C vs. C++

C and C++ programming language is the most active topic in the technology industry and debate. They are very different, but they also have some limitations in their functionality. Both these programming languages have their own strengths and weaknesses as well. 

So let’s investigate C vs. C++ based on their similarities and differences!

Comparing C and C++ 

C is medium-level, while C++ is a high-level programming language used to write applications for various platforms. While both languages use a similar syntax, they differ in their focus: C focuses on low-level programming, while C++ focuses on object-oriented programming. Another difference is their code structure, limitations, memory function, and flexibility!

C is a medium-level language that gives access to basic low-level ideas like memory addresses and dynamic memory management. Other programming languages conceal these ideas.

C++ is a general-purpose programming language. It can create both simple utility programs and complex distributed systems.

Similarities

C and C++ are both programming languages widely used globally. So let’s take a closer look at their common grounds.

1. Similar Basic Syntax

Both fundamental syntaxes of C and C++ are the same. Most of the operators and keywords 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 more extended syntax.

Static variables, file-scope, and stack and heap concepts are all the same. Both let you use preprocessor macros to accomplish strange programming.

Overall, the same code can be written in C++, compiled, and run at the same speed as in C!

2. Comparable Code Structure

In both C and C++, the code structure is identical. Compiled separately but using the same primary method of preprocessor-included header files for interface export in both languages. 

C is a subset of C++. Therefore, C++ consists of all of C. Most C code can be executed by C++, whereas the C compiler cannot run C++ code.

Since the imperative code structure of coding is similar to that of C, learning C++ typically takes the same time or slightly longer as mastering C!

3. Hardware Resemblances

Hardware Resemblances

Both programming languages have a rudimentary memory model that closely resembles the hardware.

As well, both languages support,

  • direct memory management,
  • high speed, 
  • and low-level access to hardware and bytes 

This makes it highly helpful when low-level software support is required, as hardware and software are closely related!

Differences

After learning about the similarities between C and C++, let’s move on to the distinctions.

1. Programming Style Variations

C is simple and presents an easier-to-use structured programming language than assembly. 

Because C is compiled, the final piece of code is often relatively compact, which makes it ideal for embedded devices.

On the other side, C++ is fierce. Classes, templates, operator overloading, type inference, and many more sophisticated ideas are supported.

Overall, C is a procedural programming language and does not support classes and objects, whereas C++ is a hybrid language that combines procedural and object-oriented programming!

2. Limitations in C vs. C++

C has a lot of restrictions when compared to C++. 

For example, it is impossible to use Object Oriented Programming (OOPs) concepts in C. In addition, C does not support operational overloading. Therefore, it is unable to utilize structure-internal functions. 

At the same time, C++ might be more suited for development projects needing more intricacy than C, such as complicated applications.

In contrast, C might be better suited for modest, straightforward utility development!

3. Memory Functions

Input-output, GUI programming, and address memory operations differ between the two languages.

For instance, C handles memory allocation and deallocation using the calloc(), malloc(), and free() method, while new and delete are used in C++.

C++ supports cross-platform software and applications for exchanging information with the computer, known as GUI programming using Qt tools. In contrast, C supports the GTK tool. 

Another distinction is that you can define C++ variables at any point in the program. However, in C, one must declare all variables at the program’s top.

4. Flexibility and Reliability

Some programmers claim that the C programming language is unreliable.

It allows you to do several naive codings that can lead to bugs or even the destruction of your program, such as corrupting memory.

On the other hand, the term “multi-paradigm” is often used in C++. This is because C++ also has procedural aspects, even though we classify it as an object-oriented language.

Since C solely adheres to procedural logic, meaning it adheres to an orderly set of commands, C++ has greater flexibility than C!

Learn more: is C programming hard? or is C++ hard to learn?

Conclusion

Ultimately, you need to understand how these two languages function if you want to work as a computer programmer. 

Despite their similarities, C and C++ have their own functions and applications!