In short, Python and C++ are both object-oriented and general-purpose programming languages, but there are notable differences between the two. C++ is unique as it can be both a high-level and low-level programming language. However, Python syntax is forgiving and easier for beginners to use.
According to PYPL, an online ranking of programming language popularity, Python is the most popular programming language in the world. In sixth place on that same list is C++. Python has rocketed ahead in the past year (even surpassing Java), especially because of how useful it is for data science and artificial intelligence.
C++ is the backbone for a massive swath of software and is still in heavy use for software development today.
Both Python and C++ are very popular and useful tools in any programmer’s toolbelt. Let’s compare the two.
What is Python Used For?
Python is a general-purpose, high-level, multi-paradigm, interpreted language. It is dynamically typed and garbage collected. Because it is high level and dynamically typed, Python is considered one of the easier languages to learn. It is a great first language for new coders.
Python is typically an interpreted scripting language and therefore has no compile step. Furthermore, the debugger is built into the interpreter, making Python excellent for quickly testing code.
What is C++ Used For?
C++ is the evolution of C, or C with classes. It’s an object-oriented, general-purpose, compiled language. C++ has the advantages of being both a high- and low-level language. It has high-level architecture and many high-level features while also possessing low-level accessibility. C++ is a statically typed language, which means the data types must be declared and considered at all times.
C++ was created to be fast and portable like C, along with an easier coding experience. It is widely used for game design, computer operating systems, and even compilers and interpreters for other languages.
Comparing Python vs C++
Let’s examine the differences between these two languages, looking at typing and syntax, performance, and implementation.
Python and C++ Typing and Syntax
When it comes to typing, C++ and Python are very different. Python is a dynamically-typed, multi-paradigm language with easier syntax rules. C++, however, is much stricter. While C++ syntax isn’t as touchy as C, the former is an object-oriented programming language. C++ is also statically typed.
Static typing means that you must declare and strictly adhere to every data type used. In addition, C++ is simply more rigorously structured. To achieve the same result, C++ programs typically require more lines of code than Python programs do.
Consequently, most programmers will agree that C++ is harder to learn than Python. That said, some people think that learning the hard way makes for better programmers, so C++ isn’t a bad choice for a first programming language either.
Overall, Python is a very accommodating language; your coding can be object-oriented or procedural. Your data types do not need to be declared. Python is automatically garbage collected, this frees up unused memory without extra work on the programmer’s part. C++ does allow you to use some C syntax, but in doing so, you would lose out on some of the high-level object-oriented features that come with C++.
Other big differences between C++ and Python are readability and delineation. C++, like many languages, uses curly braces ({}) to tell the compiler that certain lines of code are different or separated. Python, on the other hand, uses whitespace to do this. To separate a block of code in Python you must indent that block with an extra tab.
Whether one or the other is more readable is a matter of personal opinion, but most coders find Python’s method of indenting much easier to read. Though it isn’t required, a good programmer in C++ will also indent their code to make it legible to others. That said, only one of these styles forces programmers to organize their code visually, and that’s Python.
C++ vs Python Performance
Usually, Python is interpreted and C++ is compiled. Interpreted languages are often slower than compiled languages. Compiled languages like C++ already transformed into a lower and faster form of code. The difference is like trying to eat an entire apple as fast as the same apple turned into applesauce.
Typing also affects performance. Python is dynamically typed, while C++ is statically typed. Static typing is generally faster because the computer doesn’t have to spend extra time figuring out what type of data is being used; you have already declared the data type, and the compiler or interpreter simply accepts the declaration and moves on.
Another important factor that influences performance is memory management. Python handles memory automatically with its garbage collector, while in C++ memory management must be done manually. Python may seem like the better choice, but lacking control over memory management can be problematic, especially if you are looking to optimize performance.
Because of these reasons, C++ is miles faster than Python when it comes to performance. However, unless you’re developing an operating system or a big-budget game, the difference in speed will probably be negligible.
Python and C++ Uses
Both Python and C++ are general-purpose programming languages with different applications. Python is popular in backend web development. It’s also one of the leading languages for machine learning, data science, and artificial intelligence. C++ is fast and structured, so it’s useful for embedded systems, interpreters, compilers, and operating systems.
C++ also has many high-level features that make it suitable for game development. It is currently the leading language for AAA game development; Red Dead Redemption and Grand Theft Auto are coded in C++. As you can see, both of these object-oriented languages are incredibly useful in specific niches.
Summary
In short, Python is a dynamically-typed, multi-paradigm, and interpreted programming language. C++ is a statically-typed, object-oriented, and compiled programming language. Python, which is easier to learn and use, is used in web development and data science. C++ has many applications, including embedded systems, games.
Whether you’re determining whether you should learn Node.js vs Python vs C, it is best to select the coding language that best aligns with your goals and needs.
C’s program syntax is harder to learn than that of Python, as the number of lines in Python are less than in C.
If you’re a beginning programmer, learning Python is a good place to start. While C++ can be both a high-level and low-level programming language, Python syntax is more forgiving and easier for beginners to use.
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