DEV Community

gagecantrelle
gagecantrelle

Posted on

THE HISTORY of C, C++, and C#

As you know, when it comes to coding there are many types of coding languages. Some examples are JavaScript and C++. For now, let's discuss the three members of the C Family: C, C++, and C#/C-SHARP. Let's start with C, then discuss C++ and then continue with the youngest in the family, C#. These languages are known as machine languages, which are closely related to binary languages and run faster than any other language. Languages like JavaScript are easier to write and understand but take a bit longer to run. it is also easier to learn since JavaScript is the farthest from a binary language.

C
Let's start with the history of the first and oldest of the C Family, C. It first appeared in the year 1972 created by Dennis Ritchie. C was created for operating systems and having a close interaction with hardware. At the time C didn't have any classes but it had objects. It was easy to learn due to the syntax being simple, but it became more difficult for some parts of it. When learning C you will realize that it is bare bones in nature and you will have to create your own libraries and functionality. At the time C was great for making 4 things: operating systems, embedded systems, database systems, and compilers. These were popular at the time due to computers being mostly for work, unlike the computers of today.

Image description

C++
C++, unlike C, is a very fast and more powerful programing language. it also has classes with strong object-oriented programming. The language was created by Biame Stroustrup in 1985, 13 years after C release. Unfoundedly C++ was more difficult to learn than C and has a steep learning curve. Even the syntax became completed due to the new moving parts. I wouldn't recommend this to beginners unless you want a challenge. But, after getting a better understanding of C++ it will become easier to use. I would recommend learning a different language first before trying C++. For example, JavaScript, so that you can learn the basics of coding, problem-solving, and the logic part of coding. For example
, if variable 1 equals true run function True else run function False.

Image description

If you do decide to learn C++ it has more functionality than C with some of the functionality already created for you. It is primarily used for game development, guise, and browsers.

C#
You can say that this member of the C family is an odd one. It was created by the Microsoft company in the year 2000, 15 years after C++ release. Unlike its older brother C++ it is a bit slower and higher-level language. It is object-oriented and was created to help make web development easier. The learning curve is a bit better than the C++ learning curve. It's somewhere in the middle where it is difficult but not too difficult to understand. While learning you may notice that the syntax is close to the syntax of java. You can say C# is like a copy of java but has a bit of the C family in it. C# is generally used for Windows applications, web development, and game development. One game development software that C# is popularly used with is the Unity game engine.

So, let's summarize these three languages:
C
makes low level applications
high control over hardware

C++
makes low level applications
even high control over hardware than C

C#
makes high level applications
similar to java language

If you planning to learn one of these languages, you might be wondering which one should I use? Well, it depends on what you are trying to do and what you are more comfortable with. Some people might prefer C# over java or java over C#. The syntax might be easier for you to understand in one language than the other.

///links
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNMtjs_wQiE
https://www.timetoast.com/timelines/computers-through-time /image from google

Top comments (0)