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Difference between C and C++

Last updated at 18-10-2022

C and C++ are two of the oldest computer programming languages. This means through C and C++ you can instruct the computer to do certain tasks. C was introduced in 1969 and C++ was later introduced in 1979 as a better version of C. They are responsible for all advancements that we see today in programming.

C was more of a procedural language while C++ is both object-oriented and procedural. C was not only the motivator for the birth of its better version C++ but also inspired today's high-end programming languages like Java, Python, and PHP. C was the pioneer of them all.

What is C?

C was the father of all programming languages. C was first introduced in 1969 and was developed by Dennis Ritchie while working at AT&T Bell Labs. Its primary purpose was to make utilities that were able to run on the Unix platform until it evolved and is now the most popular and widely used programming language in the world.

C is called a compiled language which means when you write your C program you must run it through the C compiler which will make your program into an executable form making it easier for your computer to run it.

C will give you the best control and efficiency and is easier to learn even though there are many programming languages available these days.

What is C++

C++ on the other hand was developed by Bjarne and was introduced in 1979. Bjarne was developing C++ while he was AT&T Bell Labs and he wanted to develop C++ as a successor of C, a more efficient and lighter version.

C++ runs on multiple platforms like Windows, UNIX and Mac OS and is used to develop applications and operating systems.

C++ is popularly used for developing games since it’s close to the hardware and provides procedural programming over CPU. It can also work around the complexities of 3D games and is the number one choice for many game developers.

Many applications like Adobe’s Photoshop, Illustrator are developed using C++. Apple OS X and Windows Software had some of its parts written in C++ too.

Difference between C and C++

Application Development

C will be a good option for system level codes and embedded devices while in comparison C++ is the best choice for developing games, server-side applications and networking.

Even though C provides these qualities, C++ is one step ahead in speed, reliability and execution which makes C++ the better option.

Different Types

C is being a procedure-oriented programming language and follows a top-down approach. It starts with high level designs and ends with low level designs. In top to down approach the main function is written first and all the other sub functions come under the main function.

C++ on the other hand is totally opposite in this regard and is more object-oriented which follows a bottom-up approach. In this approach you first start on the low-level design and then move towards the high-level design. The codes developed in modules are then to be integrated with the main function.

But in modern times both of the approaches are required to develop software’s so that you can take advantage of the combination.

Differences In Compatibility

C being a subset of C++ and C++ being a superset of C, C++ is able to run almost most of the C codes but C compiler cannot execute C++ codes. This means there is no backward compatibility but you still can use your C code on C++.

C programming language has no compatibility with other programming languages while C++ provides this feature and is compatible with other programming languages.

Data Security and Encapsulation

C programming language is not supported by encapsulation therefore you are not able to hide data and data becomes unsafe which means it can be misused and altered. C++ on the other hand binds together the data and function making it more secured and information can be hidden easily.

C++ being an object-oriented programming language is capable of hiding variables so no external user can access or modify them. C on the other hand lacks in this area and does not have the capability to hide variables and anyone can access them and is at high risk by some malicious code.

Data Types and File Extensions

C supports primitive data type and in comparison, C++ supports user defined data types as well as primitive data type. C++ also features Strings and Boolean as built in data types and C just sticks to the primitive data type.

C++ program is saved as a .cpp file extension while C is saved as .c extension.

Polymorphism

Since C++ is object-oriented one of its features is that it supports polymorphism. With polymorphism a member function can play a role of executing a distinct function based on the type of the object that invokes the function. Polymorphism usually occurs in C++ when their classes are related to each other.

C on the other hand does not support polymorphism and this might be a limitation for many developers.

Scope

C is more of a general programming language which primary focuses on system programming and is the best option for embedded systems. C++ in comparison is great for application development and many applications use both C and C++ in their development.

Conclusion

Both of these programming languages are two of the best options for you if you are starting with programming. Having command on C and C++ is going to open a lot of opportunities for you and it’ll be easier for you to move to a different programming language like Java, PHP and python.


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