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Is C++ hard to learn?

Q: How long does it take to learn C++?

If you're already familiar with C, you can pick up enough C++ in a day to enhance your C-style programming. However, mastering the full range of C++ features can take a year or more, especially if you're new to these concepts. However, the time investment is worthwhile if your aim is to become a better programmer.

Q: C is a prerequisite for learning C++, right?

Coming from Bjarne Stroustrup himself, "Wrong. The common subset of C and C++ is easier to learn than C. There will be less type errors to catch manually (the C++ type system is stricter and more expressive), fewer tricks to learn (C++ allows you to express more things without circumlocution), and better libraries available. The best initial subset of C++ to learn is not "all of C"."

Q: How do I start learning C++?

It depends on what you already know. Documentation and sample codes are not enough. Refer to textbooks or courses that focus on concepts and techniques rather than language-technical details.

Q: What is the best book for learning C++?

As Bjarne Stroustrup said, "There is no one book that is best for every person. There couldn't be one. People are too different in the way they learn, in what they already know, in what they need, in what they want, and in what kind of effort they are willing to make. There are quite a few excellent books on C++." If you haven't programmed before or need an introduction to C++, read *Programming: Principles and Practice using C++*, authored by Bjarne Stroustrup. If you want to learn new concepts and techniques, read *The C++ Programming Language*, also authored by Bjarne Stroustrup. If you are an experienced programmer looking for an interactive hands-on experience, try our course: [C++ Programming for Experienced Engineers](https://www.educative.io/courses/cpp-programming-experienced-devs).

Q: Is C++ harder than Python?

Yes. C++ has a more complex syntax and involves more memory management than Python, which is both simple to learn and use. But, if you want very fine memory level control of system resources, then that can be done much more easily in C++ as opposed to Python.

6 min read

Nov 14, 2024

content

Key challenges of learning C++Is C++ still worth the effort?Your path to mastering C++

Consider this: would we have witnessed the modern technological advances without C++? Without it, there would be no Windows or macOS. The routers powering the internet, databases like Oracle and MySQL, and even the Unreal Engine responsible for groundbreaking video games might not exist. From flight control systems and satellite software to pacemakers and MRI machines, C++ plays a role in life-critical systems. Even browsers such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Safari wouldn’t function the same without it.

Key challenges of learning C++#

Learning C++ is often seen as a tough nut to crack due to its rich feature set. Unlike other modern languages like Python or JavaScript, it requires a solid understanding of both high-level programming concepts and low-level memory management. It offers great flexibility but also means there’s a lot to learn.

Here’s a learning motivation from Bjarne Stroustrup, the inventor of C++: “There are only two kinds of languages: the ones people complain about and the ones nobody uses.”

Let’s break down the key challenges to understand why beginners get overwhelmed when learning C++.

Syntax complexity: Beginners often struggle with strict syntax rules, such as semicolons, curly braces, and the need for precise data type declarations. C++ has a rich syntax, with many features borrowed from its predecessor, C, combined with new ones like object-oriented programming, which can be overwhelming for beginners. For example, let’s compare the “Hello, World!” program in C++ vs. Python. In C++, you need to write:
```
#include <iostream>

int main() {
  std::cout << "Hello, World!" << std::endl;
  return 0;
}
```
Whereas, in Python, it is as simple as:
```
print("Hello, World!")
```

Memory management: Unlike languages like Python and Go, with automatic garbage collection, C++ requires programmers to allocate and deallocate memory manually. This means understanding pointers, memory allocation, and the risks of memory leaks and segmentation faults. These concepts are crucial for building efficient programs but can be daunting for novice learners.
Multiparadigm nature: C++ supports multiple programming paradigms, such as procedural, object-oriented, and generic programming. Understanding how to properly use classes and objects in object-oriented programming or mastering templates in generic programming can be challenging for those new to coding in C++.

Error handling: Error messages in C++ can sometimes be cryptic and hard to decipher, especially when dealing with template-related issues or complex compile-time errors. This can make debugging a frustrating experience because it might not always be clear what went wrong or how to fix it. For example, consider this code in C++:
```
int arr[5] = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5};
cout << arr[5] << endl;
```
This will cause an out-of-bounds access error, but C++ might simply run the code and produce unexpected behavior without any warning, or worse, it might crash later on in more complex cases.

Now, consider this code in Python:
```
arr = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
print(arr[5])
```
In contrast, Python would immediately alert you by sending a clear error message: IndexError: list index out of range. This message is explicit about the problem: you’re trying to access an index that doesn’t exist in the list, which makes it much easier for a beginner to identify and fix the mistake.

Advanced features and standard library: Advanced features like operator overloading, exception handling, and multithreading further add to the learning curve. These features, combined with the C++ standard library—which offers extensive support for various functions and data structures—can make the language challenging for beginners. Beginners might struggle with knowing which parts of the library to use. Also, not everything should be used just because it’s there or looks pretty.

Is C++ still worth the effort?#

The steep learning curve of C++ is often attributed to the aforementioned challenges, but once learners get past the initial hurdle, they will discover that C++ is a powerful and flexible language.

Learning C++ is worthwhile for a number of compelling reasons. A few of them are listed below:

Deep understanding of programming concepts: Often described as a middle-level programming language, C++ bridges the gap between high-level languages and low-level languages. As C++ sits closer to the hardware level, it provides a deeper understanding of how computers work and how to manage resources efficiently. Concepts like memory management, pointers, and data structures are integral to C++, giving you a strong foundation in programming fundamentals.

Unmatched performance and control: The level of control C++ offers over system resources, like memory and CPU usage, is unparalleled. So, if you’re looking to build programs where speed is critical, mastering C++ is essential. It is the go-to language for developing high-performance applications like operating systems, game engines, and real-time simulations.

C is also often preferred, especially in scenarios requiring even finer control. Learning C++ not only equips you with advanced programming capabilities but also provides a solid foundation in C, thanks to their similar syntax.

Versatility across domains: As mentioned earlier, C++ supports various programming styles. This versatility allows you to tackle various programming tasks, ranging from system-level programming to complex applications like 3D graphics, network protocols, IoT devices, and embedded systems. Starting coding in C++ equips you with the skills to work in diverse fields.
Long-term investment in your skills: C++ has been around for decades and is still considered a high-flyer in programming. According to the TIOBE Index, it is consistently ranked among the top programming languages, holding the second position in August 2024. Its stability and ongoing relevance mean that spending time learning C++ is a long-term investment in your programming career. The skills you gain will remain valuable as technology evolves.
Industry demand and career opportunities: C++ remains in high demand across various industries, including finance, game development, telecommunications, and aerospace. Companies looking for high-performance, resource-efficient applications often prefer C++. By mastering C++, you open the door to a wide array of highly rewarding career opportunities.

Your path to mastering C++#

If tackling C++ on your own seems daunting, don’t be afraid. You don’t have to navigate this language alone. Educative has designed a massive C++ catalog designed for every type of audience.

If you are a beginner, consider a structured learning approach to stay motivated. To get started, check out the following two courses.

Learn C++

Learn C++

C++ is a versatile language known for its efficiency and flexibility, widely used in industries like game development, finance, and system programming. This course dives deep into C++ programming foundations, focusing on practical problem-solving techniques. You will start by learning basic problem-solving skills using simple programs and execution sheets. Then, you'll explore decision-making, branching, loops, and manipulation of strings and arrays using C++ programming. Finally, the course will cover functions and complex program structures, ensuring a comprehensive grasp of the language's capabilities. By the end, you will be equipped with problem-solving skills, a solid understanding of C++ basics, and confidence in writing structured code, setting you on the path to becoming a proficient C++ developer.

8hrs

Beginner

4 Challenges

4 Quizzes

Become a C++ Programmer

C++ is a robust and flexible language commonly used for games, desktop, and embedded applications development. This Skill Path is perfect for beginners eager to learn C++ and embark on a programming journey. You’ll explore C++ fundamentals, starting with basic syntax and functionality to create programs, and then dive into more complex concepts like dynamic memory allocation in C++. The latter half focuses on C++ programming with a detailed overview of object-oriented programming (OOP), which includes classes in C++, data hiding in C++, encapsulation in C++, abstraction in C++, inheritance in C++, and polymorphism in C++. Hands-on practice with algorithms and data structures will empower you to write real-world programs confidently, paving your way as a C++ developer.

38hrs

Beginner

32 Challenges

46 Quizzes

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to learn C++?

If you’re already familiar with C, you can pick up enough C++ in a day to enhance your C-style programming. However, mastering the full range of C++ features can take a year or more, especially if you’re new to these concepts. However, the time investment is worthwhile if your aim is to become a better programmer.

C is a prerequisite for learning C++, right?

Coming from Bjarne Stroustrup himself, “Wrong. The common subset of C and C++ is easier to learn than C. There will be less type errors to catch manually (the C++ type system is stricter and more expressive), fewer tricks to learn (C++ allows you to express more things without circumlocution), and better libraries available. The best initial subset of C++ to learn is not “all of C”.”

How do I start learning C++?

It depends on what you already know. Documentation and sample codes are not enough. Refer to textbooks or courses that focus on concepts and techniques rather than language-technical details.

What is the best book for learning C++?

As Bjarne Stroustrup said, “There is no one book that is best for every person. There couldn’t be one. People are too different in the way they learn, in what they already know, in what they need, in what they want, and in what kind of effort they are willing to make. There are quite a few excellent books on C++.”

If you haven’t programmed before or need an introduction to C++, read Programming: Principles and Practice using C++, authored by Bjarne Stroustrup. If you want to learn new concepts and techniques, read The C++ Programming Language, also authored by Bjarne Stroustrup.

If you are an experienced programmer looking for an interactive hands-on experience, try our course: C++ Programming for Experienced Engineers.

Is C++ harder than Python?

Yes. C++ has a more complex syntax and involves more memory management than Python, which is both simple to learn and use. But, if you want very fine memory level control of system resources, then that can be done much more easily in C++ as opposed to Python.

Written By:

Maham Amjad

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