Difference Between C and C++
The difference between C and C++ is that C is a procedural programming language that lacks object and class support whereas C++ is a more advanced version of C that includes support for object-oriented programming. More differences between C and C++ have been presented in the table given below.
We have provided the difference between C and C++ programming languages based on various parameters listed in the table below.
C | C++ |
Polymorphism, encapsulation, and inheritance are not supported in C, hence object-oriented programming is not possible. | Because it is an object-oriented programming language, C++ provides polymorphism, encapsulation, and inheritance. |
C contains 32 keywords. | C++ contains 63 keywords. |
C is a subset of C++. | C++ is a superset of C. |
A program written in the C programming language has a .c file extension. | A C++ program's file extension is .cpp. |
In C, data and functions are kept separate. | In C++, both data and functions are enclosed together. |
Memory allocation is handled by the calloc() and malloc() routines. | For memory allocation, the new operator and free() are used. |
C and C++
C and C++ are both programming languages that are widely used for developing software applications and system software. Both C and C++ are portable languages that can be compiled on different platforms. However, C++ has more complex syntax and features than C, which can make it harder to write portable code. Both languages have a similar syntax and code structure. Let us understand more about each language in detail.
Key Differences Between C and C++
The key differences between C and C++ are given below.
- The C language is function-driven since procedural programming is used in it. On the other side, the C++ programming language is object-driven due to OOP (object-oriented programming).
- C opposes the hiding of data and information whereas, through encapsulation, the C++ language hides the data.
- Built-in data types are not supported by the C language. On the other hand, these data types are supported by the C++ language.
Similarity Between C and C++
Apart from the differences between C and C++, there are various other similarities between the two programming languages. The similarities between C and C++ are given below.
- The syntax of the two languages is similar.
- 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.
What is C Programming Language?
After discussing the difference between C and C++, let us check what is C language. C is a structured, general-purpose programming language that was created for system development work, i.e. programs that makeup operating systems. Because of its versatility, speed, and simplicity, it quickly became popular for a variety of application development projects.
The C programming language is a procedural or structural programming language. Dennis Ritchie of Bell Laboratories created it in 1972. This machine-independent programming language was created to allow utilities to operate on the Unix platform. It is now widely employed in a wide range of applications.
What is C++ Programming Language?
Bjarne Stroustrup of Bell Laboratories designed C++, a high-level computer programming language, in the early 1980s. It's an expansion of the classic C programming language that adds object-oriented programming and other features.
C++ is a computer language that is similar to low-level languages and is regarded as one of the quickest. It gives you total control over memory management and allocation. C++ is a programming language that is used to create complicated, high-performance programs. Because C++ is similar to C and Java, programmers will find it easier to learn and use these languages.
C vs C++: Which to Choose?
When deciding between C and C++, it is important to consider the specific needs and requirements of the project. Here are some factors to consider when choosing between C and C++:
If your project requires object-oriented programming (OOP) features, such as encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism, then C++ is the better choice. C does not support OOP features natively.
C++ supports the reuse of code through inheritance, templates, and polymorphism. If your project requires code reusability, then C++ is a better choice.
C++ supports automatic memory management using the RAII (Resource Acquisition Is Initialization) technique, which makes it less error-prone than C. In C, memory management must be done manually using functions such as malloc() and free().
Both C and C++ are high-performance languages, but C is generally faster than C++. C++ has more features and abstractions than C, which can result in a slight performance overhead.
C is a simpler language than C++ and has a smaller syntax. If you are new to programming or have limited experience, then C might be a better choice.
Applications of C and C++ Programming Languages
C and C++ are used in a wide range of applications, including:
Application | C | C++ |
---|---|---|
System software | Widely used | Widely used |
Embedded systems | Widely used | Widely used |
Game development | Less common | Widely used |
Desktop applications | Less common | Widely used |
Web applications | Less common | Widely used |
Artificial Intelligence | Less common | Widely used |
Networking | Widely used | Widely used |
Security | Widely used | Widely used |
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