Difference Between C++ and Java
Table of Contents
Computer programming languages are programs or a set of instructions to communicate with the computer. There are a host of languages used, however, the most common ones include C++ and Java.
C++ and Java are both object-oriented programming (meaning data is stored in objects) languages but differ in multiple ways.
C++ vs Java
The main difference between C++ and Java lies in their dependency on the platform. While C++ is platform dependent language, Java is a platform-independent language.
However, the above is not the only difference. A comparison between both the terms on certain parameters can shed light on subtle aspects:
Comparison Table Between C++ and Java (in Tabular Form)
| Parameter of Comparison | C++ | Java |
|---|---|---|
| Based on the concept of | Write once compile anywhere | Write once run anywhere everywhere |
| Type of Programming Language | Procedural and object-oriented language | Only object-oriented language |
| Type of Language | Compiled | Compiled + Interpreted |
| Dependency on platform | Platform dependent language | Not dependent on platform |
| Other languages compatibility | Yes, with most high-level languages | Not compatible, no backward compatibility |
| Mechanism of Input | Input/output statements | More complex |
| Relationship of source code and filename | No relationship | Yes, relationship exists |
| Interface with libraries | Allows direct calls to native system libraries | Only through Java native interface |
| Portability | Not portable | Portability is there as it can be executed on any platform |
| Is operator overloading allowed? | Yes | No, only method overloading allowed |
| Type of root hierarchy | No root hierarchy | Follows single root hierarchy |
| Access control | Flexible | Complex |
| Detection of runtime error responsibility | Responsibility of programmer | System controlled |
| Management of Memory | Manual | System-managed |
| Whether in-built thread support exists? | No, relies on third party libraries | Yes |
| Hardware relationship | Close to hardware | Not much interaction with hardware |
| Consistency between primitive and object types | Yes | No |
| Support for compiler and interpreter | Only for compiler | Both compiler and interpreter |
| Support for pointers | Provides strong support for pointers | Provides limited support |
| Virtual Keyboard support | Yes | No |
| Programming Support | Both procedural programming and object-oriented programming | Only object-oriented programming model |
| Support for structures | Yes | No |
| Suitability | System Programming, operating system, gaming applications | Application programming, web based applications |
What is C++?
C++ was first developed by Bjarne Stroustrup of AT & T Bell Laboratories in 1979. C++ is an intermediate programming language (having all properties of C language i.e. built on C) and both high and low-level language attributes.
C++ is also known as hybrid language as it supports both procedural and object-oriented programming.
The idea behind C++ program is “write once and compile anywhere”. C++ language is compatible with most of the other high-level languages and supports various types of inheritances (even multiple inheritances).
C++ is a very useful program due to its portability feature. Other advantages include its object-oriented feature which enables code reusability, providing programmer control over memory management, multi-paradigm programming, exception handling, and function overloading.
C++ is not free from drawbacks and the ordinary ones include more memory consumption due to use of pointers, security issues, absence of built-in thread, becomes complex in a high-level environment, difficulty in applying to web applications, no support for garbage collection.
C++ is mainly used in application and system development. Other uses where C++ could be ideally deployed include well-known operating systems, digital image processing, 3D graphics, real-time arithmetical simulations, cloud storage, programming telephone switches, and even in core-banking application systems.
What is Java?
Java is a multi-purpose, high level and advanced programming language developed in 1991 by Sun Microsystems. Java was initially called OAK but later renamed to Java in 1995 to take benefit of the world wide web.
The idea behind Java program is “Write once run anywhere everywhere”. This concept is possible in reality as byte code generated by Java compiler is independent of platform and can run on any machine.
Java is an object-oriented language but with advanced attributes. Java can run on the majority of systems as Java virtual machines exist for multiple systems. Java offers a number of advantages that make the language suitable to be used on the web. In fact some applications/websites may not even open or work unless Java is installed.
Java is not free from drawbacks. Java only supports single inheritance though effects of multiple inheritances can be achieved using interfaces. Other drawbacks of Java include non-compatibility with other languages, more memory consumption, programs taking a long time to run, and increased cost of hardware.
Java is mainly used for application programming and is the most preferred language in the software industry. Also, Java is utilized for developing web content.
Java is present on the majority of mobile phones. Other areas of use include business applications, cloud computing, enterprise applications, animation and gaming. Java is considered the future of artificial intelligence(AI) and big data.
Main Differences Between C++ and Java
Conclusion
Using either C++ or Java will be based on ease of use, individual preferences, work needed to be completed, and type of system or application under development. Both C++ and Java have their pros and cons.
If someone is interested in doing system programming, C++ would be a good choice and for those desirous of pursuing application or web-based programming, Java could be an apt option.
It would be an ideal practice to understand the requirements and assess the parameters of comparison of C++ and Java before making the decision.
References
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