- #1
Sprinter
- 57
- 0
For the sake of getting job in ICT field, what shall i focus on ? C++ or C# ? 
Visual C++ or C# is better to learn ?
Click For Summary
Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the comparison of C++ and C# as programming languages to learn, particularly in the context of job prospects in the ICT field and the needs of physics students. It includes considerations of platform applicability, performance, and the suitability of other languages like Python and specialized software for physics applications.
Discussion Character
- Debate/contested
- Technical explanation
- Conceptual clarification
Main Points Raised
- Some participants suggest focusing on C++ due to its broader applicability across platforms compared to C#, which is primarily associated with Microsoft and Windows.
- One participant questions whether C# can meet the needs of physics students, indicating a potential gap in its applicability for scientific computing.
- Another participant proposes that Python may be a better alternative for physics students due to its ease of use and portability, although they express uncertainty about the typical coding requirements for physics students.
- Concerns are raised about Python's memory management compared to C++, with one participant advising against Python for complex calculations, while another counters that performance can be comparable under certain conditions.
- A suggestion is made that using SWIG can help integrate C++ code into Python programs for performance improvements.
- There is mention of a project aimed at bringing .NET to Linux, which could enhance the relevance of C# beyond Windows environments.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on the suitability of C++ versus C# for job prospects and educational needs, with no consensus reached on which language is definitively better. The discussion also highlights varying opinions on the role of Python and other tools in the context of physics education.
Contextual Notes
Participants reference specific technical aspects such as memory management and performance without resolving the complexities involved. The discussion also touches on the potential limitations of each language in different contexts, particularly for physics applications.
- #2
chroot
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
Gold Member
- 10,270
- 45
C# is a Microsoft product, and only really runs on Windows. C++ is applicable to every platform. Since the majority of web and database servers in the world do not run Microsoft operating systems, it only makes sense to learn C++. Try your best to stay away from the "Visual" part of C++, which is also Microsoft-specific.
- Warren
- Warren
- #3
Majid
- 22
- 0
what about physics students? can C# cover their needs?
- #4
Geekster
- 38
- 0
Majid said:
Python can do complex numbers and, while I'm still learning about it, it seems like the development time is much lower than c++. And python runs on pretty much any system out there, so it's very portable.
I don't really know too much about how much code a typical physics student really needs...
Wouldn't a math package like Maple or Matlab be better suited for most physics students? Not that there is anything wrong with writting your own code for solving a problem...
- #5
sid_galt
- 503
- 1
For complex and time consuming computer calculations, I would advise against Python as its memory management system is not as advanced as C++ although there is a patch which significantly reduces Python's memory consumption.
- #6
chroot
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
Gold Member
- 10,270
- 45
C++ does not have a memory management system, sid_galt. When using Python's built-in algorithms and data structures, performance can be neck-and-neck with C++.
- Warren
- Warren
- #7
- 1,902
- 3
If you need to speed up your python program you can use swig. It allows you to use your c++ code in python.
http://www.swig.org/
http://www.swig.org/
- #8
- 19,910
- 10,923
FYI, there is a current project bringing .NET to linux. I used C# a lot a few summers ago for a small web firm and really liked it.
http://www.mono-project.com
http://www.mono-project.com