C# vs Python seems to be a controversial debate regarding object-oriented programming languages. While C++ is a good choice as well, it’s another subject we discussed in an article previously. As one can use C# and Python in similar work fields, many get confused about which one is right for their project.
So, there are plenty of differences to talk about and a whole lot of features to dive deep into to learn what really sets these two languages apart. If you are interested in knowing more about these things, stick with us and keep reading!
C# vs Python: Their Inception
Our aim today is to introduce you to the most significate differences that are the highlight of our C# vs Python comparison – however, before that, we must talk more about the languages to give you a clearer idea of what we are dealing with here below.
History of C#
Anders Hejlsberg is the lead architect and designer of the C# language launched under Microsoft in 2000 in correspondence to their .NET framework project. The flaws that came with other major object-oriented languages like C++ back then are what inspired Hejlsberg to invent the C# language that he claimed to have successfully overcome all the flaws.
That said, C# comes with many intuitive features, such as portability, type-safe, meta programming, methods, namespace, and more. So let’s take a look at the pros and cons it offers below.
Pros
- C# is complete cross-platform due to its .NET core framework, so you can efficiently run C# code on any device.
- It can utilize Language Integrated Query (LINQ), which works well for querying data.
- As part of the .NET platform, it has remarkable memory accessibility features and is highly secure.
- One can easily learn the language due to its large user community and abundant learning resources.
Cons
- C# has little flexibility when it comes to anything other than the .NET platform, which mainly ties it to Microsoft-based projects.
- The languages x-platform graphic user interface isn’t too up-to-date.
- Although it is an object-oriented programming language, it does not offer features such as multiple inheritances, efficient garbage collection, etc.
History of Python
If we compare C# vs Python, we can see that Python is an older language than C#. It was first launched in 1991 at Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI) by Guido van Rossum. Python is inspired by the SETL programming language based on the Set Theory in mathematics.
It is also a direct descendant of the ABC language. Moreover, as a multiparadigm language, it has the most versatile uses and a large and growing community that constantly contributes to its tools. So let’s examine its pros and cons before moving on to the next section.
Pros
- As a general-purpose language, one can use Python in almost any niche.
- Python is an interpreted language that makes debugging easier.
- The language has dynamic typing benefits, allowing data type changes without further syntax complexities.
- One can quickly prototype ideas and focus more on brainstorming solutions, as Python codes are highly intuitive.
Cons
- Although Python’s interpreted nature makes debugging more manageable, it also makes Python-built applications slower.
- Python is not too suitable for client-side and mobile applications despite its general-purpose claims.
- Even though it is advertised heavily as an object-oriented language, Python does not offer multi-threading, which is a crucial OOP feature.
C# vs Python: The Similarities
Returning to our C# vs Python comparison, let’s look at the similarities because they are the root of this comparison. You can also get a clearer idea of what each language offers, which might come in handy later when deciding which to choose.
1. Similar paradigms
Both C# and Python are multi-paradigm languages. This means that they aren’t purely object-oriented and can also offer procedural programming features. In other words, they are a mixture of logical and imperative ideas. So they also share similar work principles and are in high demand.
2. Open-source Languages
Most programming languages follow a tradition of being open source. This means that one can use these languages without needing to accredit the people behind the language’s existence and can even contribute to its tools and libraries, which help expand the language’s functionalities. So, both C# and Python, being open source, also means they are free of cost.
3. OOP features
Even though C# and Python are different types of languages, they have one key common ground – their OOP features. You can create almost any real-time project, and with them and features such as constructors, inheritance, threading, and much more make the process much easier.
4. Community Support And Resources
Both Python and C# are highly popular languages. Although Python is more popular compared to C#, they have strong communities, and the work opportunities are also abundant. That said, you can also learn both languages completely on your own, as there are tons of resources available online.
C# vs Python: The Key Differences
Now to the main part of our discussion, i.e., the key differences between C# and Python. As different languages, it is normal that the languages will be different. However, we’ll only be exploring the five most significant ones below.
1. Syntax
C# has a syntax that is more similar to that of C and C++. It makes your program look well-formatted and neat. It works with a unified type system called CTS that automatically implies all types to be a subclass of the System.Object class.
Meanwhile, Python offers a more dynamic syntax as the programs are easily readable to even those with zero coding knowledge. It is typed without semicolons or curly brackets and does not need a datatype declaration.
2. Performance
C# is a compiled programming language. It compiles the whole program first in one go before showing you errors. So, if you haven’t already guessed it, C#’s performance is much faster than that of Python.
Python is an interpreted language that makes debugging much easier, but in the meantime, this makes the execution process slower as it works through each line individually. Python applications are also heavy, which makes their performance even slower.
3. Pointers
Pointers are a programming concept that allows users to access and store memory addresses. It helps to manipulate data in a more accessible manner and is more of a structured programming concept rather than an object-oriented one.
C# allows users to utilize pointers in unsafe mode as sometimes pointers can cause security risks. On the other hand, Python does not allow using pointers at all. Instead, similar results could be achieved by passing objects into functions by reference, much like in Java.
4. Dependency Injection
Dependency Injection (DI) is a feature that makes your code more reusable and easy to refactor. It helps you develop loosely-coupled codes by laying the groundwork for your app’s architecture.
C# allows dependency injection excellently, whereas Python does not support such a concept at all. Instead, one can use monkey patching or simply customize labels during runtime to point to a different object or code.
5. Tools and Uses
Both C# and python have a huge number of libraries that can do almost any task imaginable. While C# makes use of .NET frameworks, Python can use other frameworks and is not tied to the Microsoft platforms only.
That said, C# is the better choice when it comes to industry-level uses as it is almost 45 times faster compared to python and is great for game development or android development as well. On the other hand, Python is more suited to web servers and applications only when it comes to programming projects.
C# vs Python: Which Should You Learn In 2022?
So, which should you learn between C# and Python? Well, the answer to that lies within you as you need to understand why you want to learn the language first. However, to make it a bit easier for you, we will be listing down some instances where you can learn either below.
For C#
- If you wish to get into game development or mobile development, you can surely try out C#.
- C# is super fast, and its syntax is very similar to the C language. So, you can take a chance with it if you’re thinking of learning an OOP language after C.
- The C# language is a necessity if you are thinking of working with .NET projects in the future.
For Python
- If you are trying to learn data analysis or query data with minimum effort, python is the best choice.
- Python is also great for those who wish to master a programming language easily within a short learning curve.
- For those wanting to work strictly with web servers and softwares, Python is your solution.
C# vs Python: Frequently Asked Questions
We’re almost at the end of our discussion. However, if you have paid attention till now, you must have a few questions in mind regarding the C# vs Python controversy. So, why don’t we take a look at some of the frequently asked ones below?
Q: Is C# better than Python?
A: That varies on what you’re trying to use the language for. Both languages have their fair share of advantages and disadvantages that you can take a look at in the aforementioned discussion.
Q: Is C Sharp faster than Python?
A: Yes! According to studies, C# is said to be approximately 45 times stronger than Python.
Q: What pays more, C# or Python?
A: The competition here is close as Python developers earn only $10k more compared to C# developers annually. On average, they get $120k and $110k, respectively.
Q: Which is more in demand, C# or Python?
A: Python is more in demand, according to studies. However, C# isn’t too far behind.
Ending Note
So far, in our C# vs Python comparison, we have talked about the history, shortcomings, and benefits of C# and Python, their similarities, and most importantly, their differences. We hope that this was an informative and interesting read for you.
Also, if you still haven’t decided which to use out of the two, we suggest you research more or perhaps learn both. So, what do you think? Let us know in the comments what more you want to see from us. Thanks for reading!
