C is probably the oldest and popular programming language and is the root of other programming languages such as C#, Java, and JavaScript. C++ is an enhanced version of C. Many developers today skip learning C on its own, while others think learning C first provides a valuable foundation for C++ development. Both languages are widely used in computer science and programming.

C and C++ developers can make use of compilers for a wide variety of platforms, making applications developed in these languages largely transportable. Both C and C++ are considered high-performance languages. As such, they are widely used in developing applications where performance is a critical issue, such as client/server applications, commercial products like Firefox and Adobe, and video games.

Level:
C – Intermediate to Advanced
C++ – Beginner to Intermediate

Skills Needed: Problem-solving, basic computer knowledge. As C and C++ are geared toward low-level management of computer resources, knowledge of computer functions such as memory management is beneficial.

Platform: Mobile, Desktop, Embedded

Popularity Among Programmers:
C – There has been a higher migration from C to C++
C++ – One of the world’s most popular languages

Benefits:
C – Used to learn the fundamentals of programming at the lowest (hardware) level
C++ – allows for a much higher “control” than other languages

Downsides:
C – Coding in C is stricter, not very beginner-friendly language, the steeper learning curve
C++ – A bit more challenging to pick up and become productive with than C (and even more so than Java)

Degree of Use:
C – One of the most widely used
C++ – Widely used