Difference between C++ and Go Languages

In this article, we will discuss the difference between C++ and GO. But before discussing their differences, we must know about C++ and Go with their examples and uses.

What is the C++ programming language?

C++ is a high-level and general-purpose programming language that was created as an extension of the C programming language. It is a middle-level programming language that was created by Bjrane Stroustrup in 1979 at Bell Labs. It can run on several platforms, including Windows, MacOS, and UNIX.

Uses of the C++:

There are several uses of the C++. Some main uses of the C++ are as follows:

  • Multi-Paradigm Language: It supports multiple programming paradigms, including object-oriented, procedural, and generic programming.
  • Object-Oriented: It enables developers to create classes and objects for structured and modular code.
  • Efficiency and Performance: It emphasizes efficiency and high performance.
  • Standard Library: It provides a comprehensive standard library for common programming tasks.
  • Portability: It is highly portable and can run on several platforms and architectures.
  • Large Community: It has an active developer community, leading to a wealth of libraries and tools.
  • Popular Applications: It includes system software, gaming, real-time simulations, embedded systems, and scientific computing.
  • Modern Versions: It evolves through standardized versions, each introducing new features and enhancements.

Golang programming language

Golang is a statically typed and compiled programming language that was created by Google in 2007. It has gained popularity in various domains, from web development to systems programming, and continues to grow in popularity because of its many features.

Features of the GO:

There are several features of the GO. Some main features of the GO are as follows:

  • Concurrency: Go excels in concurrent programming with goroutines and channels.
  • Efficiency: It is designed for high performance and efficiency.
  • Simplicity: It emphasizes simplicity and readability in code.
  • Web Development: It is well-suited for building web applications and microservices.
  • Cloud-Native: It is a popular choice for building cloud-native applications.
  • Strong Community: It is a growing and active developer community.
  • Open Source: Open-source and backed by Google.

Example:

First, we have to know about both language programs so that we can see the example programs of both languages that verify whether a given number is even or odd.

Golang program for checking whether a number is even or odd

Output:

Difference between C++ and Go Languages

C++ Program for checking whether a number is even or odd:

Output:

Enter an integer: 5
The number is odd.

Differences between the Golang and C++ languages:

Difference between C++ and Go Languages

There are several differences between the GO and C++ Languages. Some main differences between these languages are as follows:

FeaturesGo (Golang)C++
OriginIt was created by Google in 2007.It was developed in the late 1970s.
SimplicityDesigned for simplicityOffers a wide range of features
Error HandlingExplicit error return values and panic/recoverTypically relies on exceptions
PolymorphismAchieved through interfacesIt supports polymorphism via virtual functions and inheritance.
InheritanceComposition over inheritanceSupports class-based inheritance
Memory ManagementAutomatic memory managementManual memory management with new/delete or smart pointers
Standard LibraryModern networking and concurrency librariesExtensive standard library covering various domains
CompilationIt requires compilation, resulting binary is self-contained.It requires compilation, binary may depend on external libraries.
Operator OverloadingNot supportedSupports operator overloading
GenericsIntroduced in Go 1.18Has powerful generic programming capabilities with templates
Namespace and ModulesUses packages for code organizationUtilizes namespaces and modules for code organization
Null ValuesUses nil for null values in reference typesUses nullptr for null pointers
StandardizationDeveloped with a single, opinionated way of doing thingsEvolves through multiple standardization processes
Compiler and Build ToolsHas its own compiler (go) and build tools (go build, go run)Relies on various compilers (e.g., GCC, Clang) and builds systems
PortabilityDesigned for portabilityPortable but may require platform-specific adjustments

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Go was created by Google in 2007, and prioritizes simplicity and readability. It offers automatic memory management, making writing and maintaining code easier. Go's built-in support for concurrency through goroutines and channels simplifies the development of scalable, concurrent applications. It has a growing community and a modern standard library tailored for web and cloud-native development.

On the other hand, C++, with its roots dating back to the late 1970s, provides a wide range of features, making it a powerful and versatile language. It requires manual memory management, which can be both a strength and a challenge. C++ has a rich standard library and is known for its performance, making it a preferred choice for systems programming and high-performance applications.

The choice between Go and C++ depends on your project requirements and preferences. Go excels in simplicity and concurrency, while C++ offers fine-grained control and a wide feature set.