C++ was first created in 1979 under the name "C with Classes" and was not commercially released until 1985. It implements object-oriented programming using classes and allows for data abstraction. C++ is commonly used to create systems software, drivers, applications requiring direct hardware access, and video games.
Python was created by Guido van Rossum in 1991 and features dynamic typing, automatic memory management, and supports multiple programming paradigms. It emphasizes code readability and provides constructs that enable clear programming on both small and large scales. Python is often used for prototyping code later implemented in other languages.