C++ Vs Python: Major Difference Between These Two Programming Languages

The discussion of Python vs C++ is an intriguing subject since both programming languages are very different in the context of their syntax, simplicity, use, and overall approach to programming. While both are great in their own right, the confusion between C++ and python has arisen for quite some time. Hence, people find it difficult when choosing which programming language to go for their software development needs. 

Python and C++ both are the programming languages used for general purpose, but they differ from each other in many ways. While C++ is developed from C language with multiple paradigms and provides compilation features, Python is one of the high-level programming languages. A variable can be used directly without being declared while writing code in Python. In C++, the single program needs to be compiled on every operating system that has to run the code. Python lets you ‘write once, run anywhere’ that allows the code to run on all the operating systems with Python installed.

A question that people who are starting are mostly interested in is if Python is easier than C++? The answer is yes, Python is more beginner-friendly, while C++ is a bit complicated, low-level language. It is mainly because C++ has more syntax rules and other programming conventions, while Python intends to mimic the regular English language. When it comes to their usability, Python is the best language for machine learning and data analysis, and C++ is a good option for game development and extensive systems. But let's not jump the gun just yet and get into their detailed study before making any decision.

Python

Python, a general-purpose, high-level programming language was created by Guido van Rossum in 1991. The underlying goal behind creating Python was its simplicity. Right now, it ranks as one of the simplest languages to learn – in fact it is closer to common English. Simplicity is what Python is known for, it utilizes a lot of whitespaces to make its code easily understandable, hence providing a pleasant experience to the community of top class Python developer.

Features like indentation help the code to be readable and appealing, and library functions make it very powerful, particularly for beginners. Another prominent feature of Python is that it is an interpreted language, which means that the Python code is not converted to machine-readable at runtime. It also stars as a top language in IEEE’s 2018 Top Programming Languages. Suffice to say that is why python is so popular and easy-to-work hand in hand to make python a powerful and profitable language in the industry.

C++

Introduced by Bjarne Stroustrup in 1979, C++ is also a high level, general-purpose programming language. It is an upgrade to C, which was initially known as ‘C with classes’. It was the first time Object-Oriented Programming was introduced in C. C++ is a general-purpose language usually used in the C++ software development with large and complex systems. This language is the most portable among other programming languages out there and preferred by top software development companies in India.

The main variation in the discussion of Python vs C++ is that the C++ source code needs to be converted into machine code. Python follows a different method as it is interpreted. The interpretation of code is usually slower than running code directly on the machine. Between these two languages, C++ is rather tough to learn. But despite posing learning difficulties, C++ programming features make it highly flexible that gives C++ developers substantial control over everything in the computer, even memory allocation, which is impossible to control in Python.

Why Use Python?

Here are a few advantages of using Python language:

• Simpler syntax compared to Java, C, and C++ languages.
• Used in Machine Learning, Deep Learning, and the general popular AI field.
• Python is cross-compatible and has its auto-installed shell.
• Extensive Python library and convenient tools for developers/programmers.

• Python code is easy to write and debug, therefore its source code is relatively easy to maintain.
• Python makes complex programming simpler as it deals with memory addresses, garbage collection internally.
• Python implements database interfaces to all major commercial DBMS systems.
  
  

Why use C++?

Here are some advantages of using C++ language:

• C++ is multi-paradigm meaning it follows three paradigms – Generic, Imperative, and Object-Oriented.
• C++ is compatible with C.
• C++ is closer to the hardware, so it produces most of the latest embedded systems around like smartwatches, medical machines, IoT sensors, etc.
• It plays a part in the development of desktop applications in C++, servers and microcontroller programs.
• C++ provides performance and memory efficiency, therefore it is the leading language for developing 3D, multiplayer, or other types of C++ games.

• It provides high-level abstraction and allows the reusability of code.
  
  

Difference between C++ and Python

Let us compare these two languages based on several generic industry metrics, syntax and general rules of programming:

1. Speed of the language matters when working with enterprise applications – Especially if the software is a real-time, time-sensitive entity. The faster a language is, the more efficient it is considered. Here, C++ has a slight advantage as it is much faster than Python, given Python itself is written in C (the predecessor of C++).
   
   
2. In C++, you have to allocate memory to new variables and free them when their job is finished. If you don't do that, it might result in memory leak. Since C++ does not offer garbage collection and uses pointers, memory leak is certain at some points. Python, however, has no such rules and is written to adapt and allocate memory on its own. It is all due to dynamic memory allocation if you are an enterprise application development company you might need control over memory allocation. 
   
   
3. C++ variables need to have a type such as a float or an int because this language is statically-typed. Python has the feature of Dynamic typing which means that you do not need to define the type of the object. Python offers a lot of flexibility, which lets it use variables in any contexts.
   
   
4. In C++, you need to use a semicolon to register the end of the statement. Python treats the end of the line as the end of the statement, instead of using a semicolon. But if you need the statement to continue for multiple lines, you can use the backslash sign. 
   
   
5. Python dictionary and C++ map refer to the terminology of both languages. A map in C++ is a container that stores values indexed by a key. A dictionary in Python has the same role but is more flexible because the keys and values do not have to be the same type.
   
   
6. C++ has a lot of syntaxes to be able to keep track of. However, it does not have indentation rules which make the code appear like litter at some point. Python resembles more to common English, so its indentation helps a programmer keep track of every bracket opened. It can be pretty enticing for a beginner to have code with better readability.
   
   
7. Boolean expressions are different in Python as well as C++. C++ returns either false or true based on numeric values. Everything marked as 0 is false, and other numeric values are true, but Python has other likelihoods as well. For instance, none and false constants are false, just as empty sequences or collections.
   
   

Final Verdict

One of the perks for C++ programmers that are getting into Python is that learning it should be quite easy for them. Python follows simple conventions that are not too hard to understand in a considerably short time. However, when it comes to the subject of Python vs C++, learning C++ for Python programmers is different since C++ is more intricate, requires more contemplation and study. 

Comparing Python and C++ leads to one conclusion: In terms of simplicity, Python is easier to use and has a great support system for AI and ML frameworks. With this conclusion, it's also important to mention the performance of C++ as it is much faster than Python. After all, Python is an interpreted language, and it cannot stand up to compiled languages such as C++.

We hope that now you are ready to make a wise language choice for your next project, and if you are not, you can always take help of software development companies to assist you in your project. Evon Technologies has been one of the best C++ development companies in India since 2006. Our C++ development services have attracted a long list of clientele in the past and continue to do so. We have a dedicated team of C++ experts who works closely with clients, transforming their vision into real-world applications. We also encourage and promote using C++ for developing your next business application. Reach us here or email your requirements at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to hire C++ developers.