Difference Between C and Java Language

 Difference Between C and Java is a battle of Programming Languages that have existed for a long time. C is a low-level language that influenced many others, such as C++, C#, and Python. Java is a high-level language that is easier to use than C. Choosing the better option depends on the context and the goal. They have many similarities and differences that make them suitable for different applications and domains.

The C language was released in the 1970s and Java in the 1990s, of which C is a foundational language and Java is a more modern, in-demand language. Both these languages are ranked amongst the top 11 most used languages in the world, according to a survey by Statista as of late 2023.  Now, C and Java were both created as Programming Languages and have different features to offer us. Let's compare C vs Java and find the key Difference Between C and Java in this blog.  

Table of Contents 

1) Introduction to C

    a) Features of C

    b) Pros and cons of C

2) Introduction to Java

3) Key Difference Between C and Java

4) C vs java: What's the final judgement? 

5) Conclusion 

Introduction to C

C is a Programming Language that was created by Dennis Ritchie at the Bell Laboratories in 1972. It is a general-purpose, procedural, portable, and efficient language that can be used for various applications, such as Operating Systems, databases, compilers, and embedded systems. C is also the basis for many other popular languages, such as Java, Python, C++, and C#.

1) Features of C

Some of the main features of C are:

a) It has a simple and clean syntax that makes it easy to learn and understand. 

b) It provides direct access to memory and hardware, which allows Programmers to manipulate bits, bytes, and addresses. 

c) It supports modularity, which means that complex problems can be divided into smaller functions or modules that can be reused and tested separately. 

d) It has a rich set of built-in operators and functions that can perform various operations on data types, such as arithmetic, logical, bitwise, and relational. 

e) It has the ability to extend itself by adding new functions and libraries to the C standard library. 

f) It is a middle-level language, which means that it can support both high-level and low-level programming features. 

g) It is fast and efficient, as it uses fewer instructions and produces compact and optimised code. 

Pros and Cons of C

Some of the advantages and disadvantages of C are: 

Advantages: 

a) C is a widely used and versatile language that can be applied to many domains and platforms. 

b) C is a powerful and flexible language that gives Programmers more control over program execution and performance. 

c) C is a portable language that can run on different machines and Operating Systems with little or no modification. 

d) C is a base for many other languages, which means that learning C can help Programmers learn and use other languages easily. 

e) C is a structured and modular language that makes the code more organised, readable, and maintainable. 

Disadvantages: 

a) C does not support Object-oriented Programming (OOP), which is a modern paradigm that focuses on data abstraction, encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism. 

b) C does not have run-time checking, which means that errors and bugs can only be detected. C does not have run-time checking, which means that errors and bugs can only be detected at compile time or during execution. 

c) C does not have the concept of namespace, which means that there can be conflicts and collisions between global variables and functions with the same name. 

d) C does not have exception handling, which means that there is no mechanism to handle errors and exceptions gracefully and recover from them. 

e) C does not have constructors or destructors, which means that there is no automatic initialisation or cleanup of objects and resources.

Introduction to Java 

Java is a Programming Language that was developed by James Gosling at Sun Microsystems (now part of Oracle Corporation) in 1995. It is a general-purpose, object-oriented, and platform-independent language that is widely used for developing a variety of applications, ranging from mobile and web applications to large-scale enterprise systems.

Features of Java

Some of the main features of Java are:

a) Java is fundamentally Object-Oriented, focusing on data (objects) and methods (functions) and supports concepts like inheritance, encapsulation, and polymorphism.

b) Java applications are typically compiled to bytecode, which can run on any Java Virtual Machine (JVM), regardless of the underlying computer architecture.

c) Java has a syntax that is similar to C++, but it is simpler and more streamlined, with fewer low-level facilities.

d) Java provides strong memory management and garbage collection mechanisms, along with various Operators in C Programming, and its environment includes security features to prevent different types of attacks.

e) Java supports multithreading, allowing multiple threads of execution to run concurrently, enhancing the performance of applications.

f) Java has a comprehensive standard library that provides a rich set of utilities and tools for various tasks, including networking, database connectivity, and User Interface development.

g) With the advent of Just-In-Time (JIT) compilers and improved JVMs, Java's performance has become highly competitive.

Pros and Cons of Java 

Some of the advantages and disadvantages of Java are:

Advantages:

a) Java is used in various domains, including web development, mobile development (especially Android), and large-scale enterprise applications.

b) Java's "Write Once, Run Anywhere" (WORA) capability makes it an ideal choice for cross-platform applications.

c) Java has a large developer community and a wide range of frameworks and tools, which facilitates development and problem-solving.

d) It encourages cleaner, more modular code, making it easier to organise and maintain.

e) Its strong typing and managed runtime make it a good language for beginners to learn programming concepts.

Disadvantages:

a) The JVM and garbage collection can introduce performance overhead compared to natively compiled languages like C or C++.

b) Java applications tend to consume more memory compared to languages like C or C++, primarily due to the JVM and object overheads.

c) Java is often criticised for its verbose syntax, requiring more lines of code to accomplish tasks that might take fewer lines in other languages.

d) Being a high-level language, Java offers less control over hardware aspects compared to languages like C or C++.

e) Java applications can have slower startup times due to the JVM startup and the time taken to load classes, and JIT compiles parts of the code.

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Key Difference Between C and Java

Here is the table that compares various aspects of C and Java Programming Languages, highlighting their fundamental differences in design, execution, and application.

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Syntax Differences Between C and Java

Syntax is the set of rules that define how a Programming Language is written and structured. Different languages have different syntax, which means that they use different symbols, keywords, and formats to express the same logic or functionality. Here is the table that provides a concise comparison of various programming aspects in C and Java, highlighting their syntax and usage differences.

C vs Java: What’s the Final Judgement? 

Both C and Java have proven their worth in the programming world, but now comes the real question—does one outshine the other, or do they complement each other like Yin and Yang? Let’s break it down.

C – The Foundation of It All

a) C is the backbone of computer systems, Operating Systems, and low-level programming.

b) It sets you on a more challenging yet rewarding path—diving deep into system architecture and kernel development.

c) Learning C requires patience and dedication, but it sharpens your problem-solving skills like no others.

Java – The Friendly All-Rounder

a) Java offers a more beginner-friendly approach with a faster learning curve.

b) It’s widely used in modern applications, making it a great choice for job seekers.

c) With a strong demand in the tech industry, Java opens doors to diverse career opportunities.

The Real Takeaway? Just Start!

a) The best decision is to begin somewhere—whether it’s C or Java, you’ll learn and grow along the way.

b) A great developer isn’t defined by the language they choose but by their adaptability and problem-solving mindset.

c) No need to feel guilty about picking Java just because it’s “easier.” A smooth path can still lead to success—as long as you put in the effort.

At the end of the day, coding is about creativity, logic, and persistence. So, pick your language, stay curious, and keep building.

Conclusion 

So how did you enjoy the ‘C vs Java’ faceoff in our blog on Difference Between C and Java Language? Which language impressed you more? As mentioned before, the smartest choice is to always begin somewhere, so that you get a head start. Java may have risen up the charts as one of the easiest languages for learning development, though C will always be a pioneer for laying a great foundation. Similarly, for a Java and Python developer, mastering multiple languages can provide versatility and a competitive edge in software development.

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