• Rigorous modularity, enabling people to work independently on algorithms, tasks, etc
• Hierarchical design with generic concepts, e.g. underlying field-based mathematics
  • Object-orientation encapsulates complex data structures and operations, e.g. tensors, fields, field algebra and calculus
  • Templates promote generic design and reduce code duplication, e.g. between tensors of different rank
• Good quality compilers and optimisers
• A language that attracts both new and top-level programmers

C++ is the primary programming language for OpenFOAM