Difference between C and C++ Programming languages
C language and C++ languages are two different programming languages. Where C++ is the subset of C programming language. Some people have the misbelief that C and C++ are some languages, which is not true. This article is can provide enough knowledge about C, C++ languages, and the differences between them.
Contents
What is the C language?
Dennis Ritchie introduced the C language in the year 1972 in Bell Labs. C is a middle-level language, which has involvement in general purpose applications. C is also known as a procedural computer language supporting structured programming. It has lasting applications in assembly language, OS constructions, supercomputers, LPC’s, and embedded systems. C has both ANSI and ISO standards since 1989. C is the most popular programming language as it has wider usability and applications in today’s world.
Key features of C
- Middle-level programming language
- Simple &Procedural
- Supports pointers
- Top-down approach
- Portable or machine-independent
- High speed
- Does not support objects and classes
What is C++ Language?
C++ was introduced by Bjarne Stroustrup, is an extension of the C programming language. C++ is also known as C with classes. It has generic, functional, and object-oriented features. C++ also has a wide range of applications like system programming, embedded, desktop applications, video games, and in servers. It is also an ISO standard.
Key features of C++
- Simple & object-oriented
- Mid-level programming language
- Structured language
- Platform Dependent
- Bottom-up approach
- Rich Library
- Fast and powerful
Difference between C and C++
Feature | C | C++ |
Type of language | Procedural language | Object-oriented language |
Approach | top-down approach | bottom-up approach |
Data security | less | High |
Reference variables | not supported | supported |
compatible with other languages | no | yes |
standard I/O operations | scanf() and printf() | cin and cout |
Variable declaration | Should be at the beginning of the function | can be at any position of the function |
The main() function | can call through other functions | not possible to call at any point |
Enumerations | only integer types | distinct type |
Strings | supports only char[] | supports immutable string classed also |
Structures | functions cannot be structure members | functions can become structure members |
Global variables | Multiple declarations | No multiple declarations |
Data types | Allows only inbuilt and primitive data types, not allow Boolean and string types | supports all data types including Boolean and string types |
Source code | Free-formated source code | Its source code is the combination of free-formatted and Object-oriented |
Keywords | supports 32 keywords | It supports 52 keywords |
Mapping | Mapping data and functions are not easy | Functions and data can be mapped easily |
Virtual functions | not supported | supported |
Polymorphism | not supported | supported |
Hope the tabular form has given enough difference between C and C++ programming languages. Lets, look at an example of C and C++ code to understand the clear difference between C and C++ languages.
C code to print Hello world
#include <stdio.h>
int main() {
// printf() displays the string inside quotation
printf("Hello, World!");
return 0;
}
Output
Hello, World! |
C++ code to print Hello world
#include <iostream>
int main() {
std::cout << "Hello World!";
return 0;
}
// cout displays the string inside quotation
output
Hello World! |
FAQ
1.Which language is easy to code?
While writing code in any of the language levels of difficulty depends on the type of application. C code can become easy for some sort of applications and writing C++ code for some other applications might become difficult. While choosing a language one should analyze the pros and cons of it, and then decide on how it helps you in developing the application.
But to generalize C has some simple formatted features whereas C++ is having object-oriented concepts added. Based on this we can say that C is easier than C++.
2.Is it mandatory to learn C before learning C++?
No, it is not necessary to learn C before learning C++. So, one can learn C++ without knowing C with proper planning and working accordingly. Here the added advantage is that you can learn two languages completely, as C++ contains C features also.
3.Which among C and C++ is faster?
It depends upon the type of application we are developing. Both C and C++ lakes the same time if C++ code is written without using Object-oriented programming concepts.
4.Can a new programmer learn C++ as a first language?
Yes, It is good to start learning the C++ language as your first programming language. It is better to learn coding by investing quality time if you have planned to build a bright career. The only pre-requisite is to have good computer basics. But till learning the basics it is similar to any other languages.
No, As discussed above C++ is having more features than C language, hence it may become tough to learn all the features. Hence, it is advised to learn some basic programming languages like Python or Ruby as a start.
Conclusion
Hope this article helped you in identifying the difference between C and C++ languages. Along with the differences also keep a note of features of both the languages before coding. because C is a procedural language which follows step-by-step process and C++ is object-oriented languages that has to follow some principles and procedures as well.
If this article is helpful for you also visit Differnce between Java and Javascript here.
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