If you're new to programming, determining where to begin might be difficult. There is an infinite number of programming languages available. Some are so similarly titled that it's difficult to tell them apart, such as C# and C++.
Because learning a programming language requires time and research, it's beneficial to choose which one would work best for you before you begin, while the information gained from learning one can help you learn other languages more readily in the future. We'll compare C++ vs C# in this post to help you decide which programming language is right for you.
The evolution of C++ and C#
C++ is several years older than C#. Bjarne Stroustrup designed C++ in 1985 as an extension to the C programming language. He desired to enhance the C language's features and object-oriented capabilities while keeping the language's famed speed and efficiency. Making the language object-oriented resulted in more modular, less complicated, and reusable code. Additionally, it would expedite development. C++'s popularity soared, and it quickly became the language of choice for applications requiring high performance.
C# is a C programming language extension. Microsoft introduced it in 2000 to compete with Java and built it to operate on Microsoft's.NET framework. Additionally, it is an object-oriented language with all of the associated advantages. For many years, it was the sole programming language supported by the Windows operating system and was one of the most popular on that platform. Now that C# is supported by the.NET core runtime on Windows, Mac, and Linux, it has become a prevailing language on all of these platforms.
How similar are C++ and C#?
Given that both C++ and C# are extensions of the C programming language, the two languages have certain similarities:
- Based on the C programming language: This implies that both languages have the same grammar. Both use brackets to denote blocks of code and need semicolons at the end of lines.
- Object-Oriented Language: Both of these programming languages are object-oriented in nature. This means that both languages enable the development of modular, adaptive, and reusable code.
- Compiled: C++ and C# are both compiled languages. This implies that after the code is complete, it must be run through a compiler to transform it to an executable file that can operate independently on the platform for which it was created. For instance, you may generate a Windows executable file in any language.
What distinguishes C# from C++?
While C# and C++ have certain commonalities, they also have a plethora of differences:
- Performance: C++ code is much faster than C# code. Compilation of C++ programs enables them to communicate directly with the hardware of a particular operating system. C# programs are generated for the.NET runtime, which adds overhead and slows down apps by erecting a barrier between your code and the hardware.
- Compiler warnings: If the syntax is right, C++ will build any code. However, since it is a low-level language, it is easy to create code that is detrimental to the operating system or hardware. C# has compiler warnings that inform you when you write potentially problematic code.
- Garbage collection: C# manages your memory for you, automatically deleting items that are no longer required. In C++, you must manage memory on your own and are prone to creating memory leaks if you are unfamiliar with the language.
- Binary Size: Although both languages convert your code to a binary file, they do it in somewhat different ways. C++ programs are built for a particular platform and contain just the libraries required for that platform to execute your code. C# was created to interact with the.NET framework. Because most of the framework is included in the built binary, even if your individual code does not need it, C++ executables are smaller than C# executables.
As a result of these distinctions, there are also distinctions in the kind of applications that each language is well-suited for. That will be our later topic of discussion.
Which language, C# or C++, should you use?
Typically, this choice is made based on whether you want high-performance software or a more streamlined development process. If performance is a primary concern, C++ is the way to go. If speed is not critical, you prefer not to get mired down in the intricacies, and you want the project completed fast, you should choose C#.
- Applications for The Desktop
C# was built initially for Windows and makes use of the.NET framework. This framework includes all of the pre-built tools necessary to construct a desktop application's graphical user interface (GUI). While it is feasible to create desktop apps in C++, the process is much more time-consuming and difficult. You must utilize a third-party graphical user interface library, which might be as complicated as the programming language itself. As a result, C# is often the superior option for desktop applications.
- Development of Video Games
Video games are both CPU and memory-heavy, and 3D video games need interaction with the computer's graphics processing unit (GPU). C++'s performance advantages make it one of the most popular programming languages for game creation. While C# may be used to make games using the Unity framework, the majority of popular video games are developed in C++.
While website performance is important, the added speed provided by a language like C++ is not worth the effort required to design a web application using it. C# is a popular option for web development because it enables the creation of web applications on both the Windows and Linux platforms.
- Internet of Things Devices
Smartwatches, televisions, automobiles, appliances, and medical equipment are all examples of IoT gadgets. Due to the fact that the hardware is integrated inside the device, these devices have restricted computational resources. C++ enables developers to manage operations at the hardware level and is, in most instances, the only language that these devices support.
Increase your knowledge of C# and C++
If you're interested in learning a higher-level programming language that takes care of some of the heavy lifting — such as memory management — and you're interested in developing desktop apps, online applications, and server software for Linux or Windows, C# may be a good fit. You may begin learning C# right now with Learn C#.
If you want to learn a high-performance low-level programming language that is used to program operating systems, video games, and a plethora of other types of hardware, you might choose C++ and our Learn C++ course. Additionally, you may learn more about the applications of C++ on our blog.
What decision did you make? Which is better, C# or C++? Of course, you can always study both at the same time!
