comparing programming languages

[steve_rm]

Hello,

I have programming in VB, C# and have done a few applications in Visual C++ 6.

But how do all these programs compare against each other. I know that C# and VB.Net are about the same as they are run in the .Net framework, so they both depend on the .Net framework. But C# allows you to have better coding syntax as it is based on C++ and java.

I was told that Visual C++ unmanaged code was better than C#, VB.Net and managed Visual C++, only if it has been coded efficiently.

My question is what type of programs would you write with each of them? I was once told that Windows operating systems 2000, ME, and XP are written in unmanaged Visual C++.

If l am wrong with any of my comments, please correct me.

Many thanks in advance.

Steve

[Danial]

No two programming language are same, so it is hard to compare them like that. Each programming language serve different purpose and is designed to something slightly different.

The choice of programming language depends on the type of project in hand. For example VB is a RAD tool which is used to quickly put together business solution. It lacked the OO approach which is why .Net was developed.

On the other hand C++ are mostly used to write commercial software and games where performance is a great issue. A low level language is required to write an operating system. I would assume most part of Windows was probably written in C and ASM. I certainly dont think Visuall C++ was used to write Windows. May be some visual component of windows may be be written, but not the core. For that you need very low level language such as ASM or C(Specially for Driver).

When it comes to comparing C# v C++, C++ will be always faster, as they work totally differently. Like Java C#/.net code are not compiled, they are compiled to an intermidiate language(IL), that means IL is re-compiled again before/during the program execution. Also .net framework which sits between the OS and the executing program which adds an extra layer. Where as C++ code is compiled to Binary and as a result will run much faster.

As i said before C#/.net and C++ should not be compared like that, they server totally different purpose...


Hope this helps.

Danial