Java vs Python: A Beginner’s Guide to Select the Right Programming Language

Introduction

Today, the applications of the IT industry are widening and so is the number of programming languages. New programming languages are emerging at an unprecedented pace, and existing languages are continually evolving to claim the top spot. In this article, we talk about the Java vs Python difference, applications, benefits, and weak areas of the two most common languages- Java vs Python, which is better? To assist you in making informed decisions.

Follow us through the article to know- Java vs Python, which is better for the future?

1. Javascript vs Python: What is the key difference?
2. How to compare and choose?
3. What are Java & Python’s Most Prominent Applications?
4. How is Java & Python as a Language Evolving and Who are its Users?

1. Javascript vs Python: What is the key difference?

Java is a high-level language, strictly inclined towards object-oriented programming. Java’s primary features are its multi-usability across platforms, zero dependencies, oops applications, automatic memory management, and network-centric programming to facilitate distributed computing. 

Python is a general-purpose, dynamic language with built-in data structures and open-source libraries. It can be run on multiple hardware platforms employing the same interface, offers ideal structure support for complex programs, automatic garbage collection, high-level dynamic data types & code-testing. It can also be integrated with Java, C, and C++ programming code.

2. How to compare and choose?

A) Learning Curve & Code Readability

If we talk about Java vs Python, which is easy, Python easily beats the game. Python is a dynamically typed programming language, which implies there is no obligation of declaring variables, as they will be auto-declared during runtime. In contrast, Java is a statically typed programming language, which means that you must explicitly declare the variables.

Python also doesn’t follow indentation rules and braces, while Java has strict syntax rules. This makes Python similar to a language like English. Therefore, if we were to decide on Java vs Python, which is best for novice programmers, we would go for Python. However, it’s important to note that Python hides many internal details from programmers compared to Java. 

B) Code Performance

 If we talk about Python vs Java performance and Python vs Java speed for development, Java rules the game. Java is equipped with Java Virtual Machine (JVM), and therefore it is a compiled language and demands less time for code execution. On the opposite, Python is an interpreted language and defines the data type during runtime, making it relatively slower. As mentioned, Java is defined by static-typing syntax, making the compilation a lot simpler and speedier than Python’s dynamic-typed syntax.

Since Python is usually compiled & tested during the runtime, any single program error can hold the entire application. All of these variables collectively have led to decreased efficiency and agility of the language. However, developers can speed up Python code’s execution by using PyPy, CPython, or Cython. You can also use Jython to compile the Python code into Java bytecode. 

C) Popularity & Open-Source Community

In the developing world and for Java vs Python future discussions, an active open-source community is a key. Solving errors, improving code, building new tools are essential to developing excellent applications. Blessedly, Java, and Python both fancy outstanding community support. You will encounter tonnes of resources, forums, and support from sites like GitHub and StackOverflow in both these programming languages. 

Java is a product of Oracle, and hence, its committee Oracle Code One, JavaWorld, and JavaRanch have added to its extensive popularity in software development. There are numerous Java User Groups (JUGs) and high-profile IT community events like JavaOne arranged by Java developers. Python also has a robust community of over a thousand Python groups and channels such as as- PySlackers, PyLadies, the PyCon convention, and the FreeNode IRC Python add to its popularity and multifariousness of programmers. 

3. What are Java & Python’s Most Prominent Applications?

Java vs Python differences is most prominent in terms of applications. Java vs Python for app development? – Java, Java vs Python for web development?- Java, most of the complex programs are developed in Java as it is best to build large-scale applications. Java is the preferred choice for android apps, web apps, embedded applications, cloud development, enterprise solutions, and data-processing applications, with a wide range of modules and libraries to add/use for the same.

On the other hand, Python, owing to its comprehensive prowess, is used by people from diverse backgrounds, like mathematicians, physicists, etc. The world of Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Deep Learning, and Research & Computation is primarily dependent on Python as their programming language. Python is also utilized in web development or backend development using some common frameworks like Django, Flask, Tornado, or CherryPy. Applications such as IoT, game design, graphic design, system administration, automation, etc., also employ Python to a great extent. 

4. How is Java & Python as a Language Evolving and Who are its Users?

As discussed, Java and Python both fancy outstanding community support. You will encounter tonnes of resources, forums, and support from sites like GitHub and StackOverflow in both these programming languages. Python is best recommended for- Game Development, Computer Vision, Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Prototyping, Graphic Designing, Neural Networks, and Operating Systems. Java is best suited for- Desktop GUI Apps, Embedded Systems, Mobile & Web Applications, Middleware Products, Cloud Development, and Enterprise Solutions. The Python vs Java- which is best, Python vs Java future, is one of the most extensively debated topics. According to a report by Statista, around 20% of Google queries for the most popular programming languages were for Python, followed by Java in 2019. 

Conclusion

As discussed, Python vs Java differences depends on the kind of applications and modules used. For example, in Python vs Java for web development, Java may be a more popular choice, but Python is universally used, owing to non-developers. Java is relatively faster, but Python is more suitable for lengthy codes. Eventually, the question before Python vs Java, which is better, is the type of program you want to create, with costs associated and the skills you carry.

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