Python or Java is a choice that many cannot make when they just begin their programmer journey. Whether online forums or communities, you can almost always find a topic that will be dedicated to this confrontation.
However, the discussion about which of these languages is better can be quite confusing, especially if you have only recently begun your acquaintance with the programming world. That is why our comparison of Python vs Java will help you make the right decision - if you are interested, then continue reading.
First, we’ll talk about each of these programming languages separately. After that, we will look at some of the differences in the Python and Java format, define the comparison criteria, and answer the most important question of this - should you learn Python or Java?
Introduction
I know what you might think - why do we need to talk about Java or Python separately? Why not immediately jump to a general comparison of Python vs Java? Actually, the reason is quite simple. A brief overview of this kind will be useful for both beginners and more experienced programmers. How? Let me explain.
If you have already advanced far in the field of programming, then you may not feel like you are doing most of the work on the machine without even thinking about it. That is why a great idea is to go through the very basics - this will allow you to refresh your knowledge, and to some extent check it. Although, of course, this approach will be most useful for novice programmers. In this case, they will not only be able to find out which language is better in general terms, but which one is best for them. This is a winning situation for everyone.
So, let's start our Python or Java comparison with a quick overview of Python.
Python
Python was created by Guido van Rossum and was first introduced to the general public in 1993. This is an interpreted, high-level programming language, by the way, object-oriented from and to. In fact, all this became the reason why this language has become one of the most popular in the world.
A high-level programming language (among other things) focuses on simplicity. The whole Python design philosophy is based on readability - the language uses spaces and has a very simple syntax to perform its tasks. It became widely known precisely because it is considered to be one of the easiest programming languages to learn.
Part of his description, namely “ object-oriented ”, is very important. OOP or object-oriented programming is a form of programming philosophy that focuses on objects and data, instead of the logic necessary for control.
Inheritance, polymorphism, and encapsulation are just a few of the main functions that define object-oriented programming. Why are OOP languages popular? Among other factors, which we will discuss later, OOP makes it easier to maintain code and allows programmers to reuse it for other, individual projects.
As for use, Python was originally created as a Linux development language but has since been widely used in the field of web development.
These were some basic facts about Python - they should help you establish a fundamental understanding of the language and help you make your choice when choosing Python or Java. This is just one side of the coin - next, let's take a look at Java.
Java
Java was created at the same time as Python but by James Gosling and two of his colleagues. And, yes, that’s all right, on his logo, a cup of coffee is really depicted since the name itself was taken from the coffee brand of the same name. Finally, we managed to tell you about it.
If readability is the first thing that comes to mind when we talk about Python, Java also has its own associations. In this case, it is the acronym WORA.
WORA means “ Write Once, Run Everywhere ” - this is the slogan due to which Java became known and is related to the most noticeable feature of the programming language. Java is universal - as the slogan says, it can be run on any platform and with any application.
Java was developed based on C and C ++. It was a kind of strategic maneuver since these were the most popular programming languages of the 90s and the learning curve was much easier for those who already knew how to use C and C ++.
Although Java was not as “clean” as Python, it was created as an OPP language.
Java is most popular in the development of Android applications and companies with large data volumes. Given this, for our comparison of Java or Python, these two languages do not pose a particular threat to each other's applications.
So, you already know about programming languages from the confrontation of Python or Java. However, to consolidate the information, let's briefly discuss the differences between Java and Python.
If readability is the first thing that comes to mind when we talk about Python, Java also has its own associations. In this case, it is the acronym WORA.
WORA means “ Write Once, Run Everywhere ” - this is the slogan due to which Java became known and is related to the most noticeable feature of the programming language. Java is universal - as the slogan says, it can be run on any platform and with any application.
Java was developed based on C and C ++. It was a kind of strategic maneuver since these were the most popular programming languages of the 90s and the learning curve was much easier for those who already knew how to use C and C ++.
Although Java was not as “clean” as Python, it was created as an OPP language.
Java is most popular in the development of Android applications and companies with large data volumes. Given this, for our comparison of Java or Python, these two languages do not pose a particular threat to each other's applications.
So, you already know about programming languages from the confrontation of Python or Java. However, to consolidate the information, let's briefly discuss the differences between Java and Python.
Python Or Java - Key Differences
One of the first differences when choosing Python or Java is speed. Java is faster than Python, this is an indisputable fact. However, it is worth noting that this applies only to certain projects - today, modern processors are able to compensate for this lack of slow programming languages.
Although even with that said, Java is considered the fastest of the two. The main reason for this is that Python is an interpreted language and defines a data type at runtime.
Another difference in the confrontation of Python vs Java is the difference in the process of writing code. Java requires you to write longer and more complex lines of code, while Python is very short and requires a minimal amount of code. Moreover, Java requires you to specify the type of variables you want to use, while Python (being dynamically typed) does not.
These are just a few of the technical differences in the Python Java format. As soon as we choose between Java and Python in the next section, we’ll talk about less technical things. So, let's continue to answer the question “ Should I learn Python or Java? ”With the definition of criteria.
Although even with that said, Java is considered the fastest of the two. The main reason for this is that Python is an interpreted language and defines a data type at runtime.
Another difference in the confrontation of Python vs Java is the difference in the process of writing code. Java requires you to write longer and more complex lines of code, while Python is very short and requires a minimal amount of code. Moreover, Java requires you to specify the type of variables you want to use, while Python (being dynamically typed) does not.
These are just a few of the technical differences in the Python Java format. As soon as we choose between Java and Python in the next section, we’ll talk about less technical things. So, let's continue to answer the question “ Should I learn Python or Java? ”With the definition of criteria.
Comparison Criteria
Correct comparison criteria are very important when analyzing two programming languages - if we want to know which language is better, Python or Java, then we must determine the criteria.
There are many aspects that we can discuss, but to be honest, it will be almost impossible to address them all in this guide. For this reason, we have chosen only the most common and interesting aspects of many.
In our comparison, we will use three key criteria - ease of use, popularity, and affordable salary. Let's briefly talk about each of them and find out which one should choose Python or Java, respectively.
There are many aspects that we can discuss, but to be honest, it will be almost impossible to address them all in this guide. For this reason, we have chosen only the most common and interesting aspects of many.
In our comparison, we will use three key criteria - ease of use, popularity, and affordable salary. Let's briefly talk about each of them and find out which one should choose Python or Java, respectively.
Ease of use
Many people, when looking for programming languages to learn, prefer simpler and less time-consuming language learning.
The situation may be reversed if you have already mastered several other programming languages, but for a beginner, the most important thing is to get into the world of programming as quickly as possible.
Although industry veterans disagree with this approach, novice developers prefer simpler languages. You, too, may not agree with such a decision, but competition in the labor market clearly has a huge impact on this fact.
Since this area is now very popular, several candidates may apply for one position. That is why people want to finish their studies as soon as possible in order to start gaining experience and apply for higher-paid positions.
The situation may be reversed if you have already mastered several other programming languages, but for a beginner, the most important thing is to get into the world of programming as quickly as possible.
Although industry veterans disagree with this approach, novice developers prefer simpler languages. You, too, may not agree with such a decision, but competition in the labor market clearly has a huge impact on this fact.
Since this area is now very popular, several candidates may apply for one position. That is why people want to finish their studies as soon as possible in order to start gaining experience and apply for higher-paid positions.
Popularity
Although the popularity of programming languages may seem somewhat relative, this is actually a very important aspect if we choose Python or Java.
Firstly, the community of programmers does not like to waste time learning “supposedly working” and inefficient languages. That is why, if the language is popular, then you can be sure that this popularity has its own reasons.
Secondly, individual communities support the programming language of interest in a variety of ways. Actively participating in discussions, answering questions, or even creating educational materials - all of these things can be incredibly useful.
If you decide to learn a programming language with such support, then you will never feel the lack of any sources for learning
Firstly, the community of programmers does not like to waste time learning “supposedly working” and inefficient languages. That is why, if the language is popular, then you can be sure that this popularity has its own reasons.
Secondly, individual communities support the programming language of interest in a variety of ways. Actively participating in discussions, answering questions, or even creating educational materials - all of these things can be incredibly useful.
If you decide to learn a programming language with such support, then you will never feel the lack of any sources for learning
Wage
And of course, wages. Honestly, most likely this is the first thing people think about and it is their motivation for learning a programming language. It's no secret that programmers make good money - the field of information technology is actually one of the most profitable in the whole world.
Although it is worth considering one important aspect. Different programming languages have different indicators of average wages. In comparison with Python Java, this difference is also present - if in your opinion this factor is very significant, then you should pay special attention to it.
Although it is worth considering one important aspect. Different programming languages have different indicators of average wages. In comparison with Python Java, this difference is also present - if in your opinion this factor is very significant, then you should pay special attention to it.
Comparison
Finally, we can answer the question, what is the best choice for Python or Java.
Let's talk about each of these factors in turn. Let's start with ease of use.
Which language is easier to use?
Python's reputation for being “incredibly easy to use” speaks for itself. Of course, Java cannot be called a complex programming language, but compared to Python, everything here is much simpler and, well more readable.
Which language is more popular?
When it comes to popularity, whatever language we use, Python or Java, they are both very popular in the programming world.
It is quite difficult to choose only one, more popular, as they serve for various purposes. If Java is used and valued in an application development environment, then Python has a strong position among web developers.
However, one thing is certain - both of these programming languages have their own huge and dedicated communities with a lot of different content throughout the network. If you decide to start studying any of them, then you will not have to experience any problems with this.
It is quite difficult to choose only one, more popular, as they serve for various purposes. If Java is used and valued in an application development environment, then Python has a strong position among web developers.
However, one thing is certain - both of these programming languages have their own huge and dedicated communities with a lot of different content throughout the network. If you decide to start studying any of them, then you will not have to experience any problems with this.
Which language has the best salary?
According to Glassdoor.com, the average annual salary for a Java developer is estimated at $ 88,100 USD. This is about $ 7340 USD per month. The same source provides payroll data for Python developers. He estimates the average salary at $ 92,000 USD per year, or nearly $ 7,670 USD per month.
As you know, the difference is not very big. Even though Python developers get a little more than their Java counterparts, both are well above average.
Conclusion
At this point, you already know the difference between Java and Python, but the main question is still open - should you learn Java or Python? As you understand, both languages are pretty similar in what they offer their users. Whether it be Python or Java, you can be sure that you will have a huge community, and many new opportunities will open up before you.
It all depends on your goals. If web development seems interesting to you, then you can start learning Python. However, if you are more interested in application development, then Java will be a great alternative.
So, we have come close to completing our Python or Java tutorial. At this point, you should have a complete understanding of the basic aspects of these languages, their advantages, and their disadvantages. Whatever language you choose, we wish you good luck. Thanks for reading our article.
It all depends on your goals. If web development seems interesting to you, then you can start learning Python. However, if you are more interested in application development, then Java will be a great alternative.
So, we have come close to completing our Python or Java tutorial. At this point, you should have a complete understanding of the basic aspects of these languages, their advantages, and their disadvantages. Whatever language you choose, we wish you good luck. Thanks for reading our article.