C++ vs. C: Should You Learn C++?

Many developers have strong opinions about C++, especially when comparing it to its predecessor, C. Is C++ simply misunderstood, or are the criticisms valid? This article explores whether learning C++ is a worthwhile endeavor.

Originally named "C with Classes," C++ was created by Bjarne Stroustrup in 1979. His primary goal was to craft a language that enabled the development of programs that were both efficient and elegant—a combination many other languages of the time failed to offer.

Since its inception, C++ has evolved significantly, all while staying true to three fundamental principles:

• No language beneath it but assembly: It aims to be as close to the hardware as possible without being assembly language.
• You only pay for what you use: Features you don't implement shouldn't add overhead to your program.
• Near-zero cost abstractions: High-level features should not come with a performance penalty.

The Leap from C: Introducing Objects

For newcomers, the most significant difference between C and C++ is the concept of objects. In C, structs are simple data structures that organize memory. In contrast, C++ objects are far more powerful, incorporating methods, constructors, deconstructors, and attributes with access controls like public and private, to name a few.

Why the Controversy?

Despite its seemingly fair principles, C++ has faced criticism from numerous high-profile programmers, including Linus Torvalds, who famously stated, "C++ can't solve the problem of the C language at all; it will only make things worse. This really is a bad language." So, where does this animosity come from?

Bjarne Stroustrup himself offered a now-famous analogy: "C makes it easy to shoot yourself in the foot; C++ makes it harder, but when you do, it blows your whole leg off." This highlights a core trade-off: with the great power C++ provides comes immense responsibility.

The Challenge of Complexity

While C++ offers a richer feature set than C, it introduces a more complex syntax that can be challenging to master. Simple error messages in C can become cryptic and convoluted in C++. For instance, a straightforward error in C like:

cannot dereference non-pointer type

...can transform into a messy, multi-line error message in C++ that is significantly harder to debug.

The Double-Edged Sword of Advanced Features

Furthermore, some of the high-level abstractions in C++ are considered "too featureful" by critics. Features like templates, for example, can make a codebase difficult to structure and read. The issue isn't that templates are inherently too complex, but that they provide developers with powerful tools that can easily be used to write convoluted and unmaintainable code.

Philosophical Contradictions

C++ can sometimes seem contradictory. It is technically a superset of C and allows for low-level operations like using raw pointers (e.g., char**). However, the modern C++ community often discourages these C-style practices on a philosophical level, favoring safer, more abstract alternatives, even though the low-level features remain part of the language.

The Verdict: Should You Learn C++ in 3 Steps

So, should you learn C++ or consider it for your next project? The answer is a resounding yes, but with a few important caveats.

1. Not for Absolute Beginners If you are new to programming, C++ is likely not the best starting point. It's often more effective to begin with C to grasp the fundamentals of memory management and program structure at a low level. Once you have that foundation, you can appreciate and properly utilize the abstractions C++ offers.

2. Use Features Wisely Avoid using advanced C++ features simply because they exist. Relying on syntactic sugar without a solid design foundation can lead to significant problems as your codebase grows in complexity.

3. Diversify Your Skills Make sure you also invest time in learning a modern, type-safe language like Rust. The programming landscape is always evolving, and staying versatile is key.