What is the difference between C#, C++, and C?
A short word about the difference between C# and C++ programming languages
If you’re interested in a career in programming, it can be difficult to know where to start. There are a wide variety of programming languages that you can use to get started. Of course, in the meantime, you may come across programming languages that you don’t know the difference between. Therefore, we have collected materials for you that explain the difference between C# and C++ programming languages.
You’ve probably heard of three variations of the C programming language. Before you choose one to learn, you should understand the differences between C#, C++, and C, so stay tuned.
What is the C programming language?
We will start with the C programming language because it is older and more widely used than the other two programming languages (C#, C++). Dennis Ritchie invented it in 1972 and published it in 1978. Ritchie designed it to develop a new version of Unix.
At that time, Unix operating systems used assembly language, which provided the lowest level of computer readability. The invention of C forever created a revolution in programming and operating systems, which, as the programmers of the past say: this revolution created a historical revolution in operating systems and programming.
C is still a low-level programming language that works almost as efficiently as assembly code. This programming language provides access to the base level of computer memory and requires less time for the program to run smoothly.
C programming language
Although the C programming language was published almost 40 years ago, it is still considered one of the most widely used programming languages today. Programmers still use this programming language in operating systems, kernel-level software, hardware drivers, and programs that must be written in legacy code.
What is C++ programming language?
C++ is a programming language developed from C, created by a student in Denmark named Bjarne Stroustrup. His main goal in doing this was to increase the efficiency of C language and add object-oriented programming capabilities without losing speed and efficiency.
C++ is considered an intermediate-level programming language because it builds on the low-level C language but has more advanced features. Since its initial release in 1985, C++ has become another very popular programming language. C++ language along with C language help each other in the development of operating systems.
If you have a good foundation in the C programming language, it will be much easier to understand C++. If you want to move towards object-oriented programming, you can still learn C++ as your first language.
What is C# programming language?
C# (pronounced “C Sharp”) is a high-level, object-oriented programming language, also developed as a C extension. This language was created by a team at Microsoft led by Anders Hejlsberg in 2002. This database is located in . NET. Its main framework and backbone is still dependent on the C language.
C# can enter byte code instead of machine code. This means that this language can be run on virtual computers so that it can translate and make machine code readable.
C# is usually used in internal or enterprise applications rather than commercial software. The C# language is technically a bit more complex but faster than the other two languages (C++ and C).
The difference between C# and C++ programming languages
C and C++ are remarkably similar programming languages, although there are still many differences between them. But on the other hand, C# has more in common with languages like Java. Here’s an easy guide to understanding the differences between C#, C++, and C that we’re going to cover.
The difference between C and C++
To fully understand the differences between C and C++, you must first understand what object-oriented programming is. The term object-oriented, as it relates to programming, originated at MIT in the late 1950s or early 1960s.
Object-oriented programming (or OOP) uses a concept called “objects”. An object is an instance of a “class” or a program-code pattern. A class can consist of data or code procedures, also known as methods.
The difference between C and C++
The main programming language C is not object-oriented, which is the main difference between these two programming languages. C is a “procedural” programming language, while C++ is a hybrid language that combines procedural and object-oriented languages.
The key differences between C and C++ are:
C++ is built as an extension of C, which means it can run most C code. However, the opposite is not true, and C cannot execute C++ codes.
As an object-oriented language, C++ supports polymorphism, encapsulation, and inheritance, while C does not.
In C, data and functions are “free entities”, meaning that you can associate them with external code. Because C++ encapsulates data and functions together in a single object, data structures and operators are hidden in external code.
Object-oriented programming focuses on the relationships between classes that link together into a large executable binary, while component-oriented programming uses interchangeable code modules that work by themselves and do not require knowledge of their internal functions.
The key differences between C# and C++ are:
C++ is compiled into machine code, while C# is compiled into the CLR, which is interpreted by ASP.NET.
C++ requires you to manually manage memory, but C# runs in a virtual machine that can handle memory management automatically.
C# does not use pointers, while C++ can use pointers anywhere.
C++ can create standalone and console programs. C# can create the console, Windows, ASP.NET, and mobile applications but cannot generate standalone applications.
The difference between C and C#
Although C and C# are technically very similar, they are very different languages. Having a background in C can be helpful for learning C# because some of the styles are similar.
Which programming language should we learn first?
Now that you have found a correct understanding of the difference between C#, C++, and C, the question may arise, which one should I choose to learn first?!
If you have never learned how to program before, many computer science experts recommend learning C first because it is not only very simple, but also less complex than other languages.
As you read earlier, you realized that the majority of languages (#C and C++) take their main features from C, such as if you master English completely, it will be easier for you to understand other languages as well.
Intermediate programmers
If you are already familiar with some programming concepts and have already learned to code in other languages, you may want to start with C++ first. Today, object-oriented programming languages are much more common than procedural languages, and if you already have experience in OOP, you will find it easier to learn C++.
Advanced programmers
If you’ve already learned several programming languages and just want to increase your skill level, choosing among the three C languages depends on what you want to get out of the experience. Some young programmers prefer to study C as a way to learn the basics of coding. If your main desire is to get into .NET and web software development, C# is your best choice.
As a widely used programming language, C++ is always being developed and improved. Here are some of the latest C++ news:
C++20:
C++20 or C++2a is a new version of C++ language released in 2020. This version includes new features such as Concepts, changes in Byte Strings, performance enhancements for concurrent code, and many other features.
Modules:
A new feature called Modules has been introduced in C++20. This feature allows programmers to directly access the code they need instead of using include. This feature can help improve the efficiency and speed of C++ programs.
C++23:
C++23 or C++2b is the next version of the C++ language that is currently under development. This version includes features such as increased efficiency, changes in concepts, improved fundamentals, and help in developing concurrent programs.
Concepts:
Concepts is one of the new features introduced in C++20. This feature allows programmers to specify the functionality they need for a specific type of input data. This feature can help develop dynamic and extensible code.
Changes regarding byte strings:
In C++20, changes have been made to Byte Strings that allow programmers to improve the handling of byte strings and provide better performance for programs that use these strings.
Changes regarding compatibility:
In C++20, changes have been made to concurrency that allow programmers to develop concurrent programs more easily and with better performance. These changes include improved access to concurrent variables, improved concurrent resource management, increased efficiency in concurrent, and many other features.
New libraries:
In C++20 and C++23, several new libraries have been added that provide programmers with new features. Some of these libraries include network programming library, gaming programming library, cryptographic programming library, and matrix programming library.
Overall, C++ is still developing and improving, and programmers should be familiar with the latest features and changes in this programming language in order to get the best performance and functionality in their programs.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between C# and C++ makes it much easier to choose which languages to focus on. All of them have their own advantages and disadvantages, here it just depends on you for what work and experiences you want to learn them.