In C++ programming, what features differentiate C++ from the C language, particularly in terms of object orientation and additional capabilities?

Introduction / Context:
C and C++ are closely related languages, but C++ extends C with many powerful features. Interviewers often ask how C++ differs from C to see whether you can list the major language additions and recognise C++ as a superset of C in many respects. This question focuses specifically on the features that C++ introduces beyond those available in standard C, especially object oriented and generic capabilities.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• C is a procedural language with functions, structures, and low level memory control.
• C++ was designed as an extension of C to support object oriented programming and other advanced features.
• The question expects a conceptual summary rather than an exhaustive list of every new keyword.
• We assume familiarity with terms such as classes, objects, inheritance, templates, and exceptions.

Concept / Approach:
To answer the question, you should think about the key capabilities that C lacks but C++ provides. The most important differences are object oriented features (classes, objects, encapsulation, inheritance, polymorphism), generic programming (templates), function and operator overloading, exceptions for error handling, references, and stricter type checking. C++ keeps most of C syntax and low level control, but adds these higher level abstractions. The correct option must mention this collection of additions without incorrectly claiming that C++ removes low level features.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that C++ introduces classes and objects, which are not present in C. Step 2: Remember that C++ supports inheritance and polymorphism, enabling full object oriented design. Step 3: Note that C++ adds function and operator overloading, which allows the same function name or operator symbol to work with different parameter types. Step 4: Identify templates as a major addition that allows generic programming and type safe containers. Step 5: Recognise that C++ introduces exceptions for structured error handling and offers stronger type checking compared to C. Step 6: Examine option (a), which summarises these additions accurately, and reject options that say C++ removed pointers or became a markup language.

Verification / Alternative check:
To verify, think about a simple C program using structs and functions and how you would write an equivalent design in C++. You can convert structs into classes, bundle related functions as member functions, and use inheritance to share behaviour. You can also use templates to write a generic container that works for int, double, and user defined types without rewriting the code. None of this is directly supported in C. This practical comparison confirms that option (a) correctly describes the new capabilities of C++.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option (b) is wrong because C++ does not remove pointers or low level features; it retains and extends them. Option (c) is incorrect because C++ does not replace its syntax with XML markup; that description does not match any mainstream language. Option (d) is wrong because C++ compilers produce native machine code binaries and do not simply interpret C programs.

Common Pitfalls:
A common pitfall is to believe that C++ is completely incompatible with C. While there are some differences, many valid C programs compile as C++ with minimal changes. Another mistake is to focus only on classes and ignore important features such as templates and exceptions, which are central to modern C++ code. When answering interviews, briefly listing object orientation, templates, exceptions, and stronger type checking gives a clear and balanced picture of how C++ extends C.

Final Answer:
C++ adds classes, objects, inheritance, polymorphism, function and operator overloading, templates, exceptions, and stronger type checking on top of the procedural features of C.