Yes, C++ build times were a significant factor in Go's creation. Rob Pike describes it here: https://talks.golang.org/2012/splash.article https://talks.golang.

Yes, C++ build times were a significant factor in Go's creation. Rob Pike describes it here: https://talks.golang.org/2012/splash.article https://talks.golang.org/2012/splash.article He covers all the same points about header files and how Go addresses those issues.