I can answer this question straight away by either saying a ‘Yes’ or ‘No’. But, by simply saying a ‘Yes or No’ won’t justify the answer. It all depends upon the ability of the person who is learning C++. But, it can end up like you learn to drive an automatic car without knowing the manual driving lessons. When circumstances arrive, you may have to simply say “I don’t know”. Therefore, it is always better if you learn the basics rather than moving ahead baseless. After all, C++ is just an improvement on C. Now, let me help you with all the points that will add more justification, comparison, and reason. Let’s navigate through these points.
Why should you learn C?
Learning C programming has a lot of benefits. But first, you need to understand the underlying architecture of how things work with C is very important.
C was initially developed by Dennis Ritchie between 1969 and 1973 as a procedural programming language. The main purpose of developing this system programming language was to write an operating system. Some of the features which make C language suitable for system programmings like an operating system or compiler development are its:
- Low-level access to memory
- A simple set of keywords
- and a Clean style
Like in the case of learning to drive an automatic and manually driving car, if you know to drive a manual car, it will make driving an automatic car all the easier. Similarly, if you learn C programming first, it will help you to learn any modern programming language very well.
Advantages of Learning C
- C language helps you to understand the underlying architecture of an operating system like pointers, working with memory locations, etc.
- C can be called as a middle-level language, because, it combines all the features of Low-Level machine-understandable assembly languages and High-Level user-friendly languages. Language C reduces the gap between the low-level and high-level languages and can be used for writing operating systems as well as doing application-level programming.
- It allows you to develop portable and firmware applications. The C language was developed with an objective of writing system software and therefore, it is ideal for developing firmware systems.
- Learning C language first helps you to understand the fundamentals of Computer Theories like Computer Networks, Compiler Designing, Computer Architecture, and Operating Systems. If you’re working on these theories, it requires a good knowledge of C programming.
- Also, C helps you to understand machine-level details. So if you want to work as a networking engineer or a system administrator, learning C language is a must to work with CPU cache, memory, and network adapters.
- Learning C is easy as it has fewer libraries in comparison with other high-level languages. It will clear out programming concepts to a great extent as in C you have to write a lot of things from scratch. This will not only help in building your analytical skills but will learn to implement some basic operations all your own.
- Programs written and compiled in C can be executed faster than other programming languages. Also, not having any additional processing overheads such as garbage collection or preventing memory leaks, etc makes C more advantageous. While a programmer must take the initiative to do all the things his own.
- C uses embedded programming extensively where it is used to control micro-controllers such as auto-motives, Robotics, Hardware, etc.
- C creates a list of instructions for a computer to follow and therefore it is easy to learn the language.
Key Differences between C and C++
C++ language is a subset of the C language and was first designed as an extension of C.
When C has procedural language features, C++ has both procedural and object-oriented programming features like polymorphism, inheritance, abstraction, encapsulation, etc.
Best C/C++ IDEs
C and C++ are very popular and actively used across various applications and systems worldwide. Both languages are still actively used by most programmers because of the powerful set of features and the excellent security of C++. One of the best things about C++ is its IDE or the Integrated Development Environment. This environment offers the developers a digital environment to develop software, hardware and games with the built-in function like code completion, integration, debugging, and all the way to compiling and syntax highlighting. During the year 2020 and beyond, the developers will have some of the top and the best C++ IDE’s. Some of these C++ IDEs can also be used for C programming. They are:
Eclipse- An easy-to-use powerful IDE that offers open-source utility and functionality. It is also one best C++ IDE for Windows Applications.
Code:: Blocks- It is a free C/C++ IDE that has all the features to meet the demands of the C and C++ developers. This IDE can be used on Windows.
GNAT Programming Studio- Also known as GPS, GNAT Programming Studio is a highly advanced Free IDE that simplifies the interaction between the software and its developers.
Visual Studio Code: Developed by Microsoft and based on an Electron framework, Visual Studio Code is an open-source IDE designed for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It is the most popular developer environmental tool and best IDE among others with excellent customization options.
Similarly, other popular and the best C++ IDE for Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X are CodeLite, Dev C++, Qt Creator, Sublime Text, Linx, MonoDevelop, CLion, Anjuta, and C++ Builder.
If you have the willingness to learn C or C++ languages regardless of whether you’re just a beginner or a C or C++ Programmer, IDEs are best to make your programming career easy.
C++ Compilers are necessary when you start doing a specific program as it will make your job easier and for computers to understand the input given. There are too many C++ compilers which can be recommended that are either available for free or for a price. The higher the prices, it will reflect in the features offered to you.
While the C++ world is just too large and too much new is happening, you will require a C++ certification to fight the competition in the industry.
Features & Properties of C
- System programming language
- Does not support classes and objects
- Bottom-up approach
- Supports pointers
Features & Properties of C++
- Faster Execution and Speed
- Rich library support in the form of the standard template library
- Supports Pointers & References
- Bottom-up approach
Although C++ is much more advanced and superfast than C if you want to make your journey easier to start from the basics. It will help your learning not only C++ but also any other languages easier. So, let’s start from the beginning with an extremely simple C program and build up from there. There are numerous benefits of learning to c/c++ language for your career. It is recognized worldwide and used in a multitude of applications. It will help you secure a great career in the future.