Python vs C++
The discussion of Python vs. C++ is an intriguing subject since both programming languages are very different in terms of syntax, simplicity, use, and overall programming approach. While both are great in their own right, the confusion between C++ and Python has arisen for quite some time. Hence, people find it challenging to choose which programming language to use for their software development needs.
Python and C++ are both programming languages used for general-purpose programming. But they differ from each other in many ways. While C++ is developed from the C language, it has multiple paradigms. And provides compilation features, Python is one of the high-level programming languages. A variable can be used directly without being declared while writing code in Python. In C++, the single program must be compiled on every operating system that runs the code. Python lets you ‘write once, run anywhere’, which allows the code to run on all the operating systems with Python installed.
A question that people who are starting are primarily interested in is whether Python is easier than C++. Yes, Python is more beginner-friendly, while C++ is a bit complicated and a low-level language. It is mainly because C++ has more syntax rules and other programming conventions. At the same time, Python intends to mimic the regular English language. Regarding their usability, Python is the best language for machine learning and data analysis, and C++ is a good option for game development and extensive systems. But let’s not jump the gun and get into their detailed study before deciding.
So let’s have an Introduction about Python vs C++
Python
Python was created in 1991 as a general-purpose, high-level programming language. The underlying goal behind creating Python was its simplicity. Right now, it ranks as one of the simplest languages to learn—in fact, it is closer to common English. Python is known for its simplicity. It utilizes a lot of whitespaces to make its code easily understandable, providing a pleasant experience to a Python developer.
Features like indentation help make the code readable and appealing, and library functions make it very powerful, particularly for beginners. Another prominent feature of Python is that it is an interpreted language, meaning the Python code is not converted to machine-readable code at runtime. It is also a top language in IEEE’s 2018 Top Programming Languages. That is why Python is so popular and easy to work with, making it a powerful and profitable language in the industry.
C++
Introduced by Bjarne Stroustrup in 1979, C++ is also a high-level, general-purpose programming language. It is an upgrade to C, which was initially known as ‘C with classes’. It was the first time object-oriented programming was introduced in C. C++ is a general-purpose language usually used in C++ software development for large and complex systems. This language is the most portable among other programming languages and is preferred by top software development companies in India.
The main variation in the discussion of Python vs C++ is that the C++ source code needs to be converted into machine code. Python follows a different method as it is interpreted. The interpretation of code is usually slower than running code directly on the machine. Between these two languages, C++ is rather tough to learn. But despite posing learning difficulties, C++ programming features make it highly flexible, which gives C++ developers substantial control over everything in the computer, even memory allocation, which is impossible to control in Python.
Difference between Python and C++
- Ease of Learning
- Speed
- Memory Management
- Compilation
- Readability
- Variable declaration
- Functions
Ease of Learning
One of the major factors for beginners is the ease of learning. If the programming language is hard, it becomes difficult for the programmer to learn. Python’s syntax is similar to English, so it is very easy to learn. On the other hand, C++ is based on object-oriented concepts that deal with memory allocation. If we write the wrong program in C++, then that can also destroy the system.
Speed
C++ is faster than Python. Python is written in the C programming language, so memory management is very difficult in Python. In C++, we can allocate memory to variables and deallocate the memory when the variable is no longer used in the code.
Memory Management
In C++, we need to allocate memory to the new variables and deallocate it whenever the variable is no longer required. Failure to do so can lead to a memory leak. Therefore, we can say that C++ does not provide built-in garbage collection and dynamic memory management. On the other hand, Python provides the built-in garbage collection and dynamic memory management mechanism, i.e., it allocates and deallocates the memory on its own.
Compilation
Python is an interpreted programming language, so it requires an interpreter during compilation. On the other hand, C++ is a pre-compiled programming language, so it does not need an interpreter during compilation.
Readability
C++ has a complex syntax that is difficult to read and write. It follows programming rules, like using curly brackets and a semicolon at the end of a statement. On the other hand, Python does not follow these programming rules. It uses indentation rules similar to English; this indentation allows the programmer to understand the code more easily.
Variable declaration
In C++, we need to declare the variable by mentioning the type and name of the variable before using it. Therefore, C++ is a statically typed programming language. On the other hand, Python is a dynamically typed programming language, meaning we do not need to declare a variable before using it.
Functions
In C++, the function accepts and returns the type of value according to the pre-defined definition. For example, suppose we have a function int add(int a, int b). This function will accept only integer values as an argument and return an integer value. On the other hand, in Python, there is no limitation on the type of the argument and the type of its return value.
Let’s have a look at a brief comparison between Python and C++
| C++ | Python |
|---|---|
| It is a high-level and pre-compiled programming language that allows you to do procedural programming. | It is a high-level and interpreted programming language used to develop all types of projects. |
| And it is not easy to learn because of its complex syntax. | It is easy to learn, as it does not follow any programming rules. It follows the indentation rules, which are very similar to English. |
| It does not contain a garbage collector. | In addition, it contains the garbage collector. |
| Also, it is a pre-compiled programming language, so it does not require an interpreter during compilation. | It is an interpreted programming language requiring a compiler to run the program. |
| It is a statically typed programming language. | It is a dynamically typed programming language. |
| The variable is declared by mentioning the type of the variable. | It does not require the declaration of a variable. |
| The function that accepts the value as an argument and returns the type of the value will depend on the definition of the function. | The function does not have any restriction on the type of the parameter and the return type. |
| Installation is easy. | It is not easy to install Python on Windows. |
| Variables inside the loop are not accessible outside the loop. | Variables inside the loop are also accessible outside the loop. |
| It has long lines of code as compared to Python. | It contains fewer lines of code compared to C++. |
| Also, it supports both procedural and object-oriented programming. | It supports procedural, object-oriented, and functional programming. |
| It contains 52 keywords. | Also, it contains 33 keywords. |
| In C++, the programmer must manually allocate and deallocate the new variable when no longer required. | Python performs the allocation. |
Conclusion
One of the perks for C++ programmers who are getting into Python is that learning it should be quite easy for them. Python follows simple conventions that are not too hard to understand in a considerably short time. However, when it comes to the subject of Python vs. C++, learning C++ for Python programmers is different since C++ is more intricate and requires more contemplation and study.
Comparing Python and C++ leads to one conclusion: In terms of simplicity, Python is easier to use and has a great support system for AI and ML frameworks. With this conclusion, it’s also important to mention the performance of C++, as it is much faster than Python. After all, Python is an interpreted language that cannot stand up to compiled languages such as C++.
