What Are the Differences Between C++ and Python? A Programmer Compares Them to Sports Cars and Electric Cars!

Hello everyone, I am Programmer Lao Guo. Today, let’s discuss a question that beginners often ask: What are the differences between C++ and Python? Based on my 5 years of experience, the gap between these two languages is even greater than that between sports cars and electric cars!

1. Performance: Rocket vs Bicycle

  • C++: A compiled language that directly translates to machine code, with a speed comparable to a rocket. Suitable for: game engines, high-frequency trading, operating systems (for example, Windows is written in C++) Cost: Got a bug hidden in your code? Your program could crash in an instant!

  • Python: An interpreted language that translates and executes simultaneously, 10 to 100 times slower. Suitable for: data analysis, AI training (PyTorch), backend development (Instagram uses Python) Advantage: Even if there’s an error in the code, it can still run up to the line where the error occurs.

2. Syntax: Military Instructor vs Kindergarten Teacher

  • C++ has rules that are overwhelming:

int main() {    int a = 5; // Forget to write int? You're done!    string s = "hello"; // Missing a semicolon? Rewrite!    delete ptr; // Forget to free memory? Get ready for a memory leak!
  • Python feels like talking to an AI:
a = 5            # Automatically recognized as an integer
s = "hello"      # No semicolon needed at the end of the line
list = [1,2,3]   # Comes with advanced data structures

Beginner’s Disaster Scene: C++ programmers spend 3 hours debugging “pointer out of bounds”, while Python programmers have already finished coding and are watching a show.

3. Job Directions: Completely Different Worlds

  • C++ Positions:

    • Game Development (Tencent Timi Studio)

    • Autonomous Driving (Baidu Apollo System)

    • Quantitative Finance (Algorithm traders with annual salaries in the millions)

  • Python Positions:

    • Artificial Intelligence (ByteDance’s recommendation algorithms)

    • Data Analysis (BI departments of major companies)

    • Automated Testing (a tool for slacking off)

Industry Truth: Companies engaged in quantitative trading often use C++ to write core trading systems and Python for data analysis, which is the benefit of mixing!

4. How to Choose? Adults Don’t Make Choices!

  • Beginner Entry: Start with Python, you can write a Snake game in 3 days, achieving a great sense of accomplishment.

  • Pursuing Performance: Dive into C++, once you learn it, other languages will seem inferior.

  • Ultimate Solution: Use Python to quickly validate ideas, then rewrite critical code in C++ (many AI frameworks do this).

Finally, I want to leave you with a saying: Languages are just tools; the core is the thinking that solves problems..

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