JUCE VS iPlug2

Personally, I started by writing externals for Pure Data, then started to contribute to the care. Later I took the same path for SuperCollider.

The more typical path, I guess, would be to start with simple audio plugins. Have a look at JUCE (https://juce.com/)!

Realtime audio programming has some rather strict requirements that you don't have in most other software. Check out this classic article: http://www.rossbencina.com/code/real-time-audio-programming-...

Check out https://juce.com in the meantime

You can definitely start putting C++ into your embedded projects, and get familiar with things in an environment in which you're already operating. A lot of great C++ code can be found with motivated use of, for example, the platformio tooling, such that you can see for yourself some existing C++ In Embedded scenarios.

In general, also, I have found that it is wise to learn C++ socially - i.e. participate in Open Source projects, as you learn/study/contribute/assist other C++ developers, on a semi-regular basis.

I've learned a lot about what I would call "decent C++ code" (i.e. shipping to tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of customers) from such projects. I would suggest finding an open source C++ project, aligned with your interests, and study the codebase - as well as the repo history (i.e. gource) - to get a productive, relatively effortless (if the interests align) boost into the subject.

(My particular favourite project is the JUCE Audio library: https://juce.com/ .. one of many hundreds of great projects out there from which one can also glean modern C++ practices..)

Respect for the others here who recommend C but I think they’re possibly masochists. If anything JUCE, which uses C++ is in my opinion far more approachable.

Here's a link to their website: https://juce.com/

It seems like most audio plug-ins are built in C++ inside an audio coding program called JUCE, so maybe if I could open up the exisiting code inside that and then output it as an AU instead of a VST that could work.

C++ has https://juce.com/, I think.

Open source rule https://juce.com/

I know you've mentioned loathing c++ but here is an easy library that combines some web elements into the whole vst world: https://github.com/iPlug2/iPlug2

If what you want is to make VST plugins, you're going to need a lot more. I've used the iplug/iplug2 framework: https://github.com/iPlug2/iPlug2/tree/master/Examples/IPlugMidiEffect https://github.com/iPlug2/iPlug2