Bjarne Stroustrup is a Danish computer scientist best known for creating the programming language C++. He began developing C++ in the late 1970s while working on his Ph.D. at Columbia University. Stroustrup aimed to enhance the C programming language by adding features that support object-oriented programming, which allows for better organization and management of complex software projects. Stroustrup has authored several books on programming and software development, including "The C++ Programming Language," which is widely regarded as a definitive guide to the language. He has also worked at major technology companies and institutions, contributing to advancements in computer science and software engineering.