I have seen no system failing because it used C instead of C++. But I have seen many systems failing because of the improper use of C++.
http://unix.stackexchange.com/questions/23634/while-there-is...
In no case does C++ require any more runtime than C. You can use little or no runtime at all in either language, with minimal effort.
Easier to write low-level in C? This is unsupportable. C++ can write anything you can write in C (its a superset), so anything possible in C is possible in C++, but now you have more leverage.
"Enlightening" was for realizing that debate can never end but realization can come that both languages are good in their own space. None is like superior than other at least in case of C and C++.
So yes, 1000 monkeys on 1000 typewriters can make something large in C. But one guy (or a small team), properly trained and experienced, can move mountains with a high-leverage language.
"one guy (or a small team), properly trained and experienced, can move mountains with a high-leverage language." -- But if guy is not properly trained he can create a mess which is hell to clean also.
"1000 monkeys on 1000 typewriters can make something large in C" -- Every time you are using an STL container, that container has already been written by someone else. Every template you use, compiler generates the actual code for it. Every time you include a library , it was written in actual C/C++ code by someone else. Use g++ -E option to compare the "pre processed" code and compare the things.
Libraries are used by app guys -rarely by OS or embedded - unless they are specific to the hardware etc.
I hear the excuse "you can hurt yourself in C++ if not trained". That's true, but not helpful. You can build a house with hand tools too but nobody does any more - they use power tools and professional carpenters, electricians etc.
There was no excuse. There was a point made - "If one likes C++ use C++ nobody is stopping him/her. But that doesn't mean all other languages are bad or are pathetic."
I wonder if C++ is so good and STL is such a godly thing then why did we need to go to Objective-C. Why do iOS applications need that and why didn't C++ and STL did the magic. The answer is every tool / technology has its application. Loading a heavy container ( vector/ list) doesn't make sense when all you need to implement is a skip list.
I worked for one founder once. He earned $137 million by selling his products. He had worked on similar products for 15 years in his previous companies, primarily in C++. But when he started on his own - he chose C. He chose C for its own qualities and I am sure he would have missed some good qualities of C++ but then that is a compromise that come with early decision.
I've reduced 10,000 lines of C code to a 12-line template. Surely that is a good thing? This is not typical but a good example of high-leverage tools.