Python vs. Java: The Key Difference Between Them

Programmers often have personal favourites when it comes to their preferred Programming Languages. Long heated debates about which Programming Language is better aren't unheard of. Python vs Java debate is one of many arguments among Programmers. For many newcomers, such an argument might be confusing, having no reference to the subject. If you feel equally lost in such arguments, don't worry, this blog is just for you.  

According to a survey by Stack Overflow, Python is popular with 44.1% of correspondents, and Java is popular with 40.2% of correspondents, respectively. This successfully places both Programming Languages as the fourth and fifth most popular. Python and Java are both Programming Languages used by Developers across the world. Check out this blog  on Python vs Java and choose which is better for you. 

Table of Contents 

1) What is Java? 

2) What is Python? 

3) Key difference between Python vs Java

    a) Why should you choose Python 

    b) Why should you choose Java

c) Syntax comparison

4) Final call on  Python vs  Java 

5) Conclusion 

What is Java? 

Java is a static, high-level, class-based language that was launched in 1995 by James Gosling. It can run on any device and OS that has Java Virtual Machine (JVM), which makes it very versatile and fast. Java is used for web, cloud and android development, among other fields. It was once the most popular server-side language, but lost some popularity over time.

Java is faster than interpreted languages, and similar to compiled languages like C, C++ and Rust. However, Java is different because it compiles source code into byte codes, which are then interpreted by JVM.

Java has complex and verbose syntaxes, which can be daunting for beginners. However, it also has many benefits and features. Java has been used for many popular applications, such as Spotify, Zoom and Netflix. It has a new version in September 2022, and another update in March 2023.

Advantages of Java

Java has many benefits that make it a popular and powerful Programming Language, such as:

a) Simplicity and ease of learning: Java has a clear and concise syntax, and it avoids complex features like pointers, multiple inheritance, operator overloading, etc. Java also supports automatic memory management, which frees the Programmer from the hassle of allocating and deallocating memory manually.

b) Object-oriented paradigm: Java follows the principles of abstraction, encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism, which make it modular, reusable, and extensible. Java allows the Programmer to create classes and objects representing real-world entities and behaviours.

c) Platform independence and portability: Java code can run on any system that has the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) installed, which makes it portable and compatible across different Operating Systems, architectures, and devices. Java is also known as Write Once, Run Anywhere language (WORA).

d) Multithreading and concurrency: Java supports multithreading, meaning it can execute multiple tasks concurrently using threads. It improves the efficiency and performance of Java applications, allowing them to utilise the available CPU cores and resources.

e) Security and reliability: Java runs inside a Virtual Machine called a sandbox, which isolates the Java code from the underlying system. Java also uses byte-code verification, security manager, and access control mechanisms to prevent unauthorised access, malicious code, and data corruption.

f) Extensive third-party libraries and frameworks: Java has a rich and diverse set of libraries and frameworks that offer ready-made solutions and functionalities for various domains and tasks, making the coding process easier and more efficient.

Disadvantages of Java

Java also has some limitations and drawbacks that should be considered when choosing the language for specific projects, such as:

a) Slow execution speed: Java needs to be interpreted during runtime, which adds an extra layer of processing and reduces the execution speed. Java also has a high overhead for garbage collection, reclaiming the memory occupied by unused objects. It can affect the performance and responsiveness of Java applications, especially in real-time and embedded systems.

b) Lack of low-level control: Java does not offer low-level control over the hardware and memory, as it abstracts away the details of the underlying system. It can limit the flexibility and efficiency of Java applications, as they cannot access or manipulate the system resources directly.

c) Verbosity and boilerplate code: Java requires a lot of words and boilerplate code to express simple concepts and functionalities. It can make Java code less readable, maintainable, and elegant than other languages, offering more concise and expressive syntax.

d) Limited native look and feel for desktop applications: Java uses its Graphical User Interface (GUI) components and libraries, which make Java desktop applications look inconsistent and unappealing, as they do not match the style and theme of the host system.

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What is Python? 

Python is a dynamic, readable and beginner-friendly language that was created in 1991 by Guido Van Rossum. It is older than Java, which is often assumed to be the opposite. Python has simple and self-explanatory syntaxes, which make it easy to understand algorithms and logic. Python can also be used to prototype complex problems, and then switch to a faster language for implementation. Python has been used for many popular platforms, such as YouTube and Google Search.

Python’s latest version is Python 3.11.1, which was released in December 2022. It does not support any older versions, especially those before Python 3. x.

Advantages of Python:

Python has many benefits that make it a popular and powerful Programming Language, such as:

a) Simplicity and expressiveness: Python has a concise and elegant syntax, and it avoids complex features like pointers, multiple inheritance, operator overloading, etc. Python also supports automatic memory management, which frees the Programmer from the hassle of allocating and deallocating memory manually.

b) Dynamism and flexibility: Python assigns the variable's data type automatically during runtime, allowing more freedom and faster coding. Python also supports multiple paradigms, such as object-oriented, procedural, functional, and imperative.

c) Free and open source: Python is free and has an open-source license. It means the source code is available to the public for free, and anyone can modify and distribute it without any restrictions. It is a great feature that enables customisation and innovation.

d) Platform independence: Python can run on any system with the Python Interpreter installed. It makes Python portable and compatible across different Operating Systems, architectures, and devices.

e) Extensive third-party libraries: Python has a rich and diverse set of libraries and frameworks that offer ready-made solutions and functionalities for various domains and tasks, making the coding process easier and more efficient.

f) Support for multithreading: Python can execute multiple tasks concurrently using threads. It improves the efficiency and performance of Python applications, allowing them to utilise the available CPU cores and resources.

Disadvantages of Python

Python also has some limitations and drawbacks that should be considered when choosing the language for specific projects, such as:

a) Slow execution speed: Python is slow, as it needs to be interpreted during runtime, which adds an extra layer of processing and reduces the execution speed. Python also has a high overhead for garbage collection, reclaiming the memory occupied by unused objects. It can affect the performance and responsiveness of Python applications, especially in real-time and embedded systems.

b) Lack of low-level control: Python does not offer low-level control over the hardware and memory, as it abstracts away the details of the underlying system. It can limit the efficiency and optimisation of Python applications, as they cannot access or manipulate the system resources directly.

c) Weak typing system: Python has a weak typing system, which means that it does not enforce strict rules on the data types of the variables. It can lead to runtime errors and bugs, as the Programmer may not be aware of the actual data type of the variable.

d) Limited mobile development options: Python is unsuitable for mobile development, as it has limited support and libraries for creating mobile applications. Python does not have a native look and feel for mobile platforms, as it uses its own GUI components and libraries.

Key Differences between Python vs Java

 Python and Java are both high-level, object-oriented, and platform-independent languages with large communities. However, Python is interpreted, dynamically typed, simple, and expressive. Java is compiled, statically typed, verbose, and fast. Both languages have their pros and cons for different domains and scenarios, so the choice depends on your goals and preferences. Here is the list of difference between Python vs Java:

Why should you choose Python?  

Python is a great Programming Language for beginners, as it has clear readability and simple syntax. You don’t need to specify the type of variables in Python, as it automatically infers them from the values you assign.

Python is widely used for data science, Machine Learning, and game development, thanks to its rich libraries like TensorFlow, PyTorch, and PyGame. Python also allows Developers to use different programming paradigms, such as procedural, object-oriented, reflective, and functional.

However, Python has some limitations, like any other Programming Language. One of them is its speed, which is much slower than compiled languages. This is because Python is an interpreted language that uses Global Interpreter Lock (GIL) to run only one thread at a time. This means that even if you have a multi-core processor, Python will not use its full potential. Python also sacrifices some performance for its ease of use. Another limitation of Python is its lack of mobile support, as it does not have native support for Android or iOS platforms.

Use cases of Python

Python is a high-level language that has a simple and clear syntax. It is easy to read, learn, and code, making it beginner-friendly. Python has a wide range of applications, such as:

a) Web development: Python can create dynamic and interactive web applications using various web frameworks, such as Django, Flask, Pyramid, etc. Python also supports various web technologies, such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, XML, JSON, etc.

b) Data analysis and data science: Python can perform data manipulation, visualisation, and analysis using various libraries, such as NumPy, Pandas, Matplotlib, Seaborn, etc. Python can also create Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence applications using libraries like Scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch, etc.

c) Scientific and numeric computing: Python can perform complex mathematical and scientific calculations using libraries like SciPy, SymPy, Numba, etc. Python can also create Graphical User Interfaces for scientific applications using libraries like PyQt, Tkinter, etc.

d) Desktop GUI applications: Python can create cross-platform desktop applications using various GUI frameworks, such as PyQt, Tkinter, wxPython, etc. Python can also create games using libraries like PyGame, Pyglet, etc.

e) Network programming: Python can create network applications, such as web servers, web clients, email clients, FTP clients, etc. Python also supports various network protocols, such as HTTP, SMTP, FTP, TCP, UDP, etc.

f) Game development: Python can create 2D and 3D games using libraries like PyGame, Pyglet, Panda3D, etc. Python can also create game engines and tools using libraries like PyOpenGL, PySDL, PyOgre, etc.

g) Education and scripting: Python can be used to teach programming concepts and skills to students and beginners. Python can also be used to automate various tasks and processes using scripts.

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Why should you choose Java?

Java is a powerful Programming Language that offers high performance and reliability. It runs on the Java Virtual Machine (JVM), which makes it portable across different devices and platforms. Java is also backward compatible, meaning that older versions of Java can work with newer ones. This makes Java easy to migrate and maintain.

Java has a clear and explicit syntax that lets Developers define the attributes and behaviors of their programs before execution. This reduces the chances of errors and unexpected results. Java is also very fast and efficient, compared to other languages like C#. Only a few languages, such as C and C++, can beat Java in speed. However, Java trades some of its speed for its flexibility, which makes it suitable for various applications, such as gaming, cloud computing, and mobile development.

However, Java is not without its flaws, like any other Programming Language. Its verbose syntax, which allows Developers to go into details of their programs, also slows down the development process. Java is not a simple language. It requires a lot of effort and skill from Developers, but it also rewards them with a lot of benefits.

 Use cases of Java

Java has been used in a large number of applications over the years, such as:

a) Web development: Java can create dynamic and interactive web applications using various web frameworks, such as Spring, Hibernate, Struts, etc. Java also supports various web technologies, such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, XML, JSON, etc.

b) Big Data: Java can perform data processing, analysis, and visualisation using various Big Data tools and platforms, such as Hadoop, Spark, Kafka, etc. Java can also be used to create Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence applications using libraries like Weka, Deeplearning4j, etc.

c) Android app development: Java is the official language for Android app development, as it provides a rich set of features, libraries, and tools for creating mobile applications. For example, Java can create user interfaces, access device sensors, connect to databases, etc.

d) Cloud development and Internet of Things (IoT): Java can create cloud-based applications using platforms like AWS, Google Cloud, etc. Java can also create IoT applications using protocols like MQTT, CoAP, etc.

e) Enterprise-level web applications and microservices: Java can create scalable, reliable, and secure web applications and microservices for various domains and sectors, such as health care, education, insurance, government, etc. Some well-known examples of Java users are NASA, Google, and Facebook.

Python vs Java: Syntax comparisons

Java & Python are both part of the Algol Programming Languages family line. However, while Java goes into detail and iterates its syntaxes, it still follows a close structure with the C and C++ languages. On the contrary, Python simplifies its language, deviating further from its roots than Java. As a result, Python has a significantly smaller, more concise syntax than Java.

This sheer difference in the size of code and syntax comes from the difference in the core nature of both languages. Where java is a static language, Python is dynamic. Dynamic typing is significantly simpler with words in its codes. This also makes it possible to easily declare variables without needing to declare types for them. 
 

As you might witness in this code, Python requires no data type declaration. This makes Python much faster in the development phase but makes Java faster once the code is run. This also allows you to declare different variable types in a single statement. This is a feat only possible in Python, which will throw an error in Java.

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Final call: Python or Java?

Let's make our conclusions about which is better in Java or Python. Let's tally some factors and feats of both languages before you choose the right Programming Language for yourself. Some common decisive factors that help measure a language's effectiveness are: 

a) Error detection: Java is Static in nature, allowing the Developer to root out problems in earlier stages of development. On the contrary, Python tends to test syntax during the run time, so an error can't be detected until the run time has already taken place. This might not be a huge deal in smaller projects, but in software that needs large scaling, this becomes a huge crisis later. 

b) Community and support: Java and Python have a community that has lasted over a decade. Both languages have a vast support of libraries and do well with the support. However, Java suffers from discontinuity issues. While Python stopped its support for versions before Python 3, Java only provides Long Term Support (LTS) for limited versions. 

c) Security: Java offers encryption services for its packages. Some such security measures are XML signatures, authentication and other security protocols. This adds to the fact that JVM also allows virus and malware testing during compilation. Python lacks such strong security measures and relies greatly on Developers following good practices. 

d) Learning curve: You must be well aware of this by now. Java is not a difficult language, but it is a demanding one. It is a great language if you wish to develop stable and powerful applications, but it has a much higher learning difficulty. On the contrary, Python has higher readability and an easier learning curve two. 

e) Usage: Java is extremely popular in various fields; it is one of the most used languages for web and application development. Similarly, Python is extremely popular for data analysis and Machine Learning, making this a tie between both. 

f) Final verdict: If you followed through the entire blog, you might have made mental notes about which language you liked more. Chances are you would like Python more if you are a data scientist or a newcomer to the programming world. Similarly, you might feel like Java is the better call if you prefer performance over convenience. The better Programming Language depends entirely on the user and his needs.

Conclusion

That brings us to the end of the Python vs Java blog. With this blog, you can witness both Programming Languages' virtues and vices. You were able to understand their syntax differences as well as the difference in their core principles. Hopefully, this blog will help you make a more informed choice when choosing the right Programming Language for yourself. All the best to your coding journey, and thank you for reading. 

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