C# vs C++: Difference Between Them

Key Difference Between C# and C++

C++ is a low level programming language that adds object-oriented features to its base language C whereas C# is a high level language.
C++ compiles down to machine code whereas C# ‘compiles’ down to CLR (Common Language Runtime), which is interpreted by JIT in ASP.NET.
C++ is an object-oriented language while C# is considered a component-oriented programming language.
In C++ you need to manage memory manually whereas C# runs in a virtual machine, which performs memory management automatically.
In C++ development should follow any specific architecture and must be portable whereas C# development should be simple, modem, general-purpose, object-oriented programming language.

What is C++?

C++ is a computer programming language that contains the feature of C programming language as well as Simula67( a first object Oriented language). C++ introduced the concept of Class and Objects.

It encapsulates high and low-level language features. So, it is seen as an intermediate level language. Earlier it was called “C with classes” as it had all the properties of the C language.

What is C#?

C-Sharp is an object-oriented programming language developed by Microsoft that runs on .Net Framework. It has features like strong typing, imperative, declarative, object-oriented (class-based), and component-oriented programming. It was developed by Microsoft within the .NET platform.

The name “C sharp” was inspired by musical notations. Here ‘#’ symbol indicates that the written note must be made a semitone higher in pitch.

History of C++

C++ language was developed by Bjarne Stroustrup at AT & T Bell Laboratories. Stroustrup was a strong supporter of C an admirer of Simula67. He wanted to combine the best of both the languages. He was aiming to create a language which supports object-oriented programming features and still retains the power of C. This resulted in C++.

History of C#

Anders Hejlsberg is the key contributor to C# language development. In 1999, he built a team to develop a new language which was then called “Cool.”. The project was approved and announced in July 2000 at the .Net Developers Conference. The language was later renamed as C#.

Principles of C++ development

The program should be simple, object-oriented and easy to understand
Development should be conducted in the robust and secure environment.
Code should follow specific architecture and must be portable.
Code should be easily “interpreted and dynamic “

Principles of C# development

It should be simple, modem, general-purpose, object-oriented programming language.
The language and implementations should provide support for software engineering principles
C# is an ideal choice for building applications for both hosted and embedded systems.

Now in this C# vs C++ tutorial, let’s understand the key differences between C Sharp vs C++.

Difference between C++ and C#

Following is the main difference between C# and C++:

Parameter	C++	C#
Type of language	C++ is a low level and platform neutral programming language.	C# is a high-level language.
Compiling	C++ compiles down to machine code	C# ‘compiles’ down to CLR (Common Language Runtime), which is interpreted by JIT in ASP.NET
Memory management	In C++, you need to manage memory manually if you dynamically allocate object.	C# runs memory management automatically
Multiple inheritances	C++ support the multiple inheritances	C# does not support multiple inheritances.
Level of difficulty	C++ includes more complex features.	C# doesn’t have any complex features. It has a simple hierarchy and quite easy to understand.
Default access Specifier	Public in C++ for Struct. Private for classes	Private in C# .net.
Platform	C++ is a language that runs on all sorts of platforms. It is also equally popular on Unix and Linux systems.	C#, while standardized, is rarely seen outside windows.
Standalone applications	C++ can create standalone applications.	C# can’t make a standalone application.
Object Oriented	C++ is not a complete object orient language.	C# is a pure object-oriented language.
Bound checking	Does not support bound checking of arrays.	Supports bound checking of arrays.
Garbage Collection	C++ does not support garbage collection.	C# supports garbage collection.
Multiple inheritance	C++ supports multiple inheritance.	C# does not offer multiple class inheritance.
Foreach Loop	Older version of C++ does not support for each loop. (Range-based for loop in C++ is added since C++ 11)	C# supports for each loop.
Use of pointers	You can use pointers anywhere in the program.	You can use pointer only in the unsafe mode.
Used for	Widely used in gaming.	C# programming can be used to create Windows, mobile, and console applications.
Size of binaries	C++ is much more lightweight.	C# has a lot of overhead and libraries should be included before it will compile.
Type of Projects	C++ programmers generally focus on applications that work directly with hardware or that need better performance than other languages can offer.	C# is used for modern app development.
Compiler warnings	C++ allows you to do almost anything provided the syntax is right. Therefore, it is flexible language, but you may cause serious damage running OS.	C# is highly protected. as it Compiler will throw errors and warnings in case you inadvertently write code that can cause damage.
Compilation result	After compiling, C++ code is converted into machine code.	After compiling, C# code is converted into an intermediate language code.
Switch statement	In C++ Switch Statement, the test variable can’t be a string.	In a C# switch statement, may or may not be a string.