The debate of Java vs Python is as old as our contenders. Both Python and Java have not only survived but also grown significantly in the web development industry in the last 25 years. Their features and functionalities help developers build elegant websites and powerful applications. Both languages have prospered in their niches and have extended their capabilities to fulfill the diverse requirements of the modern web industry. And that makes it challenging for experts to say which is the best in 2023.
But a practical comparison between these programming languages’ differences could provide some insights. This could go on to serve the stakeholder’s purposes. Therefore this article will shed some light on the major differences between Java and Python. But first, let’s clear the basics.
What is Java?
Being a high-level programming language, Java has syntax similar to that of C and C++ but with fewer low-level facilities. It is also class-based and platform-independent. This gives developers the freedom to run Java code on any platform without the need of recompiling it.
This is what Java is most famous for, its “Write Once Run Anywhere” feature. In addition to that, reflective, concurrent, imperative, and many more programming paradigms are supported by this language.
Although Java is a general-purpose programming language, it comes with dynamic capabilities like code modification and reflection which almost all traditionally compiled languages lack.
What is Python?
Python is also a high-level programming language that offers support for multiple programming disciplines like functional, procedural, class-based, etc. the biggest advantage of Python is its coding simplicity. Its codes are claimed to have been as easy to read as the English language. In addition to that, Python is also famous for its list comprehension, reference counting, indentation, and more which help programmers with clear and logical coding. Python also renders an extensive and standard library that is helpful to developers in writing and implementing algorithms and programs without any hassle.
Major Differences Between Java and Python
1. Syntax
Python has got less comprehensible and complex syntax than Java. The code of Python is easy to remember and apply. And such an easy syntax leads the programming language to have better code readability. The syntax of Java is comparatively strict. This doesn’t fare well with you if you tend to forget even the smallest of details. For example, if you forget punctuation or misplace curly braces then your code will show errors.
2. Typing
Java has a nominative safe and static typing discipline whereas Python has a gradual, strong, and dynamic typing discipline.
3. Coding
In terms of coding, Python certainly has an upper hand as developers love this programming language for it allows them to write fewer lines of code to build and implement the same functionality which would require more coding from other programming languages such as Java. For example, for a simple display message, developers have to write just a single line of code. Meanwhile using Java, they have to write four lines of code.
4. Availability of Frameworks
Java has more and better frameworks to offer like Hibernate, Play, Spring, Grails, and more in comparison to the fewer frameworks offered by Python. The most popular frameworks from Python include Falcon, Flask, Django, and Dash.
5. Declaration
Java is statically typed so it needs teh developer to declare the data type. On the other hand, Python is dynamically typed so it doesn’t need any kind of declaration for its variables. Such type of typing is also called duck typing.
6. Database Connectivity
Java consists of a unique API called Java DataBase Connectivity (JDBC) which helps in connecting with database systems. Meanwhile, the database accessibility for Python is weaker in comparison to Java. This is the reason why most large-scale enterprises prefer to use Java instead of Python.
7. Speed
Java is of course faster in comparison to Python. Because the data type of Python is predetermined at the runtime and the language also uses an interpreter which slows down the execution of the code.
8. Practical Dexterity
The resourcefulness of a programming language is what you refer to as practical dexterity. Python has managed to stay up to date with all the trends in the web development industry which is the reason behind its increased popularity. It has also instilled DevOps practices that help offer rapid app development services.
Meanwhile, because of its static typing, Java enjoys support for code refactoring. It also offers support for various IDEs and comes with self-memory management. All of these, when added up, make Java a more reliable programming language.
9. Portability
As you can find JVM or Java Virtual Machine almost on any platform, makes Java very easily portable than other programming languages, which in this case is Python.
10. Learning Curve
As discussed above, Java is a statically typed language and has strict syntax so obviously, it is going to be harder to learn this language in comparison to Python. To master Java, you also have to remember all the details down to the T otherwise it can soon turn out to be a blizzard of errors.
On the other hand, Python is easy to learn but you need much more practice and experience to get a good command over the language.
Final Words
After discussing the differences, it is clear that both contenders in the Java vs Python debate have their pros and cons. And for software app development, you have to play to their strengths.
Java is a safe, fast, and portable language whereas Python is more clear and simple. Java is cheered around for its cool features meanwhile Python is celebrated for its flexibility and scalability.
But when it comes to the question of which is the best in 2023, one has to look through the lens of project requirements. Any programming language that is capable of fulfilling your project requirements is deemed to be the best language in 2023.
