JavaScript and C++ are two widely used programming languages. JavaScript serves as a scripting language primarily for web development, while C++ functions as a general-purpose language suited for low-level system programming. In this article, we will explore the distinctions between JavaScript and C++. Before delving into the differences, let’s take a closer look at both JavaScript and C++.
What is JavaScript?
JavaScript is a scripting language and a fundamental technology of the internet, employed to create dynamic and interactive web pages. It was originally developed by Brenden Eich and made its debut in 1995. Every web browser contains a specific JavaScript engine that processes the client-side code.
It allows you to incorporate intricate functionalities into web pages, including animated 2D and 3D graphics, pop-up menus, real-time updates, interactive buttons, and additional features.
Advantages of JavaScript
- Speed: JavaScript is a client-side script which means it directly runs on the client's web browser which shortens the time needed to communicate with the server. It can handle data transfer which means it can transmit large data with minimal delay.
- Simple syntax: JavaScript is designed to be simple which makes it an easy-to-use language. Its syntax is easy to understand which makes it a beginner-friendly language.
- Compatible: One of the biggest advantages of JavaScript is that it is compatible with all browsers which means it can be run by any web browser and produce equivalent results.
- Interoperability: JavaScript can easily integrate with other programming languages. It allows collaboration with other developers to create powerful applications.
- Rich libraries/ frameworks: JavaScript has rich libraries and frameworks which help to ease the development process. Some of the most famous frameworks and libraries are Angular.js , React.js , Vue.js , jQuery , Lodash and more.
- Continuous updates: Since the ECMAScript 5 is released, JavaScript undergoes regular updates presenting new features and performance enhancement. Updates allow developers to access modern tools and leverage the latest advancements in web development.
What is C++?
C++ is a versatile programming language that was created by Bjarne Stroustrup and debuted in 1985. Essentially, it builds upon the C programming language by incorporating support for object-oriented programming, distinguishing it from its predecessor, C.
It is utilized for the development of web applications, operating systems, web browsers, games, and more.
Advantages of C++
- Object-Oriented Programming: C++ is an object-oriented programming language which means it focuses on objects. It becomes easier to manipulate code around objects.
- Speed: C++ programming compiles and executes programs faster as compared to other general-purpose programming languages.
- Rich library support: C++ supports rich libraries that ease the work of developers. For example, STL (Standard Template Library) which is a collection of template classes and functions designed to offer a wide range of data structures and algorithms. Some of the famous C++ libraries are STL, Boost, Folly, OpenCS, TensorFlow and more.
- Closer to hardware: C++ is utilized for low-level manipulation so it can be useful for projects where you need to write code that works well with the hardware. For example, creating an embedded system or a compiler.
- Portable: C++ is a portable programming language which means it can run on various operating systems such as Linux, Windows and macOS.
- Compiled: C++ is a compiled language which means it converts the code into the machine code first and then executes. All the errors are checked at the time of compilation so the compilation process makes the program error-free.
Let's examine the distinctions between JavaScript and C++.
| JavaScript | C++ |
|---|---|
| It is a weakly and dynamically typed language. | It is a statistically and strongly typed programming language. |
| It was designed by Brenden Eich of Netscape. | It was designed by Bjarne Stroustrup. |
| It was released twenty-eight years ago on December 4, 1995. | It was released thirty-nine years ago in 1985. |
| It is a high-level language. | It is a mid-level language that supports both low-level and high-level features. |
| It is an interpreted scripting language in which the source code is executed line by line. | It is a compiled language that means the whole source code is first translated to machine code before execution. |
| It supports dynamic typing which is why types in JavaScript are checked during runtime. | It is static typing which is why types in C++ are checked during compile time. |
| It is prototype object-oriented programming which means it leverages prototypes for inheritance. | It is an object-oriented programming which means it supports classes and encapsulation. |
| The executing speed of the program in JavaScript is a little slower than in C++. | The executing speed of the program in C++ is faster than in JavaScript. |
| JavaScript simplifies development by abstracting memory management but this comes at the cost of granular control. | C++ provides precise control of memory management which leads to greater efficiency but problems like memory leaks may occur. |
| JavaScript works within browsers which provides protection against different types of attacks. | C++ programs are written carefully to get protection from threats. |
| JavaScript can be run on any web browser as it naturally supports cross-platform. | C++ can be run on any operating system but compilation is done according to the platform. |
| It is utilized for constructing web-based applications. | It is utilized for application that needs to manage system resources. |
| Dynamic typing of JavaScript sometimes leads to runtime errors. | Static typing of C++ assists in catching errors at compile-time. |
| It follows the ECMAScript standards which are the ones that release new standards every year. | It is governed by the ISO committee which unleashes new standards every few years. |
| It handles web-based graphics and UIs using HTML5 and Canvas. | It handles high-performance graphic engines and applications. |
| It communicates with databases with the help of libraries and ORMs. | It communicates with databases with the help of ODBC or direct library integrations. |
| It is utilized to construct network applications with the help of the Node.js framework. | It is utilized to construct high-performance and complex network servers. |
| JavaScript is extended by TypeScript. | C++ is extended with other languages. |
| Companies that use JavaScript are Facebook, Microsoft, Netflix, Google, Twitter, Instagram, and more. | Companies that use C++ are Google, Microsoft, NASA, IBM, Adobe, and more. |
Key Difference:
The primary difference between JavaScript and C++ lies in their execution and type systems. JavaScript operates as an interpreted scripting language and employs dynamic typing, allowing for more flexibility during runtime. Conversely, C++ functions as a compiled language that utilizes static typing, which requires variable types to be defined at compile time. JavaScript is primarily utilized for web development, enabling the creation of interactive web pages, while C++ is predominantly employed in the development of system applications, offering greater control over system resources.
Conclusion:
In this article, we have examined the comparison between JavaScript and C++. Each of these programming languages serves different functions. JavaScript is predominantly employed for the development of web pages, while C++ is utilized for building operating systems, web browsers, and other complex software applications.