When you write a Windows desktop application, you are required to develop an interface for the application and copy the interactions of several users.
Doing that with just using C++ means making all the functions from scratch, but when Visual C++ or VC has been added along, it gives you the privilege of using many reusable components that helps save time.
If you dig deeper into these terms, you will find that though they are related, they are entirely different things.
Key Takeaways
- Visual C is a Microsoft implementation of the C programming language that includes an integrated development environment (IDE), whereas C is a general-purpose, cross-platform programming language.
- Visual C offers a Windows-specific development experience with tools like IntelliSense and debugging capabilities, while C programming can be done using a variety of compilers and IDEs on different platforms.
- Visual C provides additional libraries tailored for Windows development, while C programming relies on standard libraries and user-defined libraries for various applications.
VC vs C
The difference between VC and C is that VC is the Integrated Development Environment also known as IDE, and a software program that compiles the codes into machine language. On the other hand, C is an object-oriented programming language that can create any type of program irrespective of its genre.
VC or Visual C++ is a compiler that was created in the year 1993 in February, but the firm release was executed in March 2017.
It is commercial software with a free version consisting of many codebase handling tools that can be used with the APIs in Microsoft Windows.
C++ is improved and advanced object-oriented programming for the C language. C++ is a consolidated language, and it can be used on many platforms.
Bjarne Stroustrup, a Danish computer scientist, designed and created C++ in 1985. Initially, C++ was known as “C with Classes” but later got renamed C++ in 1983.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | VC | C |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Visual C++ is an Integrated Development Environment that helps in working and compiling a source code of C++. | C++ is a programming language developed to create large-scale applications. |
| Used for | It creates Windows applications for C or C++ | It is used in applications. |
| Writing codes | It is used for writing codes for developing API. | Writing codes for developing APIs is difficult if C++ is used alone. |
| Tools | It has tools like a debugger, project manager, etc. | It does not have tools like debugger, project manager, etc. |
| Performance | The performance rate is low. | The performance rate is high. |
What is VC?
VC, also known as Visual C++ or Microsoft Visual C++ or MSVC, is computer software that translates codes for the programming languages like C, C++, and C++/CK created by Microsoft.
Visual C++ is a closed-source software that was an autonomous product originally,. Still, later, it joined the Visual Studio and became a part of it and was available in trialware and freeware forms.
It consists of tools that help develop and debug C++ code, especially the codes written for the Windows API, .NET, and Direct X.
For functioning properly, several applications need a redistribution of MSVC runtime library packages.
These packages are installed in the system without being influenced by applications, which allows many applications to use a single box without installing it again.
In many industries, prominently in healthcare, education, and economics, the Windows operating system is quite popular, so one can easily find MSVC or Visual C++ used by the organization in these sectors.
Other than these industries, Windows can be found in sectors like desktops, phones, insurance, energy, retail services, entertainment, and Telecomm.
Many organizations in these industries depend upon Visual C++ to improve the speed of their Windows development.
In addition to the features of Visual C++, it has a C++ compiler, which means that if a person is using C++ language for executing an application, this whole process is done indirectly through Visual C++.
What is C?
C++ is a programming language developed from the initial C programming language.
A Danish Computer scientist Bjarne Stroustrup started developing C++ programming language in the year 1979 at Bells Labs and named it C with Classes which later on git renamed to C++ in 1983.
C++ is a passively typed, free-form, multiparadigm, and consolidated programming language.
The C++ programming language is made up of high-level languages along with low-level languages, so the C++ language is considered to be on an intermediate level with object-oriented features.
C++ originally started as an elevation of the C language and took over its popularity. C++ is currently used on numerous varieties of hardware and platforms of operation systems.
For native codes, C++ is considered a capable compiler that includes systems software, software for applications, device drivers, inserted software, server with high-performance rates, and application for client-side as a part of their domains and entertainment software like video games.
C++ was designed to be compatible with the C language with added features such as virtual functions, templates, exception handling, etc.
However, it got so advanced and developed that it got its right and is now commonly used in hardware designs.
Firstly the design is depicted in C++, then analyzed, architecturally compelled, and programmed to produce hardware description language.
Main Differences Between VC and C
- VC is the IDE and computer software used to translate C and C++, whereas C++ is a programming language.
- A compiler in C++ converts the programming code into machine code for the computers to understand, whereas Visual C++ helps to write codes easily.
- The performance rate of Visual C++ is lower at the beginning of the application development cycle. In contrast, the performance rate of C++ is higher and better at the beginning of the application cycle.
- Visual C++ is used to collect and perform, whereas the C++ programming language is most commonly used in designing and programming hardware.
- Visual C++ has many tools, such as debuggers, code editors, etc. In comparison, C++ does not have any such tools.
- https://lib.hpu.edu.vn/handle/123456789/29734
- https://books.google.co.in/books?hl=en&lr=&id=pLztSzr_8QwC&oi=fnd&pg=PR3&dq=Visual+C%2B%2B+and+C%2B%2B&ots=Ks_WZMk4Ah&sig=rdCw2mcUrJilI1ONl2zhLEzCGdM
Last Updated : 01 July, 2023
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Sandeep Bhandari holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computers from Thapar University (2006). He has 20 years of experience in the technology field. He has a keen interest in various technical fields, including database systems, computer networks, and programming. You can read more about him on his bio page.
I was aware of Visual C and C, but after reading this post I now have a better understanding of their distinctions.
I appreciate the thorough information provided. It was a great help in understanding the differences between Visual C and C.
The details are well explained but I still think the performance comparison should be clarified with more depth.
The article provides a very comprehensive comparison between Visual C and C. It is a well-written and informative content.
Great post with lots of informative content, I appreciate the comparison table.
The explanation and comparison between Visual C and C are very clear and informative. I appreciate the details and now I have a clearer understanding of both. Great content!
Agreed. I didn’t know much about Visual C and C before reading this post but now this post has really expanded my knowledge.
Yes, I agree with you. I found it easy to comprehend and now I am confident in differentiating between the two.