Difference between Python and C++

Code

Python has fewer lines of code

C++ tends to have long lines of code

Syntax

It uses short-hand syntax and has numerous short-hand structural iterators.  It requires ‘self’ as a parameter to any class instance method.  Some of the short-hand syntaxes are confusing (e.g. `rkwargs`) but rarely is anything in Python completely esoteric.

It has a stiff learning curve as it has lots of predefined syntaxes and structures.  C++ uses implicitly ‘this’ to refer to class instances.  Some syntax in C++ is extremely esoteric.

Compilation

Python is interpreted

C++ is precompiled

Speed

It is slower since it uses an interpreter and also determines the data type at run time

It is faster once compiled as compared to python

Efficiency

Specialized formatting not common in other languages, script-like language, OOP features, code reuse through libraries

C-like syntax, powerful OOP features and operator overloading, best compile-time optimizer

Nature

It is dynamically typed.

is statically typed

Functions

Python Functions do not have restrictions on the type of the argument and the type of its return value

In C++, the function can accept and return the type of value which is already defined

Scope of Variable

Variables are accessible even outside the loop

The scope of variables is limited within the loops

Extension

Python programs are saved with the .py extension

C++ programs are saved with the .cpp extension

Popularity

It has huge community support. When it comes to popularity, beginner and novice programmers tend to turn to Python

It also has dedicated followings online. But only the people who have some experience in the field show a lot of interest in C++

Garbage Collection

It supports garbage collection

It doesn’t support garbage collection, but it can be implemented

Rapid Prototyping

Rapid Prototyping is possible, with easy project setup, live interpreter

Rapid Prototyping is possible, but project setup can be complicated, live interpreter through IRC bot