Difference between Python and C++
Python and C++ both are the most popular and general-purpose programming languages. They both support Object-Oriented Programming (OPP) yet they are a lot different from one another. In this article, we will discuss how Python is different from C++.
What is Python?
Python is a high-level, interpreted programming language. It was invented back in 1991, by Guido Van Rossum. Python is an object-oriented programming language that has enormous library support making the implementation of various programs and algorithms easy. Its language constructs and object-oriented approach aim to help programmers to write clear, logical code for various projects.
What is C++?
C++ is a high-level, general-purpose programming language created by Bjarne Stroustrup in 1979 as an extension of the C programming language, or “C with Classes”. The language has expanded significantly over time, and modern C++ has object-oriented, generic, and functional features in addition to facilities for low-level memory manipulation. Many of the technologies as libraries in Python have underlying C++ code.
Difference Between C++ vs Python
The following table shows the key difference between Python and C++ programming languages.
Parameters |
Python |
C++ |
---|---|---|
Code |
Python has fewer lines of code |
C++ tends to have long lines of code |
Syntax |
It uses short-hand syntax and has numerous short-hand structural iterators. It requires ‘self’ as a parameter to any class instance method. Some of the short-hand syntaxes are confusing (e.g. `rkwargs`) but rarely is anything in Python completely esoteric. |
It has a stiff learning curve as it has lots of predefined syntaxes and structures. C++ uses implicitly ‘this’ to refer to class instances. Some syntax in C++ is extremely esoteric. |
Compilation |
Python is interpreted |
C++ is precompiled |
Speed |
It is slower since it uses an interpreter and also determines the data type at run time |
It is faster once compiled as compared to python |
Efficiency |
Specialized formatting not common in other languages, script-like language, OOP features, code reuse through libraries |
C-like syntax, powerful OOP features and operator overloading, best compile-time optimizer |
Nature |
It is dynamically typed. |
is statically typed |
Functions |
Python Functions do not have restrictions on the type of the argument and the type of its return value |
In C++, the function can accept and return the type of value which is already defined |
Scope of Variable |
Variables are accessible even outside the loop |
The scope of variables is limited within the loops |
Extension |
Python programs are saved with the .py extension |
C++ programs are saved with the .cpp extension |
Popularity |
It has huge community support. When it comes to popularity, beginner and novice programmers tend to turn to Python |
It also has dedicated followings online. But only the people who have some experience in the field show a lot of interest in C++ |
Garbage Collection |
It supports garbage collection |
It doesn’t support garbage collection, but it can be implemented |
Rapid Prototyping |
Rapid Prototyping is possible, with easy project setup, live interpreter |
Rapid Prototyping is possible, but project setup can be complicated, live interpreter through IRC bot |
Application Domain | Web development, data analysis, scientific computations, etc | Game development, embedded systems, etc |
Variable Declaration | Variables are declared by simply writing their name with their datatype | While declaring a variable it is necessary to mention its datatype |
Installation on Windows | Difficult to install on Windows | Easy to install on Windows |
Conclusion
Python leads to one conclusion: Python is better for beginners in terms of its easy-to-read code and simple syntax. Additionally, Python is a good option for web development (backend), while C++ is not very popular in web development of any kind.
Python is also a leading language for data analysis and machine learning. While it is possible to use C++ for machine learning purposes as well, it is not a good option. In terms of simplicity, Python is much easier to use and has a great support system when it comes to AI and ML frameworks.
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