Java and Python are the two most widely known programming languages worldwide for software development. Due to their advanced features and functionalities, these two have maintained a large user base and strong community support. Despite having so much to offer the developers’ community, they often need clarification about which one to choose regarding Java vs Python.
To clarify this doubt, we have come up with a detailed comparison between Java and Python based on various aspects. First of all, both languages are object-oriented, general-purpose, and mainly used to create a diverse range of software applications. Though Python came into existence after Java, that doesn’t make Java superior to Python.
In Java vs Python, they are both compared depending on several different factors, such as speed, performance, security, coding style, learning curve, and popularity.
Without any further ado, let’s discuss and differentiate Java vs Python in detail.
Overview of Java and Python
Java vs Python rivalry has come a long way since the 90s over the label of best programming language. Such competitions are healthy as they help better understand the advantages and flaws of a specific technology or programming language. Have a look below to learn about Java and Python:
What is Java?
Java is considered an open-source, object-oriented programming language launched in 1995 by Sun Microsoft. This general-purpose language follows a concept- write once, run anywhere, referring to the fact that once a Java program is written, you can run it on different platforms without any changes owing to JVM (Java Virtual Machine). Regarding Java vs Python for mobile app development, Java is the most preferred language for creating Android applications. With this, the dominance of Android apps in the market made Java famous. Java is also widely used in web development and builds data-rich apps, desktop software, etc., for large-scale enterprises across industries such as insurance, healthcare, and government sectors. Various market giants using Java are Amazon, PayPal, Instagram, Google, Netflix, Uber, etc.
Advantages
- Built Java apps can be moved from one system to another quickly, irrespective of the hardware or software structure of the host system.
- Integrating just-in-time compilation, garbage collection, adaptive optimization, and multithreading can improve Java apps’ performance and alleviate expenditures during runtime.
- Java is a stable and resilient language that provides complete security with consistent code.
Disadvantages
- Java doesn’t pay attention to data backup.
- It is memory-consuming and comparatively slower than other languages.
- It needs ample space for memory storage.
What is Python?
Introduced in 1991, Python is a general-purpose programming language used for several applications with features such as dynamic binding & typing, high-level data structures, and others. In Python vs Java, Python is more suitable for building complex applications via scripting or glue code that links the elements. Compared to Java, Python has a more compact syntax than Java, helping it master and test apps with reduced effort and time.
Hire Python developers allows programmers to use varied coding methods simultaneously. Due to its higher flexibility, it is more suitable for different programming than object-oriented programming. Python is used by several established businesses, such as Spotify, Quora, Google, etc.
Advantages
- It promotes the writing of less code and ensures code readability and reusability.
- It is easy to use and allocate.
- Python improves productivity through improved process control, testing framework, and text processing capabilities.
Disadvantages
- It can only be used on some limited platforms.
- Python has runtime errors and needs rigorous testing.
- It is not suitable for memory-intensive projects as it has high memory consumption.
Java vs Python: Considerable Difference
While discussing Java vs Python, the choice hinges on your project requirements, as these include unique features and capabilities. Some find Java easier, and some find Python easier, but it depends on your practice and which programming language you want to opt for.
Here, we will discuss some helpful aspects of choosing between Java and Python. Check out the following.
1. Java vs Python Popularity
Considering data gathered from Statista, we can clearly see Python leading by being the second most famous programming language worldwide among software developers as of 2023 after JavaScript. As per the Survey, 54% of developers are using this programming language globally. On the other hand, Java has secured fifth position with 49%.
We can easily conclude that Python is becoming more popular than Java because of its flexibility and easy learning curve. It also has a vast community of developers who are always available to address any issue.
2. Java vs Python Speed
Python comprises capabilities such as ease of use, straightforwardness, and usability, fostering lightning-fast development. It is concise and needs fewer lines of code to reach the desired result, while Java is a statically typed language with a compiled nature. Code written in Java is compiled into bytecode, and then you can run it on JVM (Java Virtual Machine). Succinctly, both give tough competition to each other in terms of speed. If Java is considered faster, then intense working on Python interpreters closes the gap properly.
3. Java vs Python Syntax & Coding Style
Java uses a statically typed syntax that requires an open declaration of variable types and punctuation following stern rules with semicolons and braces. This results in verbose code that focuses on structure and clarity. On the other hand, Python prefers dynamic typing and relies on code chunk indentation for block structure, encouraging conciseness and readability. It has a more flexible and less cluttered syntax that is suitable for fast development and scripting.
4. Python vs Java Performance
Java is famous as an interpreted and compiled language, which makes it perform better than Python and facilitates rapid execution. Java is more suitable for high-performing applications with a Just-In-Time compiler and static typing. Python is an interpreted language that doesn’t compile its programs in advance, leading to errors in runtime and possibly a program crash. However, integrating C/C++ libraries and optimization techniques can optimize Python’s performance.
5. Java vs Python Learning Curve
Between Java vs Python, Python has a soft learning curve compared to Java as it is popular as a simple, intuitive, and easy-to-learn language for beginners. It enables newbies to write only a few lines of code with less complexity. On the other hand, Java is complex but not for those with specific experience, detailed understanding, and long-term practice. To write code in Java, one needs to have in-depth knowledge of its syntax and concepts, such as object-oriented principles and strict type definitions.
Nowadays, new programmers are challenging themselves by choosing Java as their first coding language due to its popularity and future scope.
6. Java vs Python Security
In Java and Python for security, they both offer rigorous security features. Still, Java focuses more on bytecode verification, strong type-checking, and a built-in security manager for sandboxing, alleviating vulnerability, and increasing security at the runtime level. Whereas Python is more flexible, its reliability in third-party libraries for security features makes it vulnerable to external threats. However, Python applies various methods to handle security vulnerabilities, such as dependency management, constantly updating Python packages, etc.
7. Java vs Python for Web Development
Both Java and Python are suitable for web development, but Java is preferred because of its robust frameworks, such as Spring, JSP, etc., strong performance, higher security, and scalability. However, it is a complex system and needs more verbose code to accelerate development than Python.
Conversely, Python development services are well-known for their readability and simplicity, which enable fast development and easy maintenance. Its main frameworks, such as Django and Flask, get extensive support from large communities, contributing to easier web development.
While Java provides improved scalability and performance, Python specializes in flexibility and development speed. Choosing one depends on your project needs.
8. Java vs Python for Mobile App Development
When it comes to Java vs Python for mobile app development, both programming languages serve diverse requirements. Java provides high-performance and native support for Android app development to create enterprise-level mobile apps. It also comprises wide-ranging libraries and frameworks such as Android SDK. At the same time, Python is valued for faster development and easy-to-learn capability, and it is approachable for mid-level projects.
It comprises tools like BeeWare and Kivy, beneficial for cross-platform app development, but consider that in Python vs Java performance, Java performs better and is favored for Android-specific apps.
Comparison Table: Difference between Java vs Python
The comparison table below highlights significant differences between Java vs Python, covering aspects like performance, syntax, security, memory management, etc. Have a look:
Parameters | Java | Python |
Syntax | Verbose, Strict, needs curly braces & semicolons | Concise, Simpler, relies on indentation |
Readability & Conciseness | Less readable due to verbosity | More readable because of clear syntax |
Community support | Large & active community | Large & active community |
Uses | Android app development, Enterprise applications, web applications, big data | Machine Learning, Data Science, Scripting, Automation, Web Development |
Performance | Faster due to pre-compilation & Just-In-Time (JIT) compilation | Slower due to interpretation at runtime |
Security | Statically typed, helps clasp errors at compile time | Dynamically typed, more disposed to runtime errors |
Popularity (TIOBE Index, June 2024) | #2 | #3 |
Memory Management | Automatic memory management, Garbage collection | Automatic memory management, Garbage collection |
Libraries & Frameworks | Extensive libraries and frameworks for different domains | Large ecosystem of libraries & frameworks, strong emphasis on data science & machine learning |
Concurrency & Multithreading | Supports multithreading with built-in keywords & libraries | Supports multithreading with the Global Interpreter Lock (GIL), which can restrict performance in some specific cases |
Java vs Python: Which one is better for the Future?
As stated above, both Python and Java have been the most popular programming languages among software developers. Deciding which is the most beneficial is a tedious task, as both Java and Python are capable of software development. Java development services have been in place for a long time for Android app development, popular for its high scalability, performance, reliability, and widespread ecosystem. Additionally, the consistent improvement in Java ensures its significance in software development.
On the other hand, Python is gaining attention because of its features, such as ease of use, learning, readability, and fast development cycle. It is specifically preferred for smaller projects, prototypes, and cross-platform development using frameworks like BeeWare and Kivy. Python provides versatility and allows integration with advanced technologies like ML, AI, etc., in innovative sectors.
Lastly, the decision depends on your project requirements. Whether you choose Java or Python, consider all the aspects, including performance, speed, cost, stability, security, and many more.
In Essence,
From the above article, you have gained a proper understanding of Java vs. Python. While Python offers easy developer onboarding, rapid project development, and a bright future outlook, Java offers robust performance and a wide range of frameworks and libraries customized for software development.
You can choose any one of them when it comes to Python vs Java based on your specific needs and budget. Get in touch with Octal IT Solution if you are looking for guidance on choosing between Java and Python. Our Python and Java developers are here to help you in all possible ways. Feel free to contact us!
FAQs
For beginners, Python is a more suitable language. It is easy to use and learn, with a low learning curve.
Java is primarily used in industries such as banking and finance and mainly in large-scale enterprise systems due to its scalability and robustness. In contrast, Python is used in sectors like data science, tech industries, AI, web development, etc., because of its readability, simplicity, and vast libraries.
It is not possible for Python to replace Java fully as Java serves enterprises with high-performance, faster development and extensive frameworks & libraries that make it popular worldwide among software developers.