Editing Comparison of Java and C++ (section)

=== Language specification ===
The C++ language is defined by ''ISO/IEC 14882'', an [[International Organization for Standardization|ISO]] standard, which is published by the ''ISO/IEC JTC1/SC22/WG21'' committee. The latest, post-standardization draft of [[C++17]] is available as well.<ref>{{cite web |title=Working Draft, Standard for Programming Language C++ |url=http://www.open-std.org/jtc1/sc22/wg21/docs/papers/2012/n3337.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http://www.open-std.org/jtc1/sc22/wg21/docs/papers/2012/n3337.pdf |archive-date=2022-10-09 |url-status=live}}</ref>

The C++ language evolves via an open steering committee called the C++ Standards Committee. The committee is composed of the creator of C++ [[Bjarne Stroustrup]], the convener [[Herb Sutter]], and other prominent figures, including many representatives of industries and user-groups (i.e., the stake-holders). Being an open committee, anyone is free to join, participate, and contribute proposals for upcoming releases of the standard and technical specifications. The committee now aims to release a new standard every few years, although in the past strict review processes and discussions have meant longer delays between publication of new standards (1998, 2003, and 2011).

The Java language is defined by the ''Java Language Specification'',<ref>[http://java.sun.com/docs/books/jls/ The Java Language Specification]</ref> a book which is published by Oracle.

The Java language continuously evolves via a process called the [[Java Community Process]], and the world's programming community is represented by a group of people and organizations - the Java Community members<ref>[http://www.jcp.org/en/participation/members The Java Community Process(SM) Program - Participation - JCP Members]</ref>—which is actively engaged into the enhancement of the language, by sending public requests - the Java Specification Requests - which must pass formal and public reviews before they get integrated into the language.

The lack of a firm standard for Java and the somewhat more volatile nature of its specifications have been a constant source of criticism by stake-holders wanting more stability and conservatism in the addition of new language and library features. In contrast, the C++ committee also receives constant criticism, for the opposite reason, i.e., being too strict and conservative, and taking too long to release new versions.