these events cannot be overstated. C++ is a complex language that is constantly evolving, and staying current with best practices, new features, and emerging tools can be challenging. Conferences like CppCon and C++Now provide a structured way for developers to stay informed and improve their skills, while also contributing to the broader C++ ecosystem.
Jon Kalb’s dedication to organizing C++ events and advocating for C++ education has left a lasting legacy in the C++ community. His work has not only helped create some of the most important C++ conferences in the world, but it has also fostered a collaborative and supportive environment where developers can learn, grow, and contribute to the language’s future.
Through his efforts, Jon has helped make the C++ community more inclusive and accessible, encouraging developers of all skill levels to participate in the conversation about the future of C++. His commitment to sharing knowledge and fostering collaboration will continue to influence generations of C++ developers for years to come.
Jon Kalb is more than just a C++ expert; he is a leader and advocate for the entire C++ community. His work in organizing events like CppCon and C++Now has brought together thousands of developers, fostering an environment where learning, collaboration, and innovation can thrive. His contributions have shaped the way developers engage with C++ and have helped ensure that the language continues to evolve in a direction that meets the needs of modern software development.
Through his talks, writing, and event organization, Jon Kalb has proven to be a vital force in keeping the C++ community vibrant and forward-looking. His efforts have had a transformative impact on the language and its community, and his work will undoubtedly continue to influence the future of C++ for many years to come.
