Does C# have as much meticulous control over the micro matters as C++
From a language perspective yes. There's really not much you can do in one
that you can't do in the other. C++ has more elegant constructs
IMO and also supports multiple inheritance but that's highly overrated.
It's also much more difficult to learn and much less forgiving if you make a
mistake (i.e., easier for your program to blow up). For all intents and
purposes however (to answer your question), the real difference under
Windows is that C# relies exclusively on .NET while C++ doesn't. C++
therefore provides a complete and natural gateway to the entire OS so you
have that power at your disposal if you need it. It's much easier to call
the WinAPI that is since its interface was designed for C/C++ programmers.
By contrast, in C# you have to call into the "P/Invoke" services if you need
to do something that .NET doesn't support. That simply means you have to
call routines outside of .NET to get your work done (usually a C++ library).
In practice however you can write most mainstream .NET programs without
relying on the WinAPI whatsoever (or very minimal support anyway). C# is
also a more natural fit for .NET than C++ since it was designed from the
ground-up for this platform. Of course you can now also choose C++/CLI which
makes .NET programming much easier than in the past (for C++ developers). I
stronlgy recommend against it however. C# is really the de facto platform
for .NET and most shops will choose it over C++. Your support issues will
also be much easier since there will be fewer bugs (since C++ is far easier
to screw up) and it's easier to find qualfied C# programmers compared to
C++. .NET is also much easier than the WinAPI in general (including any of
the available C++ platforms for programming the WinAPI) so the real decision
boils down to whether you're choosing .NET or the WinAPI. Most programs can
now rely on .NET so you're probably safe choosing it. Unless performance is
a major factor (you need blazing speed for some reason), or you do in fact
have to rely on the WinAPI a lot (for things that .NET doesn't support),
..NET and C# will give you most of the "meticulous" control you're seeking.
You'll also find it *much* easier than C++ and the WinAPI. Note however that
if you want to become a Windows programming master then C++ is the clear
winner (in the long run you'll also command more money from employers).
