C vs. C++ : What separates them ?

Cryptify
5 min readOct 5, 2023

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In this article/story, we will first explore the similarities between C and C++. By understanding these similarities, we can then explore the differences between them. Let’s begin.

Similarities of C and C++ :

C and C++ have many similarities, as C++ was developed as an extension of the C programming language. Here are some key similarities :

1. Syntax : C++ shares most of its coding style with C, so they look quite similar in terms of basic programming elements like loops, conditionals and functions.

2. Low-Level Capabilities : Both C and C++ provide powerful tools for managing memory, manipulating pointers, and accessing hardware directly, for low-level programming tasks. It is useful.

3. Compilation : Both are compiled languages, meaning the code is converted to machine language before being run, resulting in efficient programs.

4. Standard Libraries : C++ includes the C Standard Library, so you can use C libraries in C++ without changing them, which is great for reusing existing code.

5. Compatibility : You can mix C code in C++ projects, allowing a seamless transition or use both languages ​​in one project.

6. Performance Control : Both languages ​​give you fine control over system resources and memory, ideal for high performance applications.

7. Pointers : Both support pointers for direct memory handling, but C++ adds safe options like references and smart pointers.

8. Data Types : They share basic data types like int, float, and arrays, making it easy to switch between them.

9. Operator Overloading : In C++, you can define custom behavior for operators like + and -, which is not possible in C.

10. Function Overloading : C++ lets you have functions with the same name but different parameters, not an option in C.

11. Object Oriented Feature : C++ extends C by adding Object Oriented Programming (OOP) capabilities such as classes, inheritance, and polymorphism. You can choose to use them or not according to your needs.

While C and C++ have these similarities, C++ provides additional features and abstractions that make it a more versatile language for modern software development, especially in areas such as OOP and general programming. However, the choice between C and C++ depends on the specific needs of a project.

Difference between C and C++ :

In the world of programming, we have two powerful languages: C and C++. C is like a wise old sage, known for its simplicity and control over hardware. C++ is its younger brother, which brings fancy things like object-oriented programming. In this comparison, we’ll look at their differences in syntax, memory, features, and more. By the end, you’ll know when to use C and when to switch to C++ on your coding adventures.

1. How They Work :

  • C : C is like building with simple blocks. It basically uses a step-by-step approach.
  • C++ : C++ is like having fancy Lego pieces. It can use blocks like C but also has specialized pieces to build more complex objects.

2. Writing Code :

  • C : Writing code in C is straightforward. It does not have any special methods for creating objects such as complex structures.
  • C++ : C++ adds additional rules for creating objects and using them in your code.

3. Managing Memory :

  • C : In C, you have to tell the computer when to use memory and release it manually.
  • C++ : C++ helps you manage memory automatically when you create and destroy objects.

4. Libraries :

  • C : C has its own set of tools (like a basic toolkit).
  • C++ : C++ includes the core toolkit of C and adds a large set of tools, including a collection of ready-made fragments (standard template library).

5. Functions :

  • C : C does not allow you to have functions with the same name but different jobs.
  • C++ : In C++, you can have functions with the same name, but each one does a different thing depending on what you call it.

6. Specific Symptoms :

  • C: C doesn’t let you change the meaning of symbols like + and -.
  • C++ : In C++, you can create + and — different objects for your specific Lego pieces.

7. Tackling Problems :

  • C : C has no built-in methods for handling errors in your code.
  • C++ : C++ gives you tools to handle errors or problems that may occur while your code is running.

8. Compatibility :

  • C : Code written in C can usually run easily on different computers.
  • C++ : C++ can be a bit difficult to work on different computers due to its extra features.

9. When to use them :

  • C : Use C when you need to control low-level things, like talking to hardware.
  • C++ : Use C++ when you want to create complex software, such as games or large applications, and use objects to make your code more organized.

10. History :

  • C : C was developed by Dennis Ritchie at the Bell Laboratories in 1972.
  • C++ : C++ was developed by Bjarne Stroustrup, as an extension to the C language.

Simply put, C is like a basic language that takes a step-by-step approach. On the other hand, C++ is like the older brother of C that adds extra features like working with objects and comes with more tools to use. Which one to choose depends on what you need for your project and how you like to code.

To summarize, we have seen the main difference between C and C++ programming languages. C is straightforward and perfect for low-level things like operating systems. C++, on the other hand, is very good about things like classes and object-oriented tricks, which make it useful for a wide variety of programs. Knowing these differences helps programmers choose the right tool for the job, which means they can build better software faster.

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