Java vs. C++ Comparison: What Are the Differences in These Programming Languages?

There are a handful of programming languages, so how do you know which one you should learn? Every developer must decide which language to adopt, from Python to Kotlin and Java to C++. For many, the choice comes down to Java or C++.

This article takes a deeper look into these two languages to guide you in making the choice that best fits your plans.

Which is easier to learn?

Most experts will tell you that Java is easier to learn. It’s a newer language than C++ and isn’t as complex in its principles or execution. However, there’s more to consider than a language’s learning curve. Selecting a programming language depends on what you want to do with it. 

If you want to create mobile apps from your couch, Java is your answer, but if you want to design software for video games, C++ is a better choice. You need more information to make an informed decision, so we’ll compare the two languages to help you decide which is best for you. 

What is Java?  

Java is the most common programming language used by developers. It’s a high-level, class-based, object-oriented language that takes a program from concept to completion. 

What are the uses of Java? 

Developers use different languages for different reasons. To pick between languages, you need to think about your goals. What do you want to create? What kind of job do you want? Your response will let us know your decision. 

Developers often use Java to: 

• Develop Android apps

• Create enterprise software

• Create scientific computing applications

• Manage application servers

• Design wearable tech

• Launch E-commerce portals

What are the advantages of Java?

There are some advantages to learning Java, which include: 

• Small learning curve: While some coding languages are complex and challenging, Java is not. Developers say the language is easy to pick up. Its syntax is straightforward, making it easy to understand, write, and maintain. 

• WORA: With Java, developers can write once and run anywhere (WORA). In other words, Java can run on any machine regardless of its operating system. This independence is one of the big reasons developers use it. 

• Object-oriented programming: Java is an object-oriented language (OOP), which organises the software design around objects instead of functions or logic. Simply put, it makes it easier for developers to write the code and reuse pieces of it, which aids in efficiency and scalability. 

What are the disadvantages of Java?

There are downsides to this language, too, which include: 

• Speed: Java requires a lot of memory to function, making its computing speed reasonably slow. Other languages, including C++, are faster. 

• Mediocre GUI: Java can be lacking in the graphical user interface (GUI). Many frameworks, like Swing and JavaFX, can improve the GUI, but none can create a complex user interface. 

• No backup: Java utilises storage and doesn’t provide any backups. It makes it difficult for developers to revert to a previous code version. It’s a significant drawback for some developers who see the value of backups.

History Lesson: What is the history of Java?

Back in the 1990s, coding expert James Gosling set out to create a more straightforward programming language. Initially, he planned to improve the existing C++ language but decided to start from scratch. Originally named OAK, Gosling and his team changed the name to Java before releasing it to the public in 1995. 

Soon after its release, major web browsers started using it. From there, the language was adopted quickly and today even remains one of the most used programming languages.

What is C++?

C++ is an object-oriented programming language that has evolved from a family of C programming languages. Some call C++ “C with Class” because it’s the first to introduce object-oriented programming, which uses classes as a core programming principle, something the older C programming languages lacked. 

What are the uses for C++?

Considering which programming language to learn can be a challenge, but if your ideal job focuses on any of these categories, C++ could be suitable for you: 

• Creation of operating systems

• Video game development

• IoT devices

• Databases

• Web browsers

• AR/VR applications

What are the advantages of C++?

The upsides of learning C++ include: 

• High-paying jobs: The average salary for a software developer in India is ₹7,00,000 per year, according to Glassdoor [1]. However, C++ developers are considered specialised, so their salary is slightly higher than Java developers. 

• Library support: C++ has a Standard Template Library (STL) that can help developers write code quickly and efficiently. These templates can ease some of the burden during creation since programs aren’t created from scratch. 

• Large community of support: Since this coding language has been around for decades, an entire community of developers is available to support aspiring developers. This support can provide solutions when developers hit a roadblock. 

What are the disadvantages of C++?

Like Java, there are challenges with C++ as well.

• Lack of security: Experts say C++ isn’t as secure as other languages like Java. C++ has what experts call “memory unsafety”, which refers to vulnerabilities in the memory codes. Many developers don’t consider security when selecting a programming language, but it has become more prevalent in the wake of security breaches like HeartBleed, according to Fossbytes [2].

• No garbage collector: A garbage collector finds and removes unnecessary data from a computer’s memory. It’s an automatic process that usually goes on in the background, except if you’re working with C++. This programming language forces developers to identify unneeded properties and remove them independently. 

• Use of pointers: C++ and its related programs use pointers, which ‘point to’ the variable whose address they store. If that sounds complicated, you’re right. Developers agree that pointers in the C++ language are difficult to comprehend and utilise throughout the code. 

History Lesson: What is the history of C++?

C++ dates back to the late 1970s. Ph.D. student Bjarne Stroustrup wrote his thesis on the need for a coding language that could be used for practical applications. As the name suggests, Stroustrup had experience with Simula 67 language, which is meant for simulations. Still, he knew there was a demand for a programming language that was faster and more functional.  Later, Stroustrup started combining pieces of Simula with C language to include object-oriented programming, which later became C++. 

Additional specifics to consider when choosing between learning Java and C++

• Programmers with C++ knowledge are more likely to work with a team of developers on large-scale projects.

• C++ is used more in large-scale development, like for banks or governments, whereas Java creates more consumer products like apps, software, and video games.

• Java is ideal for creating simple mobile applications, so if your ideal job is to become a freelance app creator, Java is where you should start. 

• Big-name companies like Google, Facebook, Amazon, and Apple use C++. If your dream job is to work for one of these tech giants, consider learning C++.

• It’s common for programmers to learn more than one language.

• Java’s syntax is borrowed from C++, so if you learn C++ first, it’s easy to pick up Java.

How to learn coding languages

You have many options when you’re ready to grow your skill set by learning a coding language. You might consider getting a four-year degree in computer science or application development, or you can take online courses to build your knowledge. 

Here are a couple of options available on Coursera to help get you started.

Introduction to Java

This beginner’s course, Introduction to Java, offered by Learn Quest, includes hands-on practice to give students knowledge of the Java language. After completing this course, you should be able to identify Java’s benefits, program in basic Java syntax using Java data types, and incorporate branches and loops.

This beginner Specialisation, Programming in C++: A Hands-on Introduction, is intended for aspiring developers who need to gain an existing coding knowledge. Throughout the four classes in the course offered by Codio, you will be exposed to everything from fundamentals to object-oriented design. 

The language you choose will likely depend on the career you’d like to achieve. Fortunately, platforms like Coursera can help you quickly obtain the skills you need.