What if any, programming fundamentals are better learned in C as opposed to C++?

Question

As a person who wanted to increase his fundamental programming skills, I chose to learn C++ instead of C. Which leads me to ask: Is there any fundamental skills that I leave in C that might not be obtained by learning C++?

Related question: Should I learn C before learning C++?

Answer 1

If all you've ever used is object-oriented programming languages like C++ then it would be worthwhile to practice a little C. I find that many OO programmers tend to use objects like a crutch and don't know what to do once you take them away. C will give you the clarity to understand why OO programming emerged in the first place and help you to understand when its useful versus when its just overkill.

In the same vein, you'll learn what it's like to not rely on libraries to do things for you. By noting what features C++ developers turned into libraries, you get a better sense of how to abstract your own code when the time comes. It would be bad to just feel like you need to abstract everything in every situation.

That said, you don't have to learn C. If you know C++ you can drag yourself through most projects. However, by looking at the lower-level languages, you will improve your programming style, even in the higher-level ones.

Answer 2

I don't think there are any skills that you can learn in C but not C++, but I would definitely suggest learning C first still. Nobody can fit C++ in their head; it may be the most complex non-esoteric language ever created. C, on the other hand, is quite simple. It is relatively easy to fit C in your head. C will definitely help you get used to things like pointers and manual memory management much quicker than C++. C++ will help you understand OO.

Also, when I say learn C, it's okay to use a C++ compiler and possibly use things like iostreams if you want, just try to restrict yourself to mostly C features at first. If you go all out and learn all the weird C++ features like templates, RAII, exceptions, references, etc., you will be thoroughly confused.