* C++ is designed to be a statically typed, general-purpose language that is as efficient and portable as C
* C++ is designed to directly and comprehensively support multiple programming styles (procedural programming, data abstraction, object-oriented programming, and generic programming)
* C++ is designed to give the programmer choice, even if this makes it possible for the programmer to choose incorrectly
* C++ is designed to be as compatible with C as possible, therefore providing a smooth transition from C
* C++ avoids features that are platform specific or not general purpose
* C++ does not incur overhead for features that are not used (the "zero-overhead principle")
* C++ is designed to function without a sophisticated programming environment

Inside the C++ Object Model (Lippman, 1996) describes how compilers may convert C++ program statements into an in-memory layout. Compiler authors are, however, free to implement the standard in their own manner.