C and C++ are the most essential programming languages in computer science, as both serve a pivotal function in systems programming and software creation. Although they possess numerous similarities, their unique characteristics result in significant differences that affect their application in specific scenarios. The selection between C and C++ frequently hinges on the particular requirements of the project and the inclinations of the developer. In this article, we will explore C and C++, along with their distinctions and commonalities, and we will also delve into their functionalities. We will examine several examples as well.
C is a portable, procedural, or structured-oriented programming language that is utilized to create operating systems like Windows and Apple OS X, alongside intricate applications such as Oracle database, MySQL, Python interpreter, Git, Adobe, etc. It was developed by Dennis Ritchie, a prominent computer scientist, between 1968 and 1973 at AT&T Bell Laboratories. If an individual understands C, they will find it easier to grasp any programming language.
Syntax:
C
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Explanation:
Employs #include <stdio.h> for input/output operations.
printf() is utilized to display output to the console.
Features of the C Programming Language
Procedural Language: C is categorized as a procedural language, which allows it to partition the code into smaller units to reduce the complexity of programs.
Modularization: The principle of modularization in C indicates that a program can be divided into several files and functions, enhancing organization, reusability, maintainability, and scalability of the code.
Robust Libraries: C boasts powerful built-in libraries, which facilitate even novice programmers in coding effortlessly.
Static
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Type: The C programming language is a statically typed language, which indicates that the types of variables are validated during compilation but not during runtime.
General-Purpose Language: C serves as a general-purpose language applicable in numerous fields such as operating systems (including Windows, Linux, iOS, Android, macOS) and databases (like PostgreSQL, Oracle, MySQL, MS SQL Server, etc.).
C++ is a general-purpose, high-level, object-oriented programming language that extends the C language. C++ finds use in graphical applications, operating systems, smartwatches, game development, cloud distributed systems, compilers, web browsers, financial systems, and more. It was created by Bjarne Stroustrup, who introduced it in 1985.
Syntax:
C++
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Explanation:
std::cout serves for output; it is part of the C++ standard library.
Utilizes #include <iostream> for input and output streams.
Case-sensitive: C++ is a case-sensitive programming language. For instance, cout is used for output display, whereas “Cout” will not function.
Dynamic Memory Allocation: In C++, variables can be allocated in various memory areas, such as stack, heap, or static storage. Dynamic memory allocation (using the heap) enables the program to find out and allocate memory at runtime when the precise amount of memory needed is unknown at compilation time.
Compiler-Based: As C++ is a compiler-based language, the source code needs to be converted into machine code by the compiler prior to execution.
Difference between C and C++
The following outlines the distinctions between the C and C++ languages:
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C Programming Language
C++ Programming Language
OOPs Support
Since C is a procedural-based programming language, it lacks support for OOP concepts.
C++ is designed as an object-oriented programming language, thus it encompasses OOP principles such as polymorphism, inheritance, abstraction, and encapsulation.
Keywords
Count of keywords in C: – C90: 32 – C99: 37 – C11: 44 – C23: 59
Count of keywords in C++: – C++98: 63 – C++11: 73 – C++17: 73 – C++20: 81
File Extensions
The file extension for C language is “.c”.
The file extensions for C++ are “.cpp”, “.c++”, “.cc”, or “.cxx”.
Header File
The header file utilized in C is <stdio.h>
The header file utilized in C++ is <iostream>
Input/Output Functions
The input function in C is “scanf()” and the output function is “printf()”.
The input operation in C++ employs “cin” and the output operation uses “cout”.
Data Hiding
The C programming language does not facilitate data hiding.
The C++ programming model incorporates data-hiding mechanisms such as encapsulation to ensure that data structures and operators are utilized as designed.
Virtual Functions
The C language lacks support for virtual and friend functions as it is procedural.
C++ enables virtual functions (allowing runtime polymorphism via base-class pointers) and friend functions (permitting external functions or classes to access private data).
Access Modifiers
The C language does not incorporate access specifiers; in C, structures serve solely as data containers without access control.
C++ features access specifiers (such as public, private, and protected).
Focus of Language
The C language is function-oriented, with program logic centered around functions to enhance readability and maintenance.
C++ is object-oriented, built around objects and classes, enabling the combination of data and functions, thus allowing modular, reusable, and scalable code.
Exception Handling
The C programming language lacks inherent support for exception management.
The C++ language includes built-in exception handling features (notably try, throw, and catch).
Namespace
The C language does not support namespaces due to its procedural nature and flat global scope, resulting in all global functions and variables sharing the same namespace.
C++ supports namespaces, aiding in code organization and preventing name conflicts by categorizing identifiers under unique names.
Type Punning with Unions
The C programming language permits type punning via unions starting from C99.
The C++ language upholds strict regulations regarding object lifetimes and type aliasing, thus type punning with unions is considered undefined behavior except under specified conditions.
Generic Programming
C enables basic meta-programming through macros and the _Generic().
C++ supports compile-time meta-programming using templates, enhancing type safety.
Dynamic Memory
The C language provides malloc() and calloc() for dynamic memory allocation.
C++ employs two operators for dynamic memory allocation: new for allocating memory and delete for deallocating memory.
Type Checking
The C language offers more flexible and lenient type checking, which may sometimes result in unsafe operations or hidden bugs.
C++ enforces strict compile-time type checking, helping to identify many errors early in the development stage.
C vs C++: Which One Should You Choose and When?
The table below outlines several scenarios where using the C language is advisable, along with the justifications for those choices:
Use Case
Reason for selecting C language
System Programming
C is well-suited for operating systems, device drivers, and kernels (like Linux), providing low-level access to memory and system processes with minimal abstraction.
Performance Critical Tasks
Without overhead from object-oriented mechanisms, C avoids virtual tables, abstractions, or inheritance, and its code is translated almost directly into machine code by the compiler. Thus, C runs efficiently.
Small, Resource-constrained Devices
Due to its minimal runtime, optimal memory use, and proximity to hardware operations, C is effective for microcontrollers and embedded systems.
Learning Low-Level Concepts
Learning C makes it easier to grasp low-level programming concepts such as memory management, stack/heap allocation, and pointers.
Next, let’s explore another table indicating when and why you should consider using C++:
Use Case
Reason for utilizing C++ language
Software Requiring Reusability and Scalability
The object-oriented characteristics such as objects, classes, encapsulation, inheritance, abstraction, and polymorphism enable developers to write modular, organized, and extensible code, facilitating the management and expansion of larger codebases. This makes C++ ideal for software necessitating reusability and scalability.
Large-Scale Applications
C++ is an object-oriented programming language, featuring classes, objects, encapsulation, and inheritance, which foster improved code organization, modularity, and reusability, making it easier to oversee, enhance, and maintain complex systems over time. Therefore, C++ is well-suited for large applications.
Competitive Programming
C++ is commonly preferred for competitive programming due to the STL (Standard Template Library), which supplies powerful, readily available data structures and algorithms.
Modern Development Needs
The contemporary requirements of software development are met by...
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the C++ programming language through attributes such as exception management, templates, namespaces, operator overloading, and numerous others. These attributes assist developers in crafting maintainable, reusable, and sturdy code.
Organizations Utilizing C and C++
Thanks to its high efficiency and minimal memory consumption, several organizations employ the C language, including:
Bosch
Microsoft
Oracle
IBM
Intel
With its object-oriented characteristics, many firms utilize the C++ language, including:
Autodesk
Amazon
Google
Adobe
Facebook (Meta)
Siemens.
Commonalities Between C and C++
Below is a list indicating the similarities between C and C++:
Compilation: Both C and C++ are compiled languages, which signifies that both undergo conversion into machine code before execution.
Pointer Support: Both languages support function pointers that enable the passing of functions as arguments to other functions.
Grouping Variables: Both C and C++ allow structures, which are user-defined data types that facilitate the grouping of related variables of diverse types under a single identifier.
File Input/Output: C and C++ provide similar basic functions for handling file input/output, including creating, opening, and closing files.
Basic Functions: Both languages utilize analogous fundamental functions; for example, library functions such as printf() and fgets().
C Code Example
Let’s examine a few illustrations of the C programming language:
Example 1: C Program to Sum Two Numbers Using Functions
This program demonstrates how to compute the sum of two numbers using functions. A function is an encapsulated code block that performs a specific task when invoked.
C
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Output:
Example 2: C Program Demonstrating Structure Usage
This program illustrates how to utilize structures in the C language. A structure is a custom data type that permits the aggregation of related variables under a single identifier.
C
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Result:
Example 3: C Program Demonstrating Pointer Usage
This application illustrates how to utilize pointers in the C programming language. A pointer represents a variable that holds the memory address of another variable.
C
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Result:
C++ Code Example
Let’s examine some instances of the C++ programming language:
Example 1: C++ Program for Concatenating Two Strings using Functions
This program demonstrates how to concatenate two strings using functions. The act of joining two or more strings is referred to as concatenation.
Cpp
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Result:
Example 2: C++ Program Demonstrating Pointer Usage
This program illustrates how to utilize a pointer within the C++ programming language.
Cpp
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Output:
Example 3: C++ Program to Determine the String Length and Display the Substring
This program illustrates how to determine the string length and display the substring.
Cpp
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With this, we have discovered the distinction between C and C++, which are essential programming languages and share several principles but differ in their capabilities and applications. Utilize C for enhanced performance and low-level access, while C++ should be used for creating scalable, maintainable, and reusable code.
Differences between C and C++ – FAQs
1. What is the primary distinction between C and C++?
C is a procedural programming language, whereas C++ is an object-oriented language that accommodates classes, objects, abstraction, encapsulation, polymorphism, and inheritance.
2. Is it preferable to study C or C++?
C is a low-level language that uses less memory, while C++ is a high-level language that divides complex code into smaller fragments. It depends on the programmer’s needs when deciding which to use.
3. Which is quicker, C or C++?
Both C and C++ are fast, but typically, C is deemed quicker due to several factors. This is because it features minimal abstraction, shorter runtime, and tighter memory control.
4. Which is more challenging, C or C++?
Generally, C is regarded as easier to grasp, particularly for novices, as it has straightforward syntax, lacking classes, abstraction, or inheritance. In contrast, C++ is more convenient for large-scale software thanks to its powerful OOP features, which enhance code scalability, maintainability, and reusability.
5. What does OOP stand for in C++?
In C++, OOP refers to an object-oriented programming language. It embodies a programming paradigm supported by C++ that is rooted in the concepts of objects and classes, facilitating more maintainable and scalable code.
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