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C# VS C++

Compare C# VS C++ and see what are their differences

C# logo C#

Simple, general-purpose, object-oriented programming language for the .NET platform

C++ logo C++

Has imperative, object-oriented and generic programming features, while also providing the facilities for low level memory manipulation
  • C# Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-28

We recommend LibHunt C# for discovery and comparisons of trending C# projects.

  • C++ Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-08-01

We recommend LibHunt C++ for discovery and comparisons of trending C++ projects.

C# features and specs

  • Modern Language Features
    C# offers modern language constructs like async/await, Lambda expressions, LINQ, and pattern matching, which make it easier to write clear and concise code.
  • Large Standard Library
    C# comes with a comprehensive and well-documented standard library, which provides robust functionality out of the box and allows for rapid application development.
  • Cross-Platform
    With the introduction of .NET Core (now .NET 5/6), C# is fully cross-platform, enabling development for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
  • Strong Community and Documentation
    C# benefits from a large, active community and excellent documentation, making it easier to find help, tutorials, and third-party libraries.
  • Integration with Microsoft Ecosystem
    C# integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft products and services, such as Azure, Visual Studio, and Office, which can be beneficial for enterprise applications.

Possible disadvantages of C#

  • Windows-Centric History
    C# has a history of being Windows-centric, which might result in some legacy issues or libraries that are not fully optimized for cross-platform use.
  • Memory Management
    While C# abstracts away most of the memory management tasks with its garbage collector, this can lead to less efficient memory use compared to languages where developers have more control.
  • Learning Curve
    C# has a steeper learning curve compared to some other languages, especially for those who are new to object-oriented programming.
  • Performance Overhead
    Being managed code, C# might incur a performance overhead at runtime due to Just-In-Time (JIT) compilation, making it less suitable for low-latency or real-time systems.
  • Dependency on Microsoft Ecosystem
    Heavy integration with Microsoft products and services can be a double-edged sword, leading to dependencies that might be difficult to manage if trying to move away from Microsoft's ecosystem.

C++ features and specs

  • Performance
    C++ is known for its high performance which is critical in resource-constrained applications such as gaming, real-time systems, and simulations.
  • Control
    C++ offers fine-grained control over system resources such as memory and CPU, allowing for efficient and optimized code.
  • Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)
    C++ supports OOP, which helps in organizing complex software projects through classes and objects, encouraging code reusability and modularity.
  • Standard Template Library (STL)
    C++ includes the Standard Template Library (STL) that provides a set of common classes and algorithms, enhancing productivity and reducing the need for writing boilerplate code.
  • Backward Compatibility
    C++ is largely compatible with C, offering the flexibility to use C libraries and code, making it easier to integrate with existing C systems.
  • Rich Community and Ecosystem
    The large and active C++ community provides extensive resources, libraries, and frameworks that can aid in development and problem-solving.

Possible disadvantages of C++

  • Complexity
    C++ is a complex language with many features that can be difficult to master, leading to a steep learning curve for beginners.
  • Manual Memory Management
    C++ requires manual management of memory which can lead to errors such as memory leaks and segmentation faults if not handled correctly.
  • Lack of Modern Features
    While C++ has been updated over the years, it still lacks some modern programming features available in newer languages, which can limit productivity and ease of use.
  • Maintenance
    Maintaining C++ code can be challenging and time-consuming due to its complex syntax and potential for low-level operations.
  • Slower Compilation
    C++ programs often have slower compile times compared to those written in some other high-level languages, which can slow down the development process.
  • Portability Issues
    Despite being a general-purpose language, C++ code can face portability issues across different platforms due to compiler differences and system-specific dependencies.

C# videos

C# Review - The Basics

More videos:

  • Review - Is C# hard to learn?
  • Review - Learn C# BASICS in 10 MINUTES!

C++ videos

C++ Programming | In One Video

More videos:

  • Review - C++ Programming
  • Tutorial - C++ Tutorial for Beginners - Full Course

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to C# and C++)
Programming Language
33 33%
67% 67
OOP
30 30%
70% 70
Generic Programming Language
Programming
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare C# and C++

C# Reviews

Top 10 Rust Alternatives
C# is a modern computing language. It is also an object-centred language and offers users a safe and reliable platform. It belongs to the C languages and is quite similar to C, C ++, JavaScript, etc.
The 10 Best Programming Languages to Learn Today
If mobile app development or virtual reality is your thing, consider learning C#. Many mobile developers use C# to build cross-platform apps on the Xamarin platform. It's also a popular choice for building 3D and 2D video games using the Unity game engine.
Source: ict.gov.ge

C++ Reviews

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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, C++ seems to be a lot more popular than C#. While we know about 56 links to C++, we've tracked only 1 mention of C#. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

C# mentions (1)

C++ mentions (56)

  • Distributed Systems: Challenges, Experiences and Tips
    About 4 months ago (approximately the last time I wrote something here), I opted to embark on a graduate school journey at Stony Brook University, Computer Science (if you have a remote position — Technical Writer and/or Software Engineer position — at a non-USA company, don't hesitate to reach out). Was it the best decision to make considering less pay (if any), more theoretical undertakings and assumptions, and... - Source: dev.to / over 1 year ago
  • Any opinion about tutorialspoint? Getting apparently wrong results
    Full of wrong and/or incomplete information. I prefer cplusplus.com when I need to look up some library details. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Learning DSA from scratch : The Ultimate Guide
    For C++ I would suggest using cplusplus.com. Fantastic resource to use. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Things that i should know before gettting into Data Structures and Algorithms??
    C++ was far from my first language. I took Modula-2 and FORTRAN in school. I knew about pointers, linked lists, etc before writing my first line of C++. I think the best way to learn is just to work on projects that interest you. Get familiar with online resources. I like cplusplus.com and cppreference.com (can get a little verbose). I'm also a big fan of w3schools.com. They have a good C++ tutorial for beginners. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Help
    I second this. cplusplus.com will pop up on your searches, I just blocked it. Loaded with ads and slow, and almost always less thorough than cppreference. I found geeksforgeeks OK when learning algorithms - not so much the language itself though. Source: almost 2 years ago
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing C# and C++, you can also consider the following products

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