Difference Between C and C++

4 minute read
Difference Between-C and C++

With emerging technologies, computers are gaining more popularity, day in and out. One of the major portions of these advancements is the programming languages that enable professionals to invent new tech platforms, features and possibilities in the domain. These languages can be described as a set of rules or vocabulary to perform a particular task. Some of the popular programming languages include C, C++, JAVA, Python, etc. High-level or third-generation programming languages are the ones with heavy abstraction implemented for the user. The common question which revolves in the mind of every Computer Science Engineering aspirant is what’s the difference between the both language. To understand the same, read our exclusive blog!

Overview

Developed by Dennis Ritchie in 1972, C is considered as the root of several high-level programming languages such as Java, C#, Javascript. The language was initially designed to create programs for the Unix Operating System.

Being an essential part of Engineering Syllabus, C++ is a yet another high-end programming language, which is an upgraded version of the C Programming language. It was developed by Bjarne Stroustrup in the year 1979. It is also referred to as “C with Classes” during its development period.

Similarities Between the Both Languages

We must first comprehend the similarities between the both languages before we can understand their differences.

  • The syntax of the two languages is comparable.
  • Both languages share the same code structure.
  • Both languages are constructed similarly.
  • They use the same fundamental syntax. The majority of the operators and keywords found in C are also found in C++ and perform the same functions.
  • Although the underlying grammar of C++ and C are the same, C++ has a significantly longer syntax.
  • Both have a basic memory model that closely resembles the hardware.
  • Both languages share the same concepts of a stack, heap, file-scope, and static variables.

Understanding the Difference between C and C++

Both these languages are a part of the Basic Computer course list. But how does one decide which one of these is a better option? Given below is a table showcasing differences between the two:

Basis C C++
Type of language Is a function-driven language Is an Object driven language
Programming Paradigm Follows Procedural programming Paradigm Follows a combination of both procedural and object-oriented programming paradigm
Special Features Features like encapsulation, polymorphism etc are not available Incorporates features like data encapsulation, polymorphism, inheritance
Data and function  Data and functions are separated Data and functions are encapsulated together in the form of an object
Data Types Supports built-in datatypes  Supports built-in and user-defined datatypes
Classes Does not supports Classes Supports Classes
Exception Handling No native support for exception handling Supports exception handling (using try-catch)
Structures Only variables could be defined inside structures Variables and functions both can be defined inside structures
Namespaces No support for Namespace Supports Namespace
Functional Overloading No support for a function or operator overloading Supports function and operator overloading
Information Hiding Does not support Information Hiding Supports information Hiding (using encapsulation)
Programming Stature The emphasis during programming is on Functions or Procedures The emphasis during programming is on data
Style of Programming Supports K&R-style and Stroustrup-style of a function definition Supports Stroustrup-style of a function definition
Dynamic Arrays Supports dynamic arrays on the stack  No support for Dynamic arrays 
Initializers Supports named initializers Does not support Named initializers
Reserved Keywords Supports 32 reserved keywords Supports 63 reserved keywords
Tentative Definition Supports Tentative definition Does not Support Tentative definition
Mutability of Array Elements Supports Flexible members inside an array Does not support such feature
Default Datatype Supports integer as the default datatype Does not support such feature
Quantifiers Declared live in their own distinct namespaces, therefore quantifiers are required struct, union, or enum is immediately accessible without any qualifiers
Void Pointers Void pointers can be assigned to any pointer type and do not require explicit conversion on an assignment of void pointers to variables of a concrete type Required pointer variable to be of type void for assignment of a void pointer
Objects Does not supports Objects Support Objects
Datatype Checksum Does not support strong data type checking Supports Strong data type checking
Template Functions Does not supports Template Functions and Classes Supports Template Functions and Classes
Constructors and Deconstructors Has no support for Constructors and Deconstructors Supports Constructors and Deconstructors
Function Linkage Does not support External function linkage Supports External Function Linkage
Member Function Does not support Member function Supports member functions

FAQs

Is C easier than C++?

C is a practical language that allows for flexible programming. High-level object-oriented programming techniques in C++ make it easier to write complex programs.

Is C still used today?

One of the primary building pieces of our software-filled world, the C programming language has been around and thriving since 1972.

Should I learn C or C++ first?

No. Both are different languages. It is a prevalent notion that C++ is not a fully defined language on its own and is somehow dependent on C.

From the above points, it could be considered that both languages are equally important and plays different roles in their respective areas. Major features that were added in it such as Object-Oriented Programming, Exception Handling and rich Library makes it more advanced. We hope you our blog helped in comprehending the difference between C and C++. If you are aspiring to make pursue a course in the field of computers and don’t know how to go about it, let Leverage Edu sort your problems! Ping us for a free career counselling session and we would provide you with a computer courses list that lines with your aspirations!

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