Page 1 of 9
Home Whiteboard AI Assistant Online Compilers Jobs Tools Art
SQL HTML CSS Javascript Python Java C C++ PHP Scala C#
Python vs C++
-53% -59% -50% -26% -33% -36% -44%
Python is a general-purpose, high-level programming language. Python is used for web
development, Machine Learning, and other cutting-edge software development. Python is
suitable for both new and seasoned C++ and Java programmers. Guido Van Rossam
has created Python in 1989 at Netherlands' National Research Institute. Python was
released in 1991.
C++ is a middle-level, case-sensitive, object-oriented programming language. Bjarne
Stroustrup created C++ at Bell Labs. C++ is a platform-independent programming
language that works on Windows, Mac OS, and Linux. C++ is near to hardware, allowing
low-level programming. This provides a developer control over memory, improved
performance, and dependable software.
Read through this article to get an overview of C++ and Python and how these two
programming languages are different from each other.
What is Python?
Python is currently one of the most widely used programming languages. It is an
interpreted programming language that operates at a high level. When compared to
other languages, the learning curve for Python is much lower, and it is also quite
straightforward to use.
Python is the programming language of choice for professionals working in fields such as
Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning (ML), Data Science, the Internet of Things (IoT),
etc., because it excels at both scripting applications and as standalone programmes.
Advertisement
-
In addition to this, Python is the language of choice because it is easy to learn. Because
of its excellent syntax and readability, the amount of money spent on maintenance is
decreased. The modularity of the programme and the reusability of the code both
contribute to its support for a variety of packages and modules.
Using Python, we can perform
https://www.tutorialspoint.com/python/python_vs_cpp.htm 1/9
Page 2 of 9
Web development
Data analysis and machine learning
Automation and scripting
Software testing and many more
Features
Here is a list of some of the important features of Python
Easy to learn Python has a simple structure, few keywords, and a clear syntax.
This makes it easy for the student to learn quickly. Code written in Python is
easier to read and understand.
Easy to maintain The source code for Python is pretty easy to keep up with.
A large standard library Most of Python's library is easy to move around and
works on UNIX, Windows, Mac.
Portable Python can run on a wide range of hardware platforms, and all of them
have the same interface.
Python Example
Take a look at the following simple Python program
a = int(input("Enter value for a"))
b = int(input("Enter value for b"))
print("The number you have entered for a is ", a)
print("The number you have entered for b is ", b)
In our example, we have taken two variables "a" and "b" and assigning some value to
those variables. Note that in Python, we don’t need to declare datatype for variables
explicitly, as the PVM will assign datatype as per the user’s input.
Advertisement
The input() function is used- to take input from the user through keyboard.
In Python, the return type of input() is string only, so we have to convert it
explicitly to the type of data which we require. In our example, we have
converted to int type explicitly through int( ) function.
print() is used to display the output.
https://www.tutorialspoint.com/python/python_vs_cpp.htm 2/9
Page 3 of 9
Output
On execution, this Python code will produce the following output
Enter value for a 10
Enter value for b 20
The number you have entered for a is 10
The number you have entered for b is 20
What is C++?
C++ is a statically typed, compiled, multi-paradigm, general-purpose programming
language with a steep learning curve. Video games, desktop apps, and embedded
systems use it extensively. C++ is so compatible with C that it can build practically all C
source code without any changes. Object-oriented programming makes C++ a better-
structured and safer language than C.
Advertisement
Features -
Let’s see some features of C++ and the reason of its popularity.
Middle-level language It's a middle-level language since it can be used for both
systems development and large-scale consumer applications like Media Players,
Photoshop, Game Engines, etc.
https://www.tutorialspoint.com/python/python_vs_cpp.htm 3/9
Page 4 of 9
Execution Speed C++ code runs quickly. Because it's compiled and uses
procedures extensively. Garbage collection, dynamic typing, and other modern
features impede program execution.
Object-oriented language Object-oriented programming is flexible and
manageable. Large apps are possible. Growing code makes procedural code
harder to handle. C++'s key advantage over C.
Extensive Library Support C++ has a vast library. Third-party libraries are
supported for fast development.
C++ Example
Let’s understand the syntax of C++ through an example written below.
#include
using namespace std;
int main() {
int a, b;
cout << "Enter The value for variable a \n";
cin >> a;
cout << "Enter The value for variable b";
cin >> b;
cout << "The value of a is "<< a << "and" << b;
return 0;
}
In our example, we are taking input for two variables "a" and "b" from the user through
the keyboard and displaying the data on the console.
Output
On execution, it will produce the following output
Enter The value for variable a
Advertisement
10
-
Enter The value for variable b
20
The value of a is 10 and 20
Comparison Between Python and C++ across Various Aspects
https://www.tutorialspoint.com/python/python_vs_cpp.htm 4/9
Page 5 of 9
Both Python and C++ are among the most popular programming languages. Both of
them have their advantages and disadvantages. In this tutorial, we shall take a closure
look at their characteristic features which differentiate one from another.
Compiled vs Interpreted
Like C, C++ is also a compiler-based language. A compiler translates the entire code in a
machine language code specific to the operating system in use and processor
architecture.
Python is interpreter-based language. The interpreter executes the source code line by
line.
Cross platform
When a C++ source code such as hello.cpp is compiled on Linux, it can be only run on
any other computer with Linux operating system. If required to run on other OS, it needs
to be compiled.
Python interpreter doesn't produce compiled code. Source code is converted to byte code
every time it is run on any operating system without any changes or additional steps.
Portability
Python code is easily portable from one OS to other. C++ code is not portable as it must
be recompiled if the OS changes.
Speed of Development
C++ program is compiled to the machine code. Hence, its execution is faster than
interpreter based language.
Python interpreter doesn't generate the machine code. Conversion of intermediate byte
code to machine language is done on each execution of program.
If a program is to be used frequently, C++ is more efficient than Python.
Easy to Learn
Advertisement
-
Compared to C++, Python has a simpler syntax. Its code is more readable. Writing C++
code seems daunting in the beginning because of complicated syntax rule such as use of
curly braces and semicolon for sentence termination.
Python doesn't use curly brackets for marking a block of statements. Instead, it uses
indents. Statements of similar indent level mark a block. This makes a Python program
more readable.
https://www.tutorialspoint.com/python/python_vs_cpp.htm 5/9
Page 6 of 9
Static vs Dynamic Typing
C++ is a statically typed language. The type of variables for storing data need to be
declared in the beginning. Undeclared variables can't be used. Once a variable is
declared to be of a certain type, value of only that type can be stored in it.
Python is a dynamically typed language. It doesn't require a variable to be declared
before assigning it a value. Since, a variable may store any type of data, it is called
dynamically typed.
OOP Concepts
Both C++ and Python implement object oriented programming concepts. C++ is closer
to the theory of OOP than Python. C++ supports the concept of data encapsulation as
the visibility of the variables can be defined as public, private and protected.
Python doesn't have the provision of defining the visibility. Unlike C++, Python doesn't
support method overloading. Because it is dynamically typed, all the methods are
polymorphic in nature by default.
C++ is in fact an extension of C. One can say that additional keywords are added in C so
that it supports OOP. Hence, we can write a C type procedure oriented program in C++.
Python is completely object oriented language. Python's data model is such that, even if
you can adapt a procedure oriented approach, Python internally uses object-oriented
methodology.
Garbage Collection
C++ uses the concept of pointers. Unused memory in a C++ program is not cleared
automatically. In C++, the process of garbage collection is manual. Hence, a C++
program is likely to face memory related exceptional behavior.
Python has a mechanism of automatic garbage collection. Hence, Python program is
more robust and less prone to memory related issues.
Application Areas
Because C++ program compiles directly to machine code, it is more suitable for systems
Advertisement
programming, writing device drivers,
- embedded systems and operating system utilities.
Python program is suitable for application programming. Its main area of application
today is data science, machine learning, API development etc.
Difference Between Python and C++
https://www.tutorialspoint.com/python/python_vs_cpp.htm 6/9
Page 7 of 9
The following table summarizes the differences between Python and C++
Criteria Python C++
Python is an interpreted-based C++ is a compiler-based
programming language. Python programming language. C++
Execution
programs are interpreted by an programs are compiled by a
interpreter. compiler.
Python is a dynamic-typed
Typing C++ is a static-typed language.
language.
Python is a highly portable C++ is not a portable language,
language, code written and code written and executed on a
Portability
executed on a system can be system cannot be run on another
easily run on another system. system without making changes.
Python provides a garbage
C++ does not provide garbage
collection feature. You do not
Garbage collection. You have to take care
need to worry about the memory
collection of freeing memories. It is manual
management. It is automatic in
in C++.
Python.
Python's syntaxes are very easy
Syntax C++'s syntaxes are tedious.
to read, write, and understand.
Python's execution performance is C++ codes are faster than Python
Performance
slower than C++'s. codes.
Python's application areas are C++'s application areas are
Application
machine learning, web embedded systems, device
areas
applications, and more. drivers, and more.
TOP TUTORIALS
Python Tutorial
Advertisement
Java Tutorial
-
C++ Tutorial
C Programming Tutorial
C# Tutorial
PHP Tutorial
R Tutorial
https://www.tutorialspoint.com/python/python_vs_cpp.htm 7/9
Page 8 of 9
HTML Tutorial
CSS Tutorial
JavaScript Tutorial
SQL Tutorial
TRENDING TECHNOLOGIES
Cloud Computing Tutorial
Amazon Web Services Tutorial
Microsoft Azure Tutorial
Git Tutorial
Ethical Hacking Tutorial
Docker Tutorial
Kubernetes Tutorial
DSA Tutorial
Spring Boot Tutorial
SDLC Tutorial
Unix Tutorial
CERTIFICATIONS
Business Analytics Certification
Java & Spring Boot Advanced Certification
Data Science Advanced Certification
Cloud Computing And DevOps
Advanced Certification In Business Analytics
Artificial Intelligence And Machine Learning
DevOps Certification
Game Development Certification
Front-End Developer Certification
AWS Certification Training
Python Programming Certification
Advertisement
-
COMPILERS & EDITORS
Online Java Compiler
Online Python Compiler
Online Go Compiler
Online C Compiler
https://www.tutorialspoint.com/python/python_vs_cpp.htm 8/9
Page 9 of 9
Online C++ Compiler
Online C# Compiler
Online PHP Compiler
Online MATLAB Compiler
Online Bash Compiler
Online SQL Compiler
Online Html Editor
ABOUT US | OUR TEAM | CAREERS | JOBS | CONTACT US | TERMS OF USE |
PRIVACY POLICY | REFUND POLICY | COOKIES POLICY | FAQ'S
Tutorials Point is a leading Ed Tech company striving to provide the best learning material on
technical and non-technical subjects.
© Copyright 2025. All Rights Reserved.
Advertisement
-
https://www.tutorialspoint.com/python/python_vs_cpp.htm 9/9
