Difference Between C and C++
The most important point of difference between C and C++ language is that C is procedural-oriented programming, and C++ is based on object-oriented programming methods.
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Table of Content
- Key Difference Between C and C++
- Similarities Between C and C++
- What is C Programming Language?
- Features of C Programming
- Applications of C Programming
- Disadvantages of C Programming
- What is C++ Programming Language?
- Features of C++
- Applications of C++
- Disadvantages of C++
- Latest Development in C and C++ [updated Dec, 2023]
- C vs C++ which one should you learn first in 2024 and Why?
- C++ supports classes, which are a type of object that can be used to group data and methods. C does not support classes.
- C++ supports inheritance, which allows one class to inherit the properties of another class. C does not support inheritance.
- C++ supports polymorphism, which allows objects of different types to be treated similarly. C does not support polymorphism.
- C and C++, the code written by the programmer is transformed into machine code through a process called compilation. This process is handled by a program known as a compiler. The compiler takes the source code, analyses it, and then converts it into a machine-readable format, typically an executable file. This file can then be run directly on a computer's hardware.
- C++ is a more complex language than C. This is because C++ has more features, such as classes, inheritance, and polymorphism.
Let’s understand this in detail:
| Feature | C | C++ |
|---|---|---|
| Development | Developed in 1972 by Dennis Ritchie at Bell Laboratories. | Developed by Bjarne Stroustrup at Bell Laboratories in the early 1980s. |
| Paradigm | Primarily procedural. Not object-oriented. | Supports both procedural and object-oriented programming. |
| Object-Oriented Programming | Does not support OOP features like polymorphism, encapsulation, and inheritance. | Supports OOP features like polymorphism, encapsulation, and inheritance. |
| Relationship | C++ is often considered a superset of C, but this is not strictly true due to some incompatible features. | Can use most of C's features but has additional features that are not compatible with C. |
| Keywords | Has a smaller set of keywords (around 32). | Has more keywords (63 in standard C++), including OOP-related ones. |
| Data Types | Supports basic built-in data types. | Supports both built-in and user-defined data types. |
| File Extension | Usually uses .c for source files. | Typically uses .cpp for source files. |
| Access Modifiers | Does not have access modifiers like public, private, protected | Has access modifiers: public, private, protected |
| Standard I/O Header | Uses <stdio.h> for standard I/O operations. | Uses <iostream> (without .h) for standard I/O operations. |
| Information Hiding | No inherent support for information hiding. | Supports information hiding through encapsulation. |
| Focus | More process or method-focused. | More data-focused, but also supports process-focused programming. |
| Exception Handling | Lacks direct support for exception handling. | Supports exception handling. |
| Standard I/O Operations | Uses scanf() and printf() for standard I/O. | Uses cin and cout for standard I/O, alongside C-style I/O. |
| Function & Operator Overloading | Does not support function or operator overloading. | Supports both function and operator overloading. |
| Main Function | The main() function cannot be called from other functions. | Similar to C, main() cannot be called from other functions. |
| Reference Variables | Does not support reference variables. | Supports reference variables. |
Similarities Between C & C++
Some of the similarities in C and C++ programming languages are:
- Syntax: C++ is an extended version of C, therefore both have similar syntax, compilation and code structure.
- Keywords: Most of C’s keywords and operators are used in C++ and perform the same function.
- Execution: C and C++ both follow top-down execution of the code.
- Comment: Inline Comment in both C and C++ is marked by //.
- Multi-Dimensional Array: Both C and C++ support multi-dimensional arrays.
- Dynamic size Array: None of them support dynamic sized arrays.
- Statement Terminator: Both C and C++ uses semi-colon (;) for terminating a statement.
- Preprocessor Directive: #include is used in both C and C++ to include/import a header file.
Preparing for a C++ interview? Check out the Top C++ Interview Questions and Answers
What is C Programming Language?
C programming is a structural or procedural-oriented programming language developed by Dennis Ritchie at Bell Laboratories in 1972. In fact, C programming language was originally developed to migrate the UNIX kernel code from assembly to a higher-level language that could do the same functions with fewer lines of code.
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C is considered a middle-level programming language because it has the features of low-level language as well as high-level Language. It is one of the foundational languages for beginners or new programmers as it forms the base for other programming languages.
Also Read – Understanding Operators in C++
Features of C Programming
Listed below are some of the key features of C programming –
- Procedural programming language: C is designed to be easy to read and understand. It follows a logical structure that makes it easy to write and debug code.
- Structured language: C has a clear and concise syntax and follows a logical structure. For example, C uses curly braces to define blocks of code and semicolons to mark the end of statements.
- Portable: C programs can be adapted to run on different platforms and hardware architectures. This makes it ideal for building software that needs to be run on a variety of different systems. For example, C programs can be compiled and run on Windows, Linux, and macOS.
- Low-level access: C gives programmers direct access to the hardware and operating system. This makes it ideal for writing code that needs to interact with the underlying system or perform tasks that require a high degree of control. For example, C can be used to write device drivers or system utilities that need to access the hardware directly.
- Efficient and fast: C is Well-suited for tasks that require a lot of processing power or that need to be completed quickly. This is because C is a compiled language, which means that it is converted into machine code before it is executed, making it faster than interpreted languages.
- ANSI standard: C has been formally standardized by a recognized industry organization. This ensures that C programs are consistent and portable across different systems. For example, ANSI C programs can be compiled and run on any system that supports the ANSI C standard.
- Large and active community of developers: There are many resources available for learning and using the language. For example, there are numerous online forums, tutorials, and documentation resources available for C programmers.
- Supports Dynamic Memory Allocation: C supports dynamic memory allocation, which means that you can allocate memory for variables and data structures at runtime. This makes it easier to manage memory usage in large programs.
- Supports pointers for direct memory interaction: C supports pointers, which are variables that store the memory addresses of other variables. Pointers can be used to directly interact with memory and can be useful for optimizing code and accessing low-level hardware.
Applications of C Programming
- Operating System like UNIX, Microsoft Windows, are created in C.
- Mac OS X kernel was originally written in C.
- Majority of Adobe software like Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Premier are built using C, C++.
- Build code compilers such as MinGW, Dev-C, Clang C.
- Web Browsers like Mozilla, and Chrome, is designed using C programming.
- Games like Tic-Tac-Toe, Snake, Half-Life, Starcraft in built using C programming. In 2004, a high graphics FPS game Doom 3 was built using C for Windows.
- Apple’s Xcode IDE is written in C, C++, Objective-C and Objective-C++.
- The assembly language code of UNIX operating system’s was rewritten in C in 1972.
- Oracle database rewrote their assembly codes to C in 1983.
- In 1985, when Windows 1.0 was released, its kernel was primarily written in C and assembly.
- Several embedded systems like alarm clock, microwave, tv, remote controlled devices, etc are mostly built using C, embedded C.
Disadvantages of C Programming
- Does not support Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) features such as Polymorphism, Inheritance, and Encapsulation.
- The bugs are not detected after each line of code, instead it is detected after writing the entire program. This makes debugging in C difficult for complex programs.
- C does not support the concept of namespace, due to which two variables cannot be declared with same name.
- C does not Exception Handling which in other languages are used to detect the bugs and generate appropriate responses.
- C language has low level of abstraction. Due to this C has minimum data hiding and this affects the overall security of the language.
Learn more: Basics of C Programming Language
What is C++ Programming Language?
C++ is a high-level computer programming language created in the early 1980s by Bjarne Stroustrup of Bell Laboratories. It is an extension of the traditional C language with added support for object-oriented programming and other capabilities.
C++ is close to low-level languages and is considered one of the fastest programming languages. It provides complete control over memory allocation and management. C++ is used to develop complex and high-performance applications. C++ is close to C# and Java, making it easier for programmers to switch to learning and working with these languages.
Related Read – Binary Search in C++
Features of C++
- Object-oriented programming: C++ supports object-oriented programming (OOP) concepts such as inheritance, polymorphism, and encapsulation, which makes it easier to develop large, complex software systems.
- Templates: C++ supports templates, which are reusable code blocks that can be used to create generic functions and data types.
- Exception handling: C++ has built-in support for exception handling, which allows you to catch and handle errors and exceptions that occur during program execution.
- Function overloading: C++ allows you to create multiple functions with the same name but with different parameters, a technique known as function overloading.
- Operator overloading: C++ allows you to overload operators, which means that you can define how operators behave when used with different data types.
- Namespaces: C++ supports namespaces, which are used to organize code and prevent name collisions.
- Standard Template Library (STL): C++ includes the Standard Template Library (STL), which is a collection of templates and algorithms that can be used to implement common data structures and algorithms.
- Compatibility with C: C++ is fully compatible with C, which means that you can use C libraries and code in your C++ programs. This makes it easy to incorporate existing C code into C++ projects.
Also Explore: C++ Online Courses & Certifications
Applications of C++
- Google used C++ to create several products like Google Earth, and the Google Chrome browser.
- Spotify one of the most popular audio streaming apps has its back end written in C++.
- Operating Systems like Windows, Mac, and Linux are built using C++.
- Mozilla Firefox used a subset of C++ (C++14) to build Mozilla 59.
- Microsoft products such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint are written in both C and C++.
- One of the most powerful databases MySQL is written in both C and C++.
- At Microsoft code written for the – DirectX, Windows API, and .NET are all based on C++.
- Very popular games like Witcher 3, Counter-Strike, Doom III Engine, World of Warcraft, King Quest, Football Pro and Invictus are all written in C++ .
- A popular media player Winamp is developed using C++.
- MongoDB a popular open-source NoSQL database is written using C++.
- Unreal Engine for most graphic-intensive 2D, 3D, VR, AR, cross-platform, single-player, or multiplayer games primarily uses C++.
Disadvantages of C++
- For a beginner, C++ might be a relatively difficult language to learn and start with.
- Manual memory management in C++ is a hassle, as there is no garbage collection to automatically remove unwanted data.
- If you’re used to automated memory management, managing memory allocation manually can be a challenge.
- Not very secure because of pointers, global variables, etc.
- C++ does not support built-in code threads due to which the process is slower and complicated.
- The pointers in C++ take up more than the required memory which might not be suitable for some devices.
Understanding C vs C++ with Example
Simple Hello World in C
#include <stdio.h>
int main() { printf("Hello, world!"); return 0;}
Explanation: This C program demonstrates the basic structure of a C program, including the inclusion of a header file (stdio.h for standard input and output functions) and the main function, which is the entry point for C programs. It uses the printf function to print "Hello, world!" to the console.
C++ Program
#include <iostream>
int main() { std::cout << "Hello, world!" << std::endl; return 0;}
Explanation: This C++ program introduces the iostream library, which is used for input and output operations in C++. Instead of the printf function, it uses std::cout along with the insertion operator (<<) to output "Hello, world!" to the console. This example highlights the use of the C++ Standard Library and the shift towards using object-oriented syntax.
Example 2: Class and Object
C++ supports object-oriented programming (OOP), which allows for classes, objects, inheritance, polymorphism, encapsulation, and abstraction. C, being a procedural language, does not support these features directly. Below is an example to illustrate how C++ can utilise classes and objects, a feature not present in C.
C++ Version
#include <iostream>
class Greeter {public: void sayHello() const { std::cout << "Hello, world!" << std::endl; }};
int main() { Greeter greeter; greeter.sayHello(); return 0;}
Explanation: This C++ program defines a Greeter class with a public method sayHello() that prints "Hello, world!" to the console. An object of the Greeter class is created in the main function, and its sayHello method is called. This example demonstrates how C++ supports classes and objects, enabling the encapsulation of data and methods within an object.
Note for C:
Since C does not support classes and objects natively, achieving similar functionality would require the use of structures (struct) and function pointers to simulate object-oriented programming. However, this would be more complex and not as straightforward as in C++.
Example 3: Function Overloading
Function overloading, a feature of C++ that allows multiple functions to have the same name with different parameters, is another aspect that distinguishes C++ from C.
C++ Version
#include <iostream>
void print(int i) { std::cout << "Printing int: " << i << std::endl;}
void print(double f) { std::cout << "Printing double: " << f << std::endl;}
int main() { print(5); print(3.14159); return 0;}
Explanation: This C++ program showcases function overloading by defining two print functions, one taking an int parameter and the other a double. Depending on the argument type, the appropriate print function is called in the main function. This feature enhances flexibility and readability in C++ programs.
Note for C:
C does not support function overloading. Each function in a C program must have a unique name. To achieve similar functionality, you would need to define functions with different names (e.g., printInt, printDouble).
These examples should provide a clear contrast between C and C++, showcasing the simplicity and procedural nature of C against the more complex, object-oriented, and feature-rich capabilities of C++.
Latest Update from C and C++ [updated Dec,23]
As of December 2023, the C programming language remains a significant force in the world of programming. According to the TIOBE Index for December 2023, C is ranked as the second most popular programming language with a rating of 11.44%. This reflects a slight decline from its position earlier in the year, but it still underscores the enduring relevance of C in various programming fields, particularly in systems programming and embedded systems.
The C23 standard, the latest update to the C programming language released in 2023, introduces a range of new features and enhancements. These improvements are designed to make the language more robust, efficient, and compatible with modern programming needs. Here are some of the key updates:
C++23 Updates:
C++23, the latest version of the C++ programming language, is set to replace the current C++20 standard. This new update focuses on refining the language rather than making major changes. Here's a simplified overview:
- Garbage Collection Removed: C++23 will no longer support garbage collection, a feature that wasn't widely used.
- Unicode for Identifiers: It will use the Unicode Standard Annex 31 for naming identifiers, making it clearer what characters can be used and excluding inappropriate ones like emojis.
- Multiple Attributes Allowed: You can now use standard attributes more than once in a list, offering more flexibility.
- Whitespace Handling Improved: C++23 ensures consistent handling of spaces after a backslash in the code.
- Fixed Member Order in Classes: The order of class members will be set based on their declaration order, avoiding confusion.
- Simplified String Concatenation: The update removes complex rules for combining different types of string literals.
- New Features: There are several new additions, such as the 'explicit object parameter', enhanced preprocessor conditionals, and a multidimensional subscript operator.
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Syntax Improvements for Better Readability: The ability to use labels before declarations and other syntax improvements aligns C more closely with modern programming practices, enhancing code clarity and maintainability.
-
C++ Compatibility: By making syntax changes that improve compatibility with C++, C23 reduces the friction in using both languages together in a project. This is particularly beneficial for projects that need to integrate C and C++ codebases.
Compiler support varies, but major compilers like GCC and Clang are already incorporating many of these features.
C23 Proposals:
C23, the upcoming standard for the C language, is also evolving. Here are the main areas of development:
- Clearer Integer Definitions: The new standard aims to have a unified way of describing integer behaviour, such as overflow.
- Unicode in Identifiers: Like C++, C23 intends to use the Unicode Standard Annex 31 for defining valid characters in identifiers.
- Enhanced calloc Function: There are plans to improve calloc to handle cases where calculations may wrap around, enhancing security.
- Safer Programming Practices: Annex K will be revised for better safety in programming, especially in multi-threaded environments.
- Changes to volatile Usage: C23 is looking to deprecate certain uses of the volatile keyword, aligning it with similar changes in C++.
These updates reflect a commitment to making the languages more user-friendly, secure, and consistent with modern programming standards
Google Trends Comparison - C vs C++
Seeing the latest Google Trends of the last 5 years, the worldwide interest in both C and C++ has shown a similar trend. But recently as December 2023 the trend of C has surpassed C++. As per the trend, C Language is gaining more popularity showcasing an increase in popularity and demand.
C vs C++ which one should I learn first in 2024 and Why?
Deciding whether to learn C or C++ first in 2024 can depend on several factors, including your career goals, the complexity of the language, and the type of projects you're interested in. Here's an updated table incorporating some recommended courses for each language:
| Factors | Learning C First | Learning C++ First |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation | Provides a strong base in procedural programming. | Introduces object-oriented concepts early. |
| Complexity | Simpler and more straightforward. | More complex due to advanced features. |
| Career Goals | Ideal for system programming and embedded systems. | Better for application and game development. |
| Learning Curve | Easier for Beginners. | Steeper due to object-oriented concepts. |
| Transition to Other Languages | Eases understanding of other languages, including C++. | Makes transitioning to lower-level concepts in C challenging. |
| Community and Resources | Well-established, but more focused on foundational aspects. | Large and active, with resources for modern development. |
| Future Relevance | Remains relevant for foundational understanding and specific niches. | Continues to be widely relevant for diverse software development. |
| Best Course | C Programming For Beginners - Master the C Language, Rating: 4.4 out of 5 (33,049 ratings) 150,317 students - Bestseller on Udemy Created by: Tim Buchalka's Learn Programming Academy, Jason Fedin. |
Beginning C++ Programming - From Beginner to Beyond, Rating: 4.6 out of 5 (65,711 ratings) 283,072 students Created by: Tim Buchalka's Learn Programming Academy, Dr. Frank Mitropoulos. |
Learning C First: It's recommended for those who are new to programming and want to start with the basics. C's simpler syntax and procedural nature make it easier to grasp foundational programming concepts.
Learning C++ First: Suitable for individuals interested in diving directly into object-oriented programming and working on complex software applications.
Each path has its unique advantages, and the choice ultimately depends on your personal interests and career aspirations. Additionally, there are numerous high-quality online courses available to help you start your journey in either language. These courses range from beginner to advanced levels, offering a comprehensive learning experience with practical projects and hands-on coding.
Explore: Top C Programming Courses
Explore: Highly Recommended C++ Courses
Conclusion
In conclusion, C and C++ are two very different programming languages that have their own unique features and characteristics. The main difference between C and C++ is that C is function-driven procedural language with no support for objects and classes, whereas C++ is a combination of procedural and object-oriented programming languages. Ultimately, the choice between C and C++ depends on the specific needs and goals of your project, and it is important to carefully consider the trade-offs between the two languages before making a decision. We hope this blog helped you understand the features, applications, disadvantages, and differences between C and C++ to decide which language is more suitable for your projects.
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FAQs
What is the difference between C and C++?
The main difference between C and C++ is that C is a procedural programming language that does not support classes and objects. On the other hand, C++ is an extension of C programming with object-oriented programming (OOP) support.
Is C and C++ a compiled or interpreted language?
C and C++ are both compiled languages. This means that code written in C or C++ is transformed by a compiler into machine code that can be executed directly by a computer's hardware, rather than being interpreted at runtime. In contrast, interpreted languages are executed by an interpreter, which reads and executes the source code directly, translating it into machine code on the fly. Compiled languages typically offer faster execution times compared to interpreted languages because the compilation step is done beforehand, optimizing the code for execution.
C and C++ are considered compiled languages due to their language design and the process used to convert code written in these languages into executable programs. Here's a detailed explanation:
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Compilation Process: In compiled languages like C and C++, the code written by the programmer is transformed into machine code through a process called compilation. This process is handled by a program known as a compiler. The compiler takes the source code, analyses it, and then converts it into a machine-readable format, typically an executable file. This file can then be run directly on a computer's hardware.
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Direct Execution: The executable file generated by the compiler contains machine code that is specific to the target platform's hardware architecture. This allows the program to be executed directly by the computer's CPU. This direct execution by the hardware makes programs written in compiled languages like C and C++ generally faster and more efficient compared to those that are interpreted at runtime.
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No Intermediate: Unlike interpreted languages, where code is executed on the fly via an interpreter, compiled languages do not require an intermediary at runtime. Once the compilation is complete, the source code is no longer needed for execution. This direct translation to machine code and the absence of an interpreter at runtime contribute to the efficiency and speed of compiled languages.
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Optimization Opportunities: During the compilation process, the compiler can also perform various optimizations to improve the performance and efficiency of the generated machine code. These optimizations can include removing unnecessary code, optimizing loops, and other improvements that can make the final executable program run faster and use resources more effectively.
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Static Typing: Both C and C++ are statically typed languages, which means the types of variables are known at compile time. This allows for type checking and other analysis to be done during the compilation process, further contributing to the efficiency and correctness of the final executable.
Which programming language to learn first C or C++?
C is a good option for those who want to learn systems-level programming. After gaining familiarity with procedural programming in the C language, you can move on to learning C++. If you are already familiar with OOP concepts or have some knowledge of Java, it will be better to learn C++ first.
Is C still used in 2023?
C is one of the oldest programming languages and is still used by many developers and companies today. It is majorly used for low-level developments such as operating systems and hardware.
Where are C and C++ used?
C is used in the areas where low-level programming languages are required. C programming is used in operating systems, embedded devices, OS kernels, drivers, IoT applications, and more. C++ is widely used for creating graphics-heavy software, game engines, VR applications, and web browsers.
Should I learn Python or C?
In terms of syntax, Python is easier to learn as it has more English-like syntax and a few keywords compared to C programming. Python programs are easy to understand, read, and write. In terms of performance or speed, C programming is more suitable as Python is slower than C.
Can C code be used in C++?
Yes, C code can be used in C++. C++ is designed to be backward-compatible with C, so you can use most C code in a C++ program. However, there are some differences in syntax and semantics, so you may need to make some changes to the code in order to use it in a C++ program.
Can I learn C++ without C? Is C++ hard to learn?
Yes, we can easily learn C++ without understanding C. C is a subset of C++, even if you skip learning C, you will anyways come across the C language while learning C++.
Which is faster C or C++?
Actually, this is dependent on the feature. For example, if we used object-oriented programming features like virtual functions in our C++ program, this program is sure to be slower since there are always extra efforts necessary to maintain virtual tables and other virtual function details. However, if we use standard C++ capabilities, this C++ program and any other C program will run at the same pace. As a result, it is dependent on elements such as the application we are producing, the features we are using, and so on.
What are the advantages of C over C++?
C is a simpler language than C++, which makes it faster and more efficient. C also has a smaller runtime library and produces smaller executables. In addition, C code is more portable than C++ code, since it is less likely to depend on specific features of a particular compiler or operating system.
What are the advantages of C++ over C?
C++ includes features for object-oriented programming that are not available in C, which makes it more flexible and powerful for certain types of applications. C++ also includes features for exception handling, templates, and namespaces, which can make code more modular and easier to maintain.
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