Do you wonder how to make money with C++ programming? Here are 6 creative ways for a C++ developer to make money programming in C++
C++ is, if not the first is one of my first love. Often one assumes web development is the only choice of programming language to make money online, and C++ has very little to no scope.
However, the truth is, there are ample opportunities available in C, C++, DirectX, OpenGL, Windows API (WinRT), as well as in MFC and VC++.
I have done it in the past, and I have seen many developers still developing programs in C++ and make a decent amount of money doing freelancing. They make a lot more than PHP web developers.
Why do developers assume it is tough to Make Money as a C++ Programmer?
First, developers assume it is tough or even impossible to make money as a C++ programmer.
The developer has that feeling because all they know about C++ is to take user input inside a command prompt, do some operations, and then print the output.
Those kinds of programs only work in academics.
As a C++ developer, you should develop something useful than just a command prompt user input.
PHP and WordPress get a fair share of online work because one can create a useful website using PHP or WordPress.
Similarly, if you expect to make a living doing command prompt programming in C++, you have a herculean task ahead. However, in one of my ways to make money, you will have that as an option.
Still, if you are one of those C++ programmers who are still doing the command prompt-based programming and want to make money as a C++ programmer, learn the real C++. For those who know a lot more than just command prompt things, here are ways to make money for you.
Ways to Make Money as a C++ Programmer
Here are six creative ways C++ developers can make a decent amount of money programming in C++. You can make a choice of doing most of the items below or pick and choose among them. The choice is yours.
1. Get a Job in Core C++
If you love programming like me, a job in C++ is the first thing you should be looking for. The first step to take you from writing code on the command prompt to the professional level C++ programming.
I always wanted to work in C++, but my first job from my college campus was to work in Visual Basic 6. So I quit the job in the first year itself and moved to a web-based company.
There wasn’t much of a core programming work in the web-based company. It may still be valid because vanilla web development companies who source projects from clients on sites like Upwork are more into putting things together than core development. I wasn’t into such a vanilla company, but still, there wasn’t hard code development work—only maintenance of some in house projects. So I was into my third job as a C++ Developer in the first year of my professional career. You can read in detail about my jobs here.
The point I am trying to put is, there is a difference between knowing C++ programming and the actual industry application of C++ programming.
A job can only help you fill that gap. If you wish to be a professional C++ programmer, you should learn to use Visual C++. As an example, Android and iOS development are possible in C++ with Visual Studio.
2. Develop a Software (Along with Mobile App)
Create good management software with a beautiful GUI and start selling it to the businesses around you.
There are many software’s that one can create like
- Hotel management
- School Management
- Tuition Management
- Store Management
- Grocery Management
- Inventory Management
- Accounts (Taxation)
And the list can go on and on.
Moreover, find a useful application that people are already using and try to replicate the same and eradicate the problems people face with the existing software.
I developed web-based Invoicing software for GST in India. However, I had web-based software, and there were many people here in India looking for an offline version of the same. People were skeptical that they don’t want their customer’s information to go online. They tried to keep their customer’s details on their PC only.
So there is a huge demand for offline software if one is willing to look around.
The only criterion is that if you solve people’s problems and keep it simple to use, people will love to buy software from you.
3. Freelancing in C++
As a freelancer, I am a big fan of creating samples to showcase before applying for any work.
C++ is no different.
When you have a running software that people are using, it clarifies that clients may have to do what they want to do.
Moreover, if you have an app there that people are using, you can show others who might want to hire you to customize it for their needs.
So working your way into the world of freelancing is a lot easier when you build a working sample that people use.
I will share with you a simple example that will help you understand it further.
Let’s say you want to start a blog.
Will you prefer hiring me to get you a blog or someone new, and you can’t be sure if he can get you a blog in the first place?
No points for guessing.
Similarly, as a C++ developer, someone prefers hiring a person who has a sample to showcase or a person who has nothing to show right away.
Again, no points for guessing.
So get some good samples in and start freelancing.
4. Blog about C++
If you are working in C++ or learning C++, You can share your journey with C++.
Share your journey of being a C++ developer on a blog or share your experience in C++ – the problems you faced and how you solved them.
How you went about getting the compiler to writing each code helps you become a better blogger and programmer.
I know there are already many C++ blogs available, but there isn’t anyone like you. Find your unique way of letting people follow what you are learning.
Here is my step by step guide to starting a programming blog in WordPress.
5. Teach C++ (Offline or Online)
One can start a local coaching institute to teach C++. Students are always looking to learn C++ for academics.
However, if you aren’t sure if you want to set up a coaching institute, one can even create a complete course and sell it on Udemy.
Furthermore, if you aren’t sure about selling a course yet, release a few short videos on YouTube to see how they perform.
I know there are tutorials available, but the Internet will always welcome your style of teaching.
6. Participate in C++ Programming Contests
The best way to sharpen your coding skills is to participate in a coding contest to win a cash prize.
Look for C++ Contests on Google, and I am sure you will find some contests worth participating in. Here are a few code competitions that happen every year.
- Microsoft’s Imagine Cup
- Google’s Hash Code
- International Conference on Functional Programming
- The International Obfuscated C Code Contest
- CodeWars
Final Thoughts
As a C++ programmer, there are multiple ways to make money programming. However, the ways to make money differs for a C++ developer and a PHP developer.
Moreover, it is straightforward for a JavaScript or PHP developer to start earning money, knowing only the basics. The main reason is, they are all GUI based programming language.
Whereas for a C++ developer, the basics+ may not result in anything useful for the industry, so clients are looking for something more concrete. Try to find a niche within C++ like DirectX, OpenGL, Windows API (WinRT), VC++, etc.
