INTRODUCTION TO C AND C++ PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES
Both languages are very influential and widely used in software development, and knowing both can be very useful for developers.
C is a procedural programming language developed in the early 1970s by Dennis Ritchie at Bell Labs.
- It is designed for efficiency and gives developers low level memory access.
- It is used to develop operating systems, system software, and embedded systems.
- It is characterized by simplicity and proximity to the hardware, which enables a high degree of control over resources.
- It adds support for object-oriented programming (OOP), which allows working with objects and classes.
- C++ retains the efficiency and low-level memory access of C, but adds many advanced functionalities, such as polymorphism, inheritance, and templates.
- It is used in the development of applications, games, real-time systems, simulations and many other areas.
About the C programming language
C is a general programming language that is used for a wide range of applications from operating systems such as Windows and iOS for software that is used to create 3D movies.
C programming is very efficient. This is the main reason why he is very popular despite having more than 40 years. Standard C programs are portable. A source code written in one system runs in another operating system without any change. As said, it is a good language to start learning a program.
C programming is very efficient. This is the main reason why he is very popular despite having more than 40 years. Standard C programs are portable. A source code written in one system runs in another operating system without any change. As said, it is a good language to start learning a program.
Figure 1: Introducing to C programming language - example
C is a general goal, a high-level language originally developed by Dennis M. Ritchie for the development of the UNIX operating system in Bell Labs. C was originally first deployed on the DEC PDP-11 computer in 1972.
Why using C?
C was initially used to work on system development, especially for programs that make up the operating system. C is adopted as a language for system development because it produces a code that runs almost faster than the code written in the assembler. Some examples of using C can be
- Operating systems
- Program translators
- Asemblers
- Text editors
- Network drivers
- Contemporary programs
- Data bases
Where the C programming language is used today
The C language is still widely used in many areas of software development because of its efficiency, low level of abstraction, and closeness to hardware. Here are some key areas where C is used today:
1. Operating systems:
- Many operating systems, including Unix, Linux, and parts of Windows, are written in C. The Linux kernel, for example, is mostly written in C.
2. Embedded systems:
- C is dominant in the development of firmware and software for embedded systems, such as microcontrollers, sensors and various industrial and consumer electronics.
3. System software:
- Compilers, interpreters, assemblers, and even some parts of the runtime environment of other programming languages are often implemented in C because of its efficiency and control over hardware.
4. Development of databases:
- Many databases, such as MySQL and PostgreSQL, are written in C, which allows them a high degree of performance and optimization.
5. Computer games and graphics:
- C is used in the development of games and graphics engines, where speed is key. Many popular graphics engines such as Unity (uses C++) and Unreal Engine (uses C++) have components written in C.
6. Network protocols and security:
- Many network protocols and security tools are implemented in C because of the need for high performance and direct access to memory and network devices.
7. High performance computers (HPC):
- C is used in scientific research and numerical computing, where fast and efficient algorithm implementations are needed.
8. Development of drivers:
- Hardware drivers are often written in C because they require direct access to hardware resources and efficient memory management.
9. Portability:
- Programs written in C can be relatively easily ported between different platforms, which is useful for developing software that needs to run on different types of hardware.
Although newer languages such as Python, Java, and C++ have taken over many areas of software development, C remains essential for situations where performance, hardware control, and efficiency are essential.
1. Operating systems:
- Many operating systems, including Unix, Linux, and parts of Windows, are written in C. The Linux kernel, for example, is mostly written in C.
2. Embedded systems:
- C is dominant in the development of firmware and software for embedded systems, such as microcontrollers, sensors and various industrial and consumer electronics.
3. System software:
- Compilers, interpreters, assemblers, and even some parts of the runtime environment of other programming languages are often implemented in C because of its efficiency and control over hardware.
4. Development of databases:
- Many databases, such as MySQL and PostgreSQL, are written in C, which allows them a high degree of performance and optimization.
5. Computer games and graphics:
- C is used in the development of games and graphics engines, where speed is key. Many popular graphics engines such as Unity (uses C++) and Unreal Engine (uses C++) have components written in C.
6. Network protocols and security:
- Many network protocols and security tools are implemented in C because of the need for high performance and direct access to memory and network devices.
7. High performance computers (HPC):
- C is used in scientific research and numerical computing, where fast and efficient algorithm implementations are needed.
8. Development of drivers:
- Hardware drivers are often written in C because they require direct access to hardware resources and efficient memory management.
9. Portability:
- Programs written in C can be relatively easily ported between different platforms, which is useful for developing software that needs to run on different types of hardware.
Although newer languages such as Python, Java, and C++ have taken over many areas of software development, C remains essential for situations where performance, hardware control, and efficiency are essential.
About the C++ programming language
C++ is a high-level, general-purpose programming language. It can be used to develop desktop applications, operating systems, web browsers, games, graphical user interfaces, device drivers, embedded systems, client-server applications, etc.
It is compatible with the C language, in fact it is an extension of it, so it supports procedural and functional programming, but also object-oriented programming.
It was developed as an intermediate level language by Bjarne Stroustrup in 1979 at Bell Laboratories and is one of the most popular programming languages.
It has been updated several times so that the following versions can be found: C++98, C++11 (2011), C++14, C++17.
It can work on multiple platforms: windows, linux, Mac, etc.
C++ is one of the most powerful and widely used programming languages today, thanks to its flexibility, speed, and support for object-oriented programming.
It is compatible with the C language, in fact it is an extension of it, so it supports procedural and functional programming, but also object-oriented programming.
It was developed as an intermediate level language by Bjarne Stroustrup in 1979 at Bell Laboratories and is one of the most popular programming languages.
It has been updated several times so that the following versions can be found: C++98, C++11 (2011), C++14, C++17.
It can work on multiple platforms: windows, linux, Mac, etc.
C++ is one of the most powerful and widely used programming languages today, thanks to its flexibility, speed, and support for object-oriented programming.
Where everything uses the C++ programming language today
Here's where everything uses C++:
1. Game development:
C++ is key in game development because of its speed and efficiency. Many popular graphics engines, such as Unreal Engine and Unity (uses C# but has core components written in C++), use C++ to create high-performance games with complex graphics.
2. System software:
Operating systems, hardware drivers and firmware often use C++. Examples include parts of the Windows operating system and drivers for various hardware components.
3. Application software:
C++ is used to create desktop applications that require high performance. Examples include Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and many other image and video editing applications.
4. Financial applications:
Trading platforms, algorithmic trading and market simulations often use C++ for its speed and efficiency. Banks and financial institutions use C++ to develop systems that require low latency.
5. Network software and telecommunications:
Network protocols, servers, clients and other network tools are often developed in C++. This includes software for high-performance network applications, such as web servers and network services.
6. Simulations and modeling:
C++ is popular in scientific computing for simulations, data analysis and modeling. This includes applications in physics, chemistry, engineering and biology.
7. High performance computers (HPC):
C++ is used in supercomputer and cluster applications that require maximum speed and efficiency. This includes simulations in climate research, astrophysics, bioinformatics and many other fields.
8. Development of databases:
C++ is used to implement databases and database management systems (DBMS). Examples include MongoDB and MySQL, which have components written in C++.
9. Embedded systems:
C++ is used in software development for embedded systems where resources are limited and performance is critical. This includes software development for microcontrollers, sensors and various IoT devices.
10. Automotive industry:
Software for vehicle control, autonomous driving, in-car entertainment and infotainment systems often use C++ for its performance and real-time capabilities.
11. Robotic industry:
Robotic control systems, simulations and robotic arm control software often use C++. ROS (Robot Operating System), which is popular in academia and industry, uses C++ for its core components.
12. Artificial intelligence and machine learning:
C++ is used to develop machine learning and artificial intelligence frameworks and libraries. TensorFlow, one of the most popular deep learning frameworks, has parts written in C++ for performance.
C++ remains relevant because of its power and flexibility, enabling programmers to write efficient, fast, and reliable software in a wide variety of applications.
1. Game development:
C++ is key in game development because of its speed and efficiency. Many popular graphics engines, such as Unreal Engine and Unity (uses C# but has core components written in C++), use C++ to create high-performance games with complex graphics.
2. System software:
Operating systems, hardware drivers and firmware often use C++. Examples include parts of the Windows operating system and drivers for various hardware components.
3. Application software:
C++ is used to create desktop applications that require high performance. Examples include Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and many other image and video editing applications.
4. Financial applications:
Trading platforms, algorithmic trading and market simulations often use C++ for its speed and efficiency. Banks and financial institutions use C++ to develop systems that require low latency.
5. Network software and telecommunications:
Network protocols, servers, clients and other network tools are often developed in C++. This includes software for high-performance network applications, such as web servers and network services.
6. Simulations and modeling:
C++ is popular in scientific computing for simulations, data analysis and modeling. This includes applications in physics, chemistry, engineering and biology.
7. High performance computers (HPC):
C++ is used in supercomputer and cluster applications that require maximum speed and efficiency. This includes simulations in climate research, astrophysics, bioinformatics and many other fields.
8. Development of databases:
C++ is used to implement databases and database management systems (DBMS). Examples include MongoDB and MySQL, which have components written in C++.
9. Embedded systems:
C++ is used in software development for embedded systems where resources are limited and performance is critical. This includes software development for microcontrollers, sensors and various IoT devices.
10. Automotive industry:
Software for vehicle control, autonomous driving, in-car entertainment and infotainment systems often use C++ for its performance and real-time capabilities.
11. Robotic industry:
Robotic control systems, simulations and robotic arm control software often use C++. ROS (Robot Operating System), which is popular in academia and industry, uses C++ for its core components.
12. Artificial intelligence and machine learning:
C++ is used to develop machine learning and artificial intelligence frameworks and libraries. TensorFlow, one of the most popular deep learning frameworks, has parts written in C++ for performance.
C++ remains relevant because of its power and flexibility, enabling programmers to write efficient, fast, and reliable software in a wide variety of applications.
Development tools used to develop applications in C++
In order to choose the right environment for you, it depends on whether you want to learn C or C++ or programming for your job.
While tools like Visual Studio Code and Code::Blocks are popular choices for many developers, other IDEs, such as Dev-C++ and C++Builder, offer different features tailored to specific needs.
While tools like Visual Studio Code and Code::Blocks are popular choices for many developers, other IDEs, such as Dev-C++ and C++Builder, offer different features tailored to specific needs.
A wide range of development tools and environments are used for C++ software development. Here are a few of the most popular:
Integrated Development Environments (IDEs)
1. Visual Studio
Microsoft Visual Studio is one of the most powerful and popular development environments for C++. It provides rich functionalities such as advanced debugger, profiling tools, integrated compilers and support for various plugins. It is used on the windows platform
2. CLion
CLion is a development environment from JetBrains that provides support for C and C++ programs. It offers smart code assistance, code refactoring, an advanced debugger, and integration with tools like CMake, Gradle, and many others.
3. Code Blocks
Code Blocks is a free and open development environment that supports multiple compilers and provides modularity through plugins. It is ideal for beginners because of its simple interface.
4. Eclipse CDT
Eclipse is a very powerful development environment (IDE) that supports multiple programming languages, including C and C++. It uses the CDT (C/C++ Development Tooling) extension, which allows working with these languages.Eclipse is extremely useful for working on large projects because it provides tools for code organization, refactoring, and version control.
It is available on Windows, macOS and Linux operating systems. Eclipse integrates easily with tools like GDB for debugging, CMake for project management, and many others.
5. Xcode
Xcode is a development environment provided by Apple for developing software for macOS and iOS. It has built-in support for C, C++ and Objective-C. Use on the mac platform.
6. Dev-C++
A lightweight and beginner-friendly IDE, Dev-C++ is well-suited for newcomers exploring the basics of C and C++ programming. It provides a simple interface, supports GCC as the underlying compiler, and is completely free.
Why Use It: Ideal for educational purposes or small-scale projects. Its simplicity allows students to focus on programming concepts without being overwhelmed by advanced features.
Limitations: Dev-C++ lacks some of the modern debugging and refactoring tools found in more advanced IDEs, making it less suitable for professional-grade development.
7. C++Builder
C++Builder is a robust commercial IDE tailored for creating Windows-based applications, particularly those requiring graphical user interfaces (GUIs). It integrates seamlessly with RAD Studio for rapid application development.
Why Use It: Highly recommended for professional developers creating desktop applications with a focus on GUI design. Its visual development tools simplify the creation of complex interfaces.
Limitations: Its advanced features come at a cost, both in terms of price and system requirements, which may not make it the best option for beginners or those working on simple projects.
Compilers
1. GCC (GNU Compiler Collection)
2. Clang
3. Microsoft Visual C++ (MSVC)
Build Tools
1. CMake
CMake is a software build management tool that generates build files for various compilers and development environments. It is widely used due to its flexibility and support for multi-platform development.
2. Makes
Make is a traditional build tool on Unix-like systems. It uses Makefiles to manage code compilation.
3. Ninja
Ninja is a build tool designed to be faster than Make. It is often used together with CMake for faster compilation processes.
Version control tools
1. Git
Git is a distributed version control system that enables efficient source code management. GitHub, GitLab, and Bitbucket are popular platforms that use Git.
2. SVN (Apache Subversion)
SVN is a version control system used in many legacy projects. It offers centralized version management.
Debugging and profiling tools
1. GDB (GNU Debugger)
GDB is a powerful debugging tool that supports C and C++. It is used for debugging, code analysis and performance testing.
2. Valgrind
Valgrind is a profiling and debugging tool that helps find memory and performance problems in C and C++ programs.
3. Visual Studio Profiler
A performance profiling tool that is part of the Visual Studio environment. It provides detailed information about execution time and resource usage.
Libraries and Frameworks
1. Boost
Boost is a collection of free, peer-reviewed libraries that extend the functionality of the C++ standard library.
2. Qt
Qt is a framework for developing graphical user interfaces (GUI) that is widely used for developing multiplatform applications.
These are just some of the tools and environments you can use to develop C++ software. The choice of tool depends on the specific requirements of your project and personal preferences.
Integrated Development Environments (IDEs)
1. Visual Studio
Microsoft Visual Studio is one of the most powerful and popular development environments for C++. It provides rich functionalities such as advanced debugger, profiling tools, integrated compilers and support for various plugins. It is used on the windows platform
2. CLion
CLion is a development environment from JetBrains that provides support for C and C++ programs. It offers smart code assistance, code refactoring, an advanced debugger, and integration with tools like CMake, Gradle, and many others.
3. Code Blocks
Code Blocks is a free and open development environment that supports multiple compilers and provides modularity through plugins. It is ideal for beginners because of its simple interface.
4. Eclipse CDT
Eclipse is a very powerful development environment (IDE) that supports multiple programming languages, including C and C++. It uses the CDT (C/C++ Development Tooling) extension, which allows working with these languages.Eclipse is extremely useful for working on large projects because it provides tools for code organization, refactoring, and version control.
It is available on Windows, macOS and Linux operating systems. Eclipse integrates easily with tools like GDB for debugging, CMake for project management, and many others.
5. Xcode
Xcode is a development environment provided by Apple for developing software for macOS and iOS. It has built-in support for C, C++ and Objective-C. Use on the mac platform.
6. Dev-C++
A lightweight and beginner-friendly IDE, Dev-C++ is well-suited for newcomers exploring the basics of C and C++ programming. It provides a simple interface, supports GCC as the underlying compiler, and is completely free.
Why Use It: Ideal for educational purposes or small-scale projects. Its simplicity allows students to focus on programming concepts without being overwhelmed by advanced features.
Limitations: Dev-C++ lacks some of the modern debugging and refactoring tools found in more advanced IDEs, making it less suitable for professional-grade development.
7. C++Builder
C++Builder is a robust commercial IDE tailored for creating Windows-based applications, particularly those requiring graphical user interfaces (GUIs). It integrates seamlessly with RAD Studio for rapid application development.
Why Use It: Highly recommended for professional developers creating desktop applications with a focus on GUI design. Its visual development tools simplify the creation of complex interfaces.
Limitations: Its advanced features come at a cost, both in terms of price and system requirements, which may not make it the best option for beginners or those working on simple projects.
Compilers
1. GCC (GNU Compiler Collection)
- Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux
- Description: GCC is one of the most popular compilers for C and C++ languages. It is available on most Unix-like systems and supports a wide range of platforms and architectures.
2. Clang
- Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux
- Description: Clang is a compiler based on the LLVM project. It is known for its fast compilation times and detailed error diagnostics.
3. Microsoft Visual C++ (MSVC)
- Platform: Windows
- Description: MSVC is part of the Microsoft Visual Studio development platform. It provides powerful tools for developing Windows applications and has excellent integration with the Visual Studio environment.
Build Tools
1. CMake
CMake is a software build management tool that generates build files for various compilers and development environments. It is widely used due to its flexibility and support for multi-platform development.
2. Makes
Make is a traditional build tool on Unix-like systems. It uses Makefiles to manage code compilation.
3. Ninja
Ninja is a build tool designed to be faster than Make. It is often used together with CMake for faster compilation processes.
Version control tools
1. Git
Git is a distributed version control system that enables efficient source code management. GitHub, GitLab, and Bitbucket are popular platforms that use Git.
2. SVN (Apache Subversion)
SVN is a version control system used in many legacy projects. It offers centralized version management.
Debugging and profiling tools
1. GDB (GNU Debugger)
GDB is a powerful debugging tool that supports C and C++. It is used for debugging, code analysis and performance testing.
2. Valgrind
Valgrind is a profiling and debugging tool that helps find memory and performance problems in C and C++ programs.
3. Visual Studio Profiler
A performance profiling tool that is part of the Visual Studio environment. It provides detailed information about execution time and resource usage.
Libraries and Frameworks
1. Boost
Boost is a collection of free, peer-reviewed libraries that extend the functionality of the C++ standard library.
2. Qt
Qt is a framework for developing graphical user interfaces (GUI) that is widely used for developing multiplatform applications.
These are just some of the tools and environments you can use to develop C++ software. The choice of tool depends on the specific requirements of your project and personal preferences.
An example of the code in CodeBlock is shown in Figure 1:
Figure 2: C++ application example created using CodeBlock
About this tutorial
This tutorial will explain the basics needed to create both simple and competitive tasks using the most popular algorithms: e.g. string sorting, binary search, Euclidean algorithm, etc.
The tutorial will also explain numerous examples created in both C and C++ variants of writing code. CodeBlock will be used as the development environment.
Given that every C program is also a C++ program, while the reverse is not true, i.e. not every C++ program is a C program, most solutions will be solved using the C++ variant in CodeBlock.
The tutorial will also explain numerous examples created in both C and C++ variants of writing code. CodeBlock will be used as the development environment.
Given that every C program is also a C++ program, while the reverse is not true, i.e. not every C++ program is a C program, most solutions will be solved using the C++ variant in CodeBlock.
What is needed to create a C or C++ program?
In addition to the operating system, in order to be able to develop a C, as well as a C++ application, you need:
A development tool for programming (optional), such as: dec c++, CodeBlock, VS Code, etc.
For the purposes of this tutorial, CodeBlock will be used, which can be downloaded from the website: https://www.codeblocks.org/downloads/
- Use a text editor to write the source code of the application. It can be notepad, notepad++ or another, or the editor included in the development tool, if it is used.
- Install the appropriate compiler. Most often it is the GNU C/C++ compiler. On Windows OS it is necessary to install MinGW (www.mingw.org), which contains the mentioned compiler, while on Linux OS the mentioned compiler can be installed with the command: $ g++ -v.
- The compiler converts the original version of the code, written in a text editor or an editor of a development environment (CodeBlock, for example) into an executable version of the code.
A development tool for programming (optional), such as: dec c++, CodeBlock, VS Code, etc.
For the purposes of this tutorial, CodeBlock will be used, which can be downloaded from the website: https://www.codeblocks.org/downloads/
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