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Akash Dev
Akash Dev

Posted on • Updated on • Originally published at coolcoderr.hashnode.dev

Java vs C and C++: Why I prefer Java

Now, if you know me, I've been coding in Java for a quite long time, and it was also my first programming language. That's probably the reason why I think Java is better than C or C++? If you think this way, then sorry to say, but you are wrong. C and C++ are the first programming languages for many people, and you may criticize me for saying that Java is the better without any valid reason. But hold on, I've learned all three languages, and after that, I've come to realize certain things. I experienced some problems with the other two languages. All languages are good and have their own capabilities. However, I am only doing this comparison based on my personal experience.

Introduction

Java, C, and C++ are all powerful programming languages that have shaped the software development landscape for decades. Each language offers unique features and advantages, but in this blog, we will focus on why Java stands out as the ultimate winner. Java's robustness, simplicity, and portability have made it a favorite among developers worldwide. Let's dive into the key reasons why Java takes the lead in this comparison.

Simplicity

Java's syntax and semantics are designed to be beginner-friendly, making it easier to learn and write code. It offers a simpler and more concise syntax compared to C and C++, reducing the chances of introducing bugs and errors. Java's extensive standard library provides pre-built classes and methods for common functionalities, simplifying development and speeding up the coding process.

Strong memory management

One of the critical advantages Java holds over C and C++ is its automatic memory management through garbage collection. In C and C++, developers must manually allocate and deallocate memory, leading to potential memory leaks and segmentation faults. Java's garbage collector automates memory management, freeing developers from the burden of memory-related issues and enhancing the overall stability and reliability of Java programs.

Platform independence

Java's "Write Once, Run Anywhere" principle sets it apart from C and C++. Java programs can be compiled into platform-independent bytecode, which can be executed on any system with a Java Virtual Machine (JVM). This portability eliminates the need for recompilation or modification when running Java code on different operating systems, making it highly adaptable for diverse environments.

Robust and Secure

Java's strong typing system and runtime error checking contribute to its robustness. The language enforces strict compile-time checking, minimizing the chances of runtime errors and offering better program stability. Additionally, Java's security features, such as sandboxing and byte code verification, ensure that Java applications are protected from malicious attacks, making it a preferred choice for developing secure software.

Extensive libraries and frameworks

Java boasts a vast ecosystem of libraries and frameworks that enhance developer productivity. From enterprise-level frameworks like Spring and Hibernate to graphical user interface (GUI) libraries like JavaFX, developers have access to a wide range of tools that simplify application development. These resources enable rapid development and scalability, making Java an excellent choice for both small-scale projects and large-scale enterprise applications.

Thriving community and support

Java's popularity has fostered a massive and vibrant community of developers worldwide. This community provides extensive support, resources, and forums for problem-solving and knowledge sharing. The availability of numerous tutorials, documentation, and open-source projects ensures that developers always have access to valuable insights and solutions.

Conclusion

While C and C++ have their merits and continue to be widely used in specific domains such as systems programming and performance-critical applications, Java emerges as the ultimate winner due to its simplicity, strong memory management, platform independence, robustness, extensive libraries, and thriving community. These factors make Java an excellent choice for building a wide range of applications, from web and mobile to enterprise-level software. With Java, developers can focus on solving problems and building innovative solutions without being hindered by low-level complexities or platform dependencies.

Embrace the diversity of programming languages. Explore Java, C, and C++ to expand your coding skills. Experiment, collaborate, and join coding communities to grow as a developer. Embrace the versatility of programming languages and become a well-rounded coder. Happy coding!❀️

Top comments (12)

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pauljlucas profile image
Paul J. Lucas

Any competent C++ programmer could write the exact opposite to what you've written as to why C++ is better than Java. These sorts of "My language is better than your language" wars have been going on for decades. Writing yet another one adds nothing new.

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akashdev23 profile image
Akash Dev

I respect your preference for C++. I did not intend to start a language war or to claim that Java is superior to C++ in every aspect. I simply wanted to share my personal experience and opinion on why I prefer Java over C++. I acknowledge that C++ has its own advantages and challenges, and that different programmers may have different criteria for choosing a language. I hope you can understand that my article is not meant to be a definitive or objective comparison, but rather a subjective and personal reflection. Thank you for reading and engaging with my article. 😊

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pauljlucas profile image
Paul J. Lucas

I never said I had a preference for either language.

It never said you claimed that Java was superior to C++ in every respect.

I never said you claimed your post was objective.

I meant that all language comparison posts for any reason (objective, subjective, because it’s Sunday, whatever) have all been done for decades and add nothing new.

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akashdev23 profile image
Akash Dev

Thank you for clarifying your perspective, and I apologize if my response seemed to misinterpret your comment. I understand your viewpoint that language comparison posts have been a topic of discussion for a long time and might not always offer entirely new insights.
I respect that different programmers have diverse criteria for choosing their preferred language, and I appreciate your engagement and feedback.
If there's any specific aspect you'd like to discuss further or if you have any suggestions for future articles, I'd be more than happy to hear them. Thank you for taking the time to read my article and share your thoughts.

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pauljlucas profile image
Paul J. Lucas

BTW: I just realized your post title including "Ultimate Winner" sure makes it seem like you're alleging objectivity. If instead your title were along the lines of "Why Java is the best language for me" (which you now seem to be claiming instead) then I would have ignored your post entirely.

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akashdev23 profile image
Akash Dev

I think it's ok now..

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jmfayard profile image
Jean-Michel πŸ•΅πŸ»β€β™‚οΈ Fayard

I agree with you in general but no in the specific case of C and C++.
It has been proven time and time again that writing secure programs in C and C++ is a task that is too hard for humans so those languages should be retired as soon as humanly possible.
Whether that's with Rust or with go or Java I don't care.

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pauljlucas profile image
Paul J. Lucas

Java secure? Really?

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jmfayard profile image
Jean-Michel πŸ•΅πŸ»β€β™‚οΈ Fayard

Before I answer can you describe me what kind of experience you have building large scale and secure C/C++ applications?

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pauljlucas profile image
Paul J. Lucas

I never said I did. I never said C/C++ was secure. I only said Java isn’t secure.

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jmfayard profile image
Jean-Michel πŸ•΅πŸ»β€β™‚οΈ Fayard • Edited

And while doing that you did a little a straw man fallacy
I know like everyone else that neither Java nor anything else is always secure.
I didn't even promote Java, I think each team should decide what makes sense for them.
That could be Rust, Go, Java, Kotlin, I don't have a clue because I don't know that team's context.

My point was that C and C++ are especially unsafe languages and that it's a real issue.

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pauljlucas profile image
Paul J. Lucas

But you offered Java as an alternative presumably because you’re alleging it’s a secure language. My link disproves that. That’s my only point.