Regarding Java vs Python, both are the most popular and influential programming languages for cross-platform app development.
These two programming languages have transformed the software industry to a new level, enabling developers, programmers, and business enthusiasts to look for reliable hybrid app development using extensive libraries and powerful tools.
In this article, we will compare Java and Python in detail, explore their key features, advantages, and disadvantages, and help you choose which one is better for your project needs.
Java vs Python, both programming languages are best known for their high efficiency, versatility, and automation capabilities to design and develop fully functional, robust, and scalable software applications that solve real-world problems more efficiently.
Both support cross-platform compatibility and offer the freedom to build functionality-rich software like never before. However, both have some advantages and disadvantages, including unique feature sets, capabilities, and powerful tools, which make them different.
If you are a passionate programmer, professional individual, or business professional wondering what the difference between Java and Python is, you have come to the right place. Continue reading this blog to understand a detailed comparison of Java and Python.
Table of Contents
What is Python?
Python is a general-purpose, dynamically typed, and interpreted programming language popular for its versatility, easy-to-read syntax, and extensive libraries. Python is the most suitable, high-level programming language that leverages advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to streamline and automate the development process.
Python helps bridge the gap between low-level and high-level languages, which makes it the most preferred choice of software developers for various complex applications.
Difference between Java and Python
Here are the best examples of code written in both languages to help you understand the difference between Java and Python. In both languages, this basic function is called a “Hello World” program, which displays a message to a user.
Example of Java:
public class Thank {
public static void main(String[] args) {
System.out.println(“Thanks for reading our post.”);
}
}
Example of Python:
print(“Thanks for reading our post.”)
Python is much easier to program than Java since it uses little punctuation, but Java requires a lot of code, including punctuation, for the output message “Thanks for reading our post.”
Key features of Java
The following are the key features of Java, including but not limited to:
1. Object-Oriented
Java is an object-oriented programming language that offers powerful features like Data Hiding, Inheritance, and Data Encapsulation. These make it the most suitable language for mapping real-world entities into objects and solving real-life problems.
2. Platform Independent
Since Java generates platform-independent bytecode, compiling code for a particular platform in Java is necessary. The Java Virtual Machine (JVM) interprets it.
3. Secure
Java offers high-end security solutions and helps developers design, develop, and build secure and tamper-free code using public-key encryption.
4. Multithreaded
Thanks to the powerful capabilities of Java, skilled software developers can perform several tasks at once.
5. High Performance
Java compiles bytecode to native machine code and offers next-level performance with Just In Time compilers, increasing overall app performance.
6. Distributed
The Java programming language is efficient for creating & managing applications in a distributed environment. It is possible to save and access code on multiple machines simultaneously, making it easier to manage large projects using Remote Method Invocation.
Read More: Essential Python Developer Skills
Disadvantages of Java
Here are some disadvantages of Java:
1. Slow Speed
Java consumes more energy than other native programming languages like C and C++. It takes more time to transform the code into machine language, and since the JVM performs several functions simultaneously, the program’s performance is slower.
2. No Backup feature
Java’s primary function is storage, but it does not have a data backup. This major flaw plummets users’ willingness to use the service.
3. Poor GUI
Java shows poor performance when it comes to GUI. Java provides a poor GUI, which makes it challenging to build a complex UI. Even though it offers various tools and frameworks, such as JavaFX, SWT, Swing, JSF, etc., to build GUI. However, these tools are not developed enough to build more complex GUIs than Python.
4. More memory space needed
Java provides poor memory management, which consumes more memory space, unlike other programming languages like C and C++. It leverages a garbage collector, which impacts the overall performance of software applications.
Key features of Python
Python provides various key features, including but not limited to:
1. Faster development
Python makes writing and optimizing code much faster, meaning it takes fewer lines of code to get things done in no time than other programming languages.
2. Simple syntax
Python is intuitive because it is similar to the English language. It is also concise, requiring fewer lines of code to achieve an intended result.
3. Easy to learn
This programming language has a more comfortable learning curve than Java. Beginners find it easy to use with its simple syntax and highly intuitive commands, providing a comprehensive range of educational materials.
4. Frameworks and libraries
Django and Flask are the most popular, reliable web app development frameworks, while Pytorch, Scikit Learn, and Tensorflow are go-to choices for machine learning. Python is best known for its extensive libraries for data analysis, data science, and scientific computation applications.
Disadvantages of Python
Even though Python provides so many benefits, there are some drawbacks associated with Python:
1. Not compatible with multithreading
One of the most significant disadvantages of Python is that it doesn’t support multithreading, which significantly influences the performance of Python software. As a result, you can utilize the full power of modern CPUs.
2. Low database connectivity
Python’s capabilities regarding database access often lack efficiency and require additional modules, such as MySQL Connector Python or PyMySQL. It can hardly compete with the Database Connectivity API included in the Java Standard Edition platform.
3. Doesn’t support native mobile app development
This is a serious disadvantage, especially in the context of the “Java vs. Python” comparison. Mobile developers can still use Python with the help of specific libraries, such as PyQt, Kivy, and others. However, unlike Java, Python cannot be used to build native mobile applications.
Now that you understand the basic key features of Java vs Python, including their pros and cons, let’s dive deeper into the detailed comparison.
Read More: How to Develop Enterprise Apps Rapidly With Low-Code Development?
Java vs Python: Detailed Comparison
Java and Python offer various similarities, but some features and functionalities distinguish Java from Python.
Here is a detailed comparison of Java vs Python, including but not limited to:
1. Performance
Python has become an extremely popular programming language due to its simplicity, ease of use, and practicality. When you have a short period, Python is probably the best solution. Regarding development speed, Java cannot be compared to other programming languages.
Larger development teams are often needed for Java projects because they take longer. Python makes it possible to build an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) remarkably quickly, whereas a Java MVP would most likely take months to build.
2. Community Support
A vibrant and active community of Python and Java users supports each other extensively. However, Python is more popular and offers a larger community due to its simplicity and beginner-friendliness.
Fortunately, the Python community provides a wide range of online forums, tutorials, and resources, making it easy for beginners to get guidance and assistance when needed. While Java has history dates back decades, the community is well-established.
Though many resources, such as forums and websites, are available, they may not be as beginner-friendly as the Python community.
3. Syntax and Readability
The Java programming language and Python have unique syntaxes, making them both ideal for web development. Nevertheless, each symbol is defined differently according to its rules. Combining the indentation style with Python’s abandonment of semicolons and brackets makes coding more readable.
As a result of static typing, variables in Java are required to be declared. When hiring dedicated Java developers, you can create robust web applications, back-end code, and mobile applications using Android.
4. Database Connectivity
Using Java APIs, Java Database Connectivity connects databases and allows for easier querying and updating of information. In addition, Java Persistence API (JPA) enables object-relational mapping (ORM) between Java objects and databases.
Thanks to its numerous APIs and ORMs, Python supports many databases, including SQLAlchemy and Django. The Python Database API (DB-API) makes it easier to connect to databases and build consistent interfaces for the backend in Python code.
5. Learning Curve
Python is best known for its simplicity and intuitiveness, making it an ideal programming language with an easy learning curve for beginners. Java is way more complex than Python but easier than other older programming languages like C++.
To start with Java, learners must be skilled and experienced in all the basic programming principles.
Many beginners choose Java as their first programming language since it requires significant effort and dedication compared to Python. However, both Java and Python offer various sources and documentation for learning courses, community forums, educational materials, and other sources to get useful information that makes learning easy and exciting.
Conclusion
The bottom line is that upon careful analysis of the languages used worldwide, it is not surprising that Python and Java rank highly. Unlike other programming languages, Python makes development easier and more practical because of its simplicity and practicality.
Regarding simplicity and readability, Python is the best choice for beginners and rapid development. On the other hand, Java is the best choice for large-scale applications because it has static typing and object-oriented features.
However, Java is not as user-friendly, but it offers exceptional stability and is an excellent way for developers to learn fundamental principles of computer science. Furthermore, Python programs tend to be shorter due to Python’s dynamic typing and built-in high-level types than Java programs. The choice of which one is best solely depends on your project needs, goals, and budget.
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