The C Language: How It Stacks Up Against C++, Java, C#, Go, Rust, Python, and Carbon
The C programming language, alive and kicking since 1972, still reigns as a fundamental building block of our software-studded world. Despite the emergence of numerous newer languages over the past few decades, C’s performance, bare-metal compatibility, and ubiquity remain unmatched. It’s worth examining how C stacks up against some of the big-name language competition, such as C++, Java, C#, Go, Rust, Python, and the newest kid on the block, Carbon.
C vs. C++
C is frequently compared to C++, a language created as an extension of C. While C++ maintains a C-like syntax and approach, it offers many features not available natively in C, such as namespaces, templates, exceptions, and automatic memory management. These features make C++ suitable for projects demanding top-tier performance, like databases and machine learning systems.
C++ continues to expand aggressively, with C++ 23 introducing modules, coroutines, and a modularized standard library for faster compilation and more succinct code. In contrast, the next planned version of C, C2x, focuses on retaining backward compatibility with minimal new features. However, the added complexity of C++ can be a drawback. The more features you use, the more difficult it becomes to manage the code. Some developers and organizations prefer C for its enforced minimalism and simplicity. The Linux kernel, for example, is predominantly written in C to maintain this simplicity and avoid the complexities of C++.
C vs. Java
Java, a staple of enterprise software development, borrows heavily from C and C++ in its syntax. Unlike C, Java does not compile to native code by default. Instead, it uses a Just-In-Time (JIT) compiler to compile code at runtime, allowing for optimizations based on program behavior. Under the right circumstances, JIT-compiled Java code can approach or even exceed the performance of C.
Java’s runtime automates memory management, although it’s possible to work around this for optimization purposes. For instance, Apache Spark uses “unsafe” parts of the Java runtime to manage memory directly, bypassing the overhead of the JVM’s garbage collection system. Java’s “write once, run anywhere” philosophy allows for programs to run with minimal adjustments across different architectures. However, C’s direct compilation to machine code gives it an edge in scenarios requiring close hardware interaction and optimal memory usage.
C vs. C#
C# is Microsoft’s answer to Java, offering similar advantages in terms of automated memory management and a robust standard library. Like Java, C# runs on a virtual machine (the Common Language Runtime or CLR), which provides a similar level of portability and runtime optimization. However, C# is closely tied to the Windows ecosystem, which limits its use in cross-platform development compared to Java and C.
In conclusion, while newer languages offer various improvements and features, the C programming language remains irreplaceable in scenarios requiring performance, control, and direct hardware interaction. Its simplicity, efficiency, and foundational role in software development ensure its continued dominance in the industry.