From C to C++ - different paradigms

January 30, 2025, by Slobodan Dmitrovic

C and C++ are two different programming paradigms, two different ways of thinking. In C, we use:

• Raw arrays
• Raw pointers
• Macros
• Pointer arithmetic
• Character arrays

In C++, we should avoid the above entities and techniques. In C++, we use:

• Smart pointers
• Standard Library containers
• Classes and templates
• Strings
• C++-specific idioms and techniques, for example - RAII

When moving from C to C++, we should adopt the following approach:

• Try not to mix C with C++
• Try not to write "C with Classes"
• Try to adopt a new, C++-specific way of thinking

We also have a dedicated training course called "C++ for C Developers." For more info, contact us at contact@cppsrc.com.