I've just started an A Level computer science course with a coursework project where I'll need to choose a problem and build a computerised solution that stores and processes data. We're being taught C++, and most of the class will probably use it. I'm comfortable with programming because I learned Python previously, although I don't particularly enjoy using it.
We're allowed to choose almost any language for the project. My teacher mainly knows C++, so choosing another language could make it harder to get help, although he has said that some students may already be more experienced than he is. I have limited experience with C#, but I'm interested in learning it because I'd like to make games with Unity, which would give me a practical way to keep practising.
Would learning C# in my own time be worthwhile for the coursework, or would it be better to stick with C++? Is C# actually more forgiving and easier to work with, while C++ offers more low-level control and potentially better performance?
1 Answer
The best choice depends more on the project than on which language is theoretically faster. A program that collects, stores, and processes business data usually won’t benefit noticeably from C++’s lower-level control. C# would generally let you build that kind of application more quickly and has useful libraries for user interfaces, files, databases, and other common tasks.
That said, you should choose a language you can debug independently. If your teacher can only provide meaningful help with C++, that support may be more valuable than the small productivity benefits of C#. You could also use the coursework as a reason to learn C#, especially since Unity gives you a longer-term project to practise with, but make sure you understand the language well before committing to a deadline.
C# appeals to me mainly because I want to use it with Unity. I’ll still be learning C++ in class, so I’m hoping the two won’t be too difficult to manage together. The project requirements are fairly open: we choose a problem ourselves and create a computerised solution for it.