C++ vs Kotlin: What are the differences?

C++ and Kotlin are two popular programming languages used for different purposes. Let's discuss the key differences between them.

1. Syntax: C++ uses a complex and verbose syntax, which includes features such as pointers, templates, and macros. On the other hand, Kotlin has a concise and expressive syntax that eliminates boilerplate code and provides features like null safety and extension functions.

2. Type System: C++ follows a static type system, which requires explicit declaration of variable types and does not provide null safety by default. Kotlin, on the other hand, has a static type system but also includes features like smart casting and nullable types, which eliminate many runtime errors caused by null references.

3. Memory Management: C++ gives the programmer full control over memory management, allowing them to allocate and deallocate memory explicitly using features like new and delete. In contrast, Kotlin uses automatic memory management through a garbage collector, where memory allocations and deallocations are handled automatically, relieving the programmer from the burden of manual memory management.

4. Platform Support: C++ is primarily used for system-level programming and is widely supported on different platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. Kotlin, on the other hand, is predominantly used for application-level programming and is mainly supported on the Java Virtual Machine (JVM), although it has also gained popularity for Android app development.

5. Concurrency: C++ provides low-level concurrency support through features like threads and locks, allowing fine-grained control over thread execution. Kotlin, on the other hand, offers higher-level abstractions for concurrency, such as coroutines, which simplify asynchronous programming and make it easier to write concurrent code.

6. Standard Library: C++ has a large and mature standard library that provides a wide range of functionality, including data structures, algorithms, and input/output operations. Kotlin, although not as extensive as C++, has a comprehensive standard library that includes features like collections, string manipulation, and file handling, making it easier to develop applications without relying on external libraries.

In summary, C++ is a versatile, performance-oriented language widely used in systems programming, game development, and resource-intensive applications, while Kotlin is a modern, statically-typed language designed for concise and expressive development, often utilized in Android app development and backend applications on the Java Virtual Machine (JVM).