Thread: Difference between C and C++

An interesting question I ask myself is how exactly do we define the difference between basic C programming and C++? A common distinction seems to be C uses printf and scanf while C++ uses iostream with cout and cin. Another is that C is structured and more about file handling etc. but could still use, namespaces, iostream, cout and cin. Considering C++ was originally 'C with classes' that gives some clue to where the distinction should lie, with more emphasis on classes, parameter passing, header files, and :: (...) and other nicities strewn all over the coding.

I suppose it hardly matters in the end but do people think the distinction should be made, and sometimes you consciously use one or the other?

Excellent reply quzah. You obviously know your stuff. A newbie knows the previous discussions inside out and doesn't need to ask anything.

Any serious and more helpful replies most welcomed.

Not this again.
Just take these two as 2 different languages.
And both C and C++ programmers will be happy.

My reply was a little tongue in cheek but actually I find it quite rude to be told it has been discussed before. I was even looking for the report button. I can't possibly sift through the whole forum and see what has been done to death.

It seems a common fault among programmers - forgetting you were once a newbie as well, both in programming and message boards you join, and how disconcerting it is to be fobbed off before you even start. Some should read a manual of a different sort.

I can't possibly sift through the whole forum and see what has been done to death.

This attitude, in general, is the reason you get jumped on. It is (or was) common netiquette to do a little digging on your own before asking questions. In this case, however, your question might be slightly more defensible because it's very difficult to search for the terms C and C++; often the ++ is ignored, and/or the search terms are too short.

It seems a common fault among programmers - forgetting you were once a newbie as well, both in programming and message boards you join, and how disconcerting it is to be fobbed off before you even start. Some should read a manual of a different sort.

Perhaps some people have that flaw. But others do research themselves before posting a question somewhere, and did the same when they were new. Just because somebody is new doesn't mean he shouldn't have to put in a little effort. Don't forget the old adage, "Lurk before you leap." Some forums may welcome questions that have been answered a million times, or that are answered in the FAQ (hint hint), but others don't. Get to know a forum's general feel before jumping in.

Originally Posted by quzah

(Google is your Friend)
Quzah.

Wouldn't this site be so much cooler if it was "google it, you f*%$!"

also, please can a mod close this thread for godsake?!