C Vs C++

C and C++ are computer programming languages that are used to write programs to communicate with computer. The Difference Between C and C++ is one of the most commonly asked question in technical interviews . The C language was originally developed by Dennis Ritchie at AT & T Bell Labs between 1969 and 1973. C++ was developed by Bjarne Stroustrup at Bell Labs starting in 1979.

In terms of basic orientation, C language basically supports structured procedural programming . While C++ supports that as well as object oriented programming, generic programming, and metaprogramming (carrying out arbitrary computation at compile time). Basically, C++ was invented to manage complexity that C could not handle. C++ was originally named C with Classes , as it had been based on C. It was renamed C++ in 1983. In general, everything that exists in C is supported in C++. This means that you can not only use the new features introduced with C++ but can also use the power and efficiency of C language. Obviously the opposite is absolutely false. So, we can say C++ is a superset of C and contains all the features of C language. Still there are some difference between C and C++.

Here is a list of differences between c and c++:


C C++
File extension .c File extension .cpp
Default header file is stdio.h Default header file is iosteam.h
Structural or Procedural programming language. Object Oriented programming language.
Functions are the fundamental building blocks. Objects are the fundamental building blocks.
Top down approach is used in Program Design. Bottom up approach adopted in Program Design.
Call main() Function through other Functions Cannot call main() Function through other functions.
Supports only Pointers. Supports both pointers and references.
Focuses on method or process rather than data. Focuses on data rather than method or procedure.
Data and functions are separate and free entities. Data and functions are encapsulated together in form of an object.
Declare all the variables at the top of the program. Declared anywhere in the program before use.
Multiple Declaration of global variables are allowed. Multiple Declaration of global variables are not allowed.
Does not provide String or Boolean data types. It supports primitive & built-in data types. Provides Boolean or String data types. It supports both user-defined and built-in data types.
Does not have inline function. Has inline function.
Does not support reference variables. Supports reference variables.
Data is not secured. Data is hidden and can't be accessed by external functions.
No namespace features present Namespace feature present for avoiding collision
Does not support for virtual and friend functions. Supports virtual and friend functions.
Does not support function overloading. Supports function overloading.
Does not provide direct support for error handling . Can be done by using some other functions. C++ supports exception handling. Done by using try and catch block.
Does not support Encapsulation. Data and functions are separate and free entities. Supports encapsulation. Data and functions are encapsulated together in form of an object.
Concept of virtual functions is not present. Offers the facility of using virtual functions.





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