Difference Between C and C++: C and C++ are two of the most popular programming languages in the world. While C is a procedural programming language, C++ is a multi-paradigm language that supports both procedural and object-oriented programming. As such, there are several differences between the two languages in terms of syntax, features, and functionality.
Difference Between C and C++
In this list, we have compiled the Top 50 differences between C and C++, presented in a tabular format for easy comparison. These Differences Between C and C++ range from basic language syntax and data types to more advanced concepts such as object-oriented programming, inheritance, and polymorphism. Understanding the concept of C Vs C++ is essential for experienced, as well as freshers. By knowing these Difference Between C and C++, developers can make informed decisions about which language is best suited for their specific programming needs.
C Vs C++ | What is the Difference?
What is C?
C is a popular high-level, general-purpose programming language that was initially created by Dennis Ritchie at Bell Labs in the 1970s. This procedural language is utilized to develop sophisticated applications such as operating systems, device drivers, and embedded systems. The language is highly regarded for its efficiency, portability, and low-level control, which makes it a preferred choice for system-level programming. It comes with powerful features like pointers, arrays, and structures, which enable developers to manipulate memory directly and optimize code for performance. Due to its significant influence on other programming languages, C is still widely used today, and mastering it is an essential skill for many software developers.
What is C++?
C++ is a powerful, general-purpose programming language that was developed as an extension of the C programming language. It is widely used for developing software applications and system software, including operating systems, device drivers, embedded software, and video games. C++ offers a rich set of features, including object-oriented programming, template support, and low-level memory manipulation, making it a versatile language that can be used for a variety of tasks. Its syntax is similar to that of C, but with additional features that allow for more powerful and expressive programming. Overall, C++ is a popular choice for developers who require a high level of control over their programs and need to write efficient, high-performance code.
Top 50 differences between C and C++
Here are the top 50 differences between C and C++, highlighting the distinctions that make each language unique.
No. | C | C++ |
1. | Procedural Programming Language | Object-Oriented Programming Language |
2. | No built-in support for classes and objects | Has built-in support for classes and objects |
3. | Supports functional programming paradigms | Supports both functional and object-oriented programming paradigms |
4. | Uses top-down approach in program design | Uses bottom-up approach in program design |
5. | Pointers are the primary way to manipulate data | Supports pointers and references to manipulate data |
6. | No support for function overloading | Supports function overloading |
7. | No support for operator overloading | Supports operator overloading |
8. | Does not have exception handling | Has built-in support for exception handling |
9. | Does not have a standard template library | Has a standard template library |
10. | Uses ‘struct’ keyword to define structures | Uses both ‘struct’ and ‘class’ keywords to define structures |
11. | No support for namespaces | Supports namespaces |
12. | No support for inline functions | Supports inline functions |
13. | No support for const member functions | Supports const member functions |
14. | Does not have virtual functions | Has virtual functions |
15. | No support for function templates | Supports function templates |
16. | Does not have default arguments | Supports default arguments |
17. | Does not have reference variables | Supports reference variables |
18. | No support for bool data type | Supports bool data type |
19. | No support for operator keywords | Supports operator keywords |
20. | Does not have built-in string data type | Has built-in string data type |
21. | Does not have a bool keyword | Has a bool keyword |
22. | Does not support templates for classes | Supports templates for classes |
23. | Does not have a ‘new’ operator for dynamic memory allocation | Has a ‘new’ operator for dynamic memory allocation |
24. | No support for exception specifications | Supports exception specifications |
25. | Does not support friend functions for classes | Supports friend functions for classes |
26. | No support for abstract classes | Supports abstract classes |
27. | Does not have a ‘delete’ operator | Has a ‘delete’ operator |
28. | Does not have built-in support for threads | Has built-in support for threads |
29. | Does not have a built-in Boolean data type | Has a built-in Boolean data type |
30. | Does not have the ‘this’ keyword | Has the ‘this’ keyword |
31. | Does not have built-in support for exceptions | Has built-in support for exceptions |
32. | Does not have a standard template library | Has a standard template library |
33. | Does not have built-in support for constructors | Has built-in support for constructors |
34. | Does not have built-in support for destructors | Has built-in support for destructors |
35. | Does not have built-in support for operator overloading | Has built-in support for operator overloading |
36. | Does not have built-in support for function overloading | Has built-in support for function overloading |
37. | Does not have built-in support for type casting operators | Has built-in support for type casting operators |
38. | Does not have built-in support for inheritance | Has built-in support for inheritance |
39. | Does not have built-in support for polymorphism | Has built-in support for polymorphism |
40. | Does not have built-in support for encapsulation | Has built-in support for encapsulation |
41. | Does not have built-in support for data hiding | Has built-in support for data hiding |
42. | Does not have built-in support for function templates | Has built-in support for function templates |
43. | Does not have built-in support for template classes | Has built-in support for template classes |
44. | Does not have built-in support for const keyword | Has built-in support for const keyword |
45. | Does not have built-in support for the ‘mutable’ keyword | Has built-in support for the ‘mutable’ keyword |
46. | Does not have built-in support for virtual functions | Has built-in support for virtual functions |
47. | Does not have built-in support for abstract classes | Has built-in support for abstract classes |
48. | Does not have built-in support for friend functions | Has built-in support for friend functions |
49. | Does not have built-in support for namespaces | Has built-in support for namespaces |
50. | Does not have built-in support for exception handling | Has built-in support for exception handling |
Conclusion: C vs C++
The differences between C and C++ are numerous and significant, ranging from basic syntax and data types to advanced object-oriented programming concepts. While C is a powerful procedural language that is widely used for system programming and embedded systems, C++ offers additional features that make it suitable for complex software development, including support for object-oriented programming, templates, and exception handling. While both languages have their advantages and disadvantages, developers should choose the language that best suits their specific needs and programming goals. Ultimately, mastering either language can lead to a rewarding and fulfilling career in software development.
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