Java vs. Python: Which Programming Language to Master?

Java and Python are popular object-oriented programming languages. Despite their popularity, there is an ongoing battle to prove their powerful cross-platform support and extensive library features. However, we can’t deny the fact that both excel in their way for end-users.

If we look at the popularity, according to stack flow’s annual survey, for the row in eight-year JavaScript has remained popular among users. However, Python with 44.1% and java with 40.2% were almost close in the percentage of its users. 

Before we proceed further, let’s get a brief introduction to Java and Python programming languages.

 

Python

 

    Python is a high-level, interpreted programming language. It was released for the first time in the year 1991 and designed by a Dutch programmer Guido Van Rossum. With an object-oriented aim, Python helps programmers to write clear, logical code for small-scale and large-scale projects. Thus, Python can be used in the vast arena of the field including:

•         Artificial Intelligence (AI)
•         Machine Learning (ML)
•         Desktop applications
•         Internet of Things (IoT) and embedded programs
•         Mobile development
•         Game development
•         Web applications
•         Scientific computing
•         Data Analysis
•         Financial computing.

Java

    Java gave its first appearance in the year 1995. It is also a high-level, class-based, object-oriented programming language, which was designed by Canadian computer scientist James Gosling. However, Java transformed the web experience of its users from simple text pages to pages with videos and animation. Additionally, Java can be used for many purposes and to create multiple software’s, including: 

Ø  Desktop and Graphical User Interface applications

Ø  Web apps

Ø  Mobile apps

Ø  Video Games

Ø  Scientific applications

Ø  Big Data apps

Ø  Cloud-Based software

  Ø  Business applications

What Are The Key Differences?

 

Before choosing a programming language, it is always good to learn about its features through intense research work. Through this article, you can compare the vital differences of both languages based on popularity, syntax, applications, stability, performance, speed; etc. Additionally, you can also approach online research services to clear doubts before accessing any of them.

 

Thus, for a crystal-clear understanding of both programming languages, I have listed how Java and Python differ from each other. Click further to learn more. 

Interpreted vs Compiled Languages

Python is an interpreted language as the source code of Python can be converted into bytecode and executed into a Python virtual machine. Moreover, it can be converted into human-readable code for easier debug and review.

On the other hand, Java is a compiled language, meaning it can translate source code into machine code. Thus, it is compiled to an intermediate binary form known as JVM byte Code.

Syntax

This is one of the most significant differences between these object-oriented languages. Since Java is statically typed and Python is a dynamically typed language it affects how the developer writes, designs, and troubleshoot programs.          

 

While typing the code developer doesn’t require inputting the variables which makes Python an effortless language with a plus point of making it user-friendly and intuitive. On the contrary, Java makes developers type all variables with rigorous syntax guidelines. Thus, if any error prevails the program will not at all function making situation frustrating especially to newcomers. For instance, if Java takes ten lines of code to read, while Python only requires two lines of code to read from the file. 

Let me clear this point with an example, have a look:

# Defining a class with a constructor and a method in Python:

class Person:

def __init__(self, name, nationality, age):

self.name = name

self. Nationality = nationality

self. Age = age

# Declaring a method with if/else statement

# And returning a Boolean

def is Minor(self):

if self. Age >= 18:

return False

else:

return True

#Defining a class with a constructor and a method in Java:

public class Person {

String name;

String nation;

int age;

public Person (String name, String nation, int age) {

this.name = name;

this. nation = nation;

this. Age = age;

}

public boolean is Minor () {

if (this. Age >= 18) {

return false;

}

else {

return true;

}

}

}

Performance

Since Python and Java both compile bytecode and run-in virtual machines they are cross-platform languages. Accordingly, Python compiles the code at run-time while Java compiles advanced code and distributes the bytecodes. Thus, despite the disadvantages mentioned above Java’s typing static is faster than Python’s dynamic typing. 

 

For the faster performance of the device, Java enables the bytecode to be compiled into the native machine with JIT (Just-in-time compiler). But, Python tests the syntax during run time code which means it can keep an application on hold if any error prevails further affecting its speed and efficiency. 

Stability

Unlike Python for Java also developer requires to write code with strict syntax rules including all variables. Consequently, this increases in the volume of code, code to review and code to fix. Since everything is checked and reviewed before running the code, the software can be more stable and less prone to crashes. Due to this reason, Java is mostly preferred in financial institutions like banks. 

 

However, with this, we can’t consider Python to be unstable. So, if we compare companies like Android, Docker, and Airbnb, include Java in their tech stack. Similarly, Reddit and Instagram (Django web framework written in Python) use Python as part of their tech stack.

Speed

Working on Python can be comparatively best as it offers easy, simple and practical language with an incredibly fast solution. However, in comparison to Python, Java tends to take a long time and requires a large speed for development. Thus, developing an MVP Minimum Viable Product) in Python can be surprisingly done within weeks while Java can take more than a month. 

Community and Library support

Due to its immense popularity, Python is the largest in the network community. Such a large community is helpful because it offers a huge repository of libraries that can be added in Python installation and make a call within programs. 

 

Accordingly, Java also offers a good library to its users for writing code. Its library provides a normal abstract interface for a task that requires heavy network access on hardware and operating system. However, due to this reason, some underlying platforms may not accept all features of Java applications.

Are You Ready To Master Programming Languages?

With careful analysis and comparison, there is no doubt that both Python and Java are highly preferred object-oriented programming languages across the globe.  Moreover, Python is known for simple, practical, and easier development. On the contrary, Java is not as simple as Python, but it offers incredible instability so that developers can easily apply computer science fundamentals. Thus, to sum up, both languages together make an outstanding combination with immense features for its users. Good Luck! 

Henry Tesfaye, who hails from Sydney, Australia, is a software developer in a well-known organisation. Besides, his professional career, Tesfaye has been helping students with technology and research paper writing service via the website Allessaywriter.com. Thus, being a “tech-manic” she is curious about technology and its impact on the modern world.