Should I Learn C or C++ First for Game Development and Embedded Systems?
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MellowCedar42
I'm choosing my first programming language. My main goal is to make games without relying on large engines such as Unreal or Unity, although I may use Godot or a library like Raylib. I'm also considering electrical engineering, so I might eventually work with microcontrollers or embedded systems. Should I start with C or C++? Can C++ be used effectively on platforms such as Arduino and ESP32, and does C offer meaningful advantages because it has less overhead? I'm also interested in learning lower-level concepts and optimization, but I want to choose a language that won't make getting started unnecessarily difficult.
Answers
C++ absolutely can be used for Arduino, ESP32, and many other microcontrollers. Arduino sketches are generally compiled as C++, even though they often look like C. C is still extremely common in embedded work because it has a small runtime, predictable behavior, and excellent compiler and hardware support. That does not automatically make it faster: a well-written C++ program can produce similar machine code, while some C++ features may be unsuitable for a particular constrained device. The right choice depends on the toolchain, memory limits, and project requirements.
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For games, Godot with GDScript is probably the quickest way to start making things, and Raylib is a nice option if you specifically want to practice C or C++. Writing a complete modern game engine from scratch is a very large project, so using a framework lets you focus on gameplay and simulations instead of spending months implementing windowing, rendering, audio, input, and asset systems. If you want a lower-level, compiled language for the long term, C++ is a practical choice, but learn it in a limited, beginner-friendly subset rather than trying to master the entire language immediately.
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There is no need to treat this as a permanent decision. You could begin with C to learn fundamentals, then move to C++ once you are comfortable, or start directly with C++ if game development is the stronger motivation. Just remember that C++ is not simply 'C with a few additions'; idiomatic C++ uses different approaches for strings, arrays, resource management, and abstractions. Learning C first helps with low-level concepts, but it does not replace learning modern C++ practices.
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Both are reasonable, but they lead to slightly different paths. C is smaller and easier to understand at first, so it can teach pointers, memory, data layout, and how programs interact with hardware. C++ is much larger, but it is commonly used for serious game development and can also target microcontrollers. You do not need to manually manage every allocation in either language; modern C++ often uses containers and smart pointers, while embedded C++ may avoid dynamic allocation depending on the project. Pick the one that keeps you motivated, then learn the other later—the core concepts transfer well.
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MellowCedar42: That makes sense. I’m leaning toward C++ because games are my main goal, and I can study C later if I move toward embedded systems.