Python vs. Java is a popular debate amongst developers because these are two of the most popular and commonly used programming languages in web development. However, figuring out which programming language is best for your development project can be difficult. That is why we have created this informative blog post to explore the topic in greater depth.
This post will compare Java and Python. We will explain the benefits and disadvantages of each programming language so that your organization can clearly understand what each option brings to the table before you make a decision.
Debating Python Vs. Java
Java and Python are well-established platform-independent technologies with large support communities. However, the similarities between the two programming languages don’t go much further than this. Before we do an in-depth examination of these programming languages, remember that each programming language excels in certain circumstances. While Java may be a better choice than Python in one situation, the opposite may be true in another case.
What Is Python?
Python was initially released in 1991 with a focus on code readability. The driving force behind Python is simplicity. Compared to Java, Python has a simpler syntax and is easier to read. This programming language is typically used for IoT applications, data science tasks, and Machine Learning algorithms.
Python is an interpreted language. As a result, Python code is run through an interpreter for each line of the code’s commands. Compared to Java, Python is easier to learn and more flexible. Developers can use Python for object-oriented, reflective, and functional programming. As a result, Python’s popularity among developers has grown steadily in recent years, and now it is the fourth most popular programming language, according to Stack Overflow.
The Benefits of Python
Python is a highly flexible programming language. As a result, developers can learn Python and use it for several projects. In addition to its versatility, Python is many developers’ favorite programming language because it:
- Has a large library – Python’s library has extensive support for common commands and tasks, but it also contains code and support for other tasks like CGI, unit testing, and generating documentation.
- Enables rapid development – Python enables developers to develop projects quickly because it is a dynamically typed programming language. Plus, since Python code is asynchronous, tasks can be completed faster since each unit of Python code runs independently from the rest of the code.
- Is an open-source language – Python is an open-source programming language, which means your organization can use Python for free. Plus, with access to an extensive support community of developers, your team will be able to learn Python fast and start building great projects at no cost to your business.
Python can be used in just about any development situation. Like Java, Python is platform-independent and can be used in macOS, Linux, and Windows as long as you use the appropriate platform interpreter. Of course, there might be situations where another programming language is better suited for a particular project. However, if all you know is Python, you will likely still be able to get the job done thanks to the language’s versatility.
The Disadvantages of Python
Python has a lot of benefits going for it, but no programming language is perfect. Since Python is dynamically typed and executed line-by-line, it is slower than other programming languages, including Java. The disadvantages of Python are:
- It is not mobile native – Python can still be used for mobile development, but you will have to find the correct libraries and frameworks to work with.
- It consumes a lot of memory – Projects with many objects active in RAM might run into issues when using Python due to the amount of memory Python uses.
Python might not be the best choice for you if your project is dependent on fast execution times or has tight memory requirements. Python is slower than Java and consumes more memory resources.
What Is Java?
Java is a programming language and platform that was first introduced in 1995. The driving force behind Java is speed. Compared to Python, Java is a much faster option in terms of performance because it is a compiled, general-purpose programming language. Compiled programming languages get converted to machine code before they are executed, which means they run faster and more efficiently.
Java might not be as simple as Python to learn, but Java is also known as a relatively easy programming language to learn. Developers typically use Java to build Android, web, IoT, and big data applications. Java is slightly less popular with developers than Python. According to Stack Overflow, Java is the fifth most popular programming language, which is behind Python at fourth.
The Benefits of Java
Speed and efficiency are two of the most significant selling points of Java. However, there are additional reasons why Java continues to be one of the most popular programming languages. Java continues to be a web development favorite because:
- It is object-oriented – The object-oriented approach to software development is more intuitive for large projects. In addition, object-oriented programming is simpler to troubleshoot and allows for code reuse.
- It supports multithreading – When using Java, developers can run more than one thread simultaneously. Threads running concurrently share a memory area, which increases performance and efficiency. Compare that to Python, where one line of code is executed at a time.
- It is secure – Java is one of the more secure programming languages because it runs within a virtual machine, avoids explicit pointers, and performs run-time security checks. Security is something that every organization should take seriously at every stage of development and deployment.
Like Python, Java boasts a large online support community. If you ever run into any issues with Java, there is a lot of available support. In addition, Java is platform-independent. You can run Java on any platform as long as you are using a Java Virtual Machine.
The Disadvantages of Java
Java is a great programming language, but it also has issues you should be aware of. The primary disadvantages of Java are:
- Wordy programming language – Java uses a simple syntax, and it is an easy programming language to learn, but it is very verbose, which can make even simple commands complicated and more difficult to troubleshoot.
- Lack of native look on desktop – Yes, Java can be used on any platform with a Java Virtual Machine. However, Java is not a great option when you want to build a complex native UI for desktop applications.
Like Python, Java also consumes a lot of memory resources. So if you want to build a native desktop application, Java likely won’t be your best choice.
Final Thoughts: Python Vs. Java
Python and Java are both great programming languages. However, choosing the right option for your project can be difficult. If you need help determining which option best suits your project’s needs, reach out to an experienced app development partner. The Python vs. Java debate won’t be settled anytime soon since both languages are still popular and useful in many different contexts.
