C++ vs Java – 10 Key Differences Between C++ and Java

Choosing between C++ and Java might be difficult, particularly for beginners. Both are powerful, widely used object-oriented languages, but they serve various purposes and take different methods. In this blog, we will compare C++ and Java, explain their differences and advantages, and provide real code examples. This will help you in determining which language is most suited to your requirements—whether you’re looking for system-level programming or application development.

Table of Contents

• Key Differences Between Java and C++
• What is C++?
• What is Java?
• C++ vs Java
• C++ vs Java: Which is better?
• Conclusion
• Frequently Asked Questions

Key Differences Between Java and C++

The differences listed above are some of the significant ones between the two languages, based on which developers generally pick their choice. However, these aren’t all. Let’s take a further look at some of the other differences between the languages.

What is C++?

C++ is a powerful, high-level programming language used to develop applications, games, operating systems, and more. It is widely used in both academic learning and real-world applications because of its speed, flexibility, and the control it has over system resources.

C++ was developed in the early 1980s by Bjarne Stroustrup as an extension of the C programming language. The name ‘C++’ comes from the meaning of ‘++’ in programming which is increment, meaning C++ translates to ‘C improved’.

What is Java?

Java is an object-oriented, high-level programming language to develop web applications, mobile apps, desktop software, and enterprise systems. Java was created by James Gosling in 1995 at Sun Microsystems and was well known because of its slogan, “Write Once, Run Anywhere.” This refers to the fact that Java applications can be run on any operating system that has the Java Virtual Machine (JVM), and thus it is very portable.

C++ vs Java: Which is better?

C++ and Java are both popular programming languages, but which is better depends on your needs. C++ provides greater control over system resources and is ideal for developing games, operating systems, and performance-critical applications. It’s faster but more complicated, requiring manual memory management. Java, on the other hand, is simpler to learn, platform independent, and widely utilized in web apps, Android development, and enterprise software. It automatically manages memory, making it more user-friendly. If you want speed and control, use C++. If you value simplicity and versatility, Java is a better place to start.

C++ vs Java

After getting briefly acquainted with Java and C++, let’s take a look at the differences between them.

• Codes in C++ need to be compiled into every platform you use it on. However, Java is portable, allowing it to be executed on all platforms.
• C++ source code is compiled in the form of an object code that produces an output when executed, while Java source code is a byte code, which makes it platform-independent.
• In C++, developers need to allocate and deallocate memory to the code manually with operators like new and delete, but that is not the case with Java as the system allocates the memory for the code on its own.
• Unlike C++, Java does not support multiple inheritance. However, Java can use interfaces to gain the same result as in multiple inheritance.
• C++ is an object-oriented and procedural programming language, which is why it does not follow specific root hierarchies, while Java is completely an object-oriented language with one root hierarchy.

Other Comparisons Between Java and C++

• There is no root hierarchy in C++ as it is a hybrid language that supports procedural and object-oriented programming. However, Java is a single root hierarchy as it is completely object-oriented programming.
• In C++, there is no particular relationship between file names and class names. This allows C++ to have several classes with any file name, and the file name does not need to match the class names. But in Java, a close relationship between the two is enforced, so the name of the class with the source code should be the same as the file name.
• C++ is a better option for system-level programming since it offers direct calls to libraries, while Java does not allow it. In Java, however, developers can call the libraries using Java Native Access or Java Native Interface.
• Features based on object-oriented language and procedural language distinguish C++ from other languages. On the other hand, Java’s automatic garbage collection is its distinguishing feature.

C++ vs Java Salary

• As per Indeed, the average annual salary of a C++ professional is US$131,690 in the United States, while in India, they earn about ₹10,75,019 according to Indeed.

• Java professionals, however, earn over US$91,628 per annum on average in the United States and about ₹5,85,181 per annum in India as per Indeed.

So far, you have gained in-depth knowledge of the differences between C++ and Java, and you have also learned the salaries offered to these professionals.

Conclusion

Both C++ and Java are great programming languages with their own characteristics. C++ provides greater control over hardware and system resources, making it excellent for developing high-performance programs such as games and operating systems. Java, on the other hand, is platform neutral and commonly used for web and Android programming. If you’re a beginner, learning either language will provide you with a solid foundation in programming and offer up a variety of employment prospects in the tech industry. Choose the one that best meets your needs and begin your coding journey with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions on Java and C++

1. What are the advantages of Java over C++?

Some of the advantages of Java programming language over C++ are as follows:
●       Java has an automatic memory management feature called garbage collection, while this component is not available in C++.
●       Programs in C++ are complex and slow compared to Java.
●       Java uses the binary format, however that is not the case with C++.
●       Java supports dynamic linking, but C++ does not.
●       Unlike C++, Java is portable.

2. Which is better, C++ or Java?

When it comes to choosing between the two languages, Java and C++, it all boils down to the features you need for your project and code. Both these languages have their own sets of merits and demerits, and based on this, you can make your choice.
C++ is the best choice for system programming, while this cannot be done using Java. Java, instead, is a great option when used in applications such as desktop, web, and more.
With C++, developers have the flexibility to do anything from system and enterprise programming to gaming. There are a few low-level programs for gaming and other applications that developers cannot create using the Java language.
Hence, the choice of a programming language depends solely on the application that needs to be built. To make the choice, you can create a list of the pros and cons of both languages. Then, you can check which features are best for your program and select the language accordingly.

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3. Is C++ more powerful compared to Java?

Java is easier to learn and use in terms of language and syntax. However, when it comes to low-level applications, including system programming, C++ tops the list.
Java can be considered more powerful due to its automatic garbage collection feature and the absence of multiple inheritance and pointers, but C++ is powerful in terms of speed. Besides, in gaming and other applications where the state needs to be recorded, the garbage collection feature can make matters worse, not better.
So, on the basis of what application you need to build and the features that you are looking for, the more powerful language can be determined.

4. Is it possible to learn Java without having knowledge of C/C++?

Yes. It is possible to learn Java without any prior knowledge and experience in C/C++. You can start learning Java once you have an understanding of the programming fundamentals and the concept of object-oriented programming.

5. Are Java and C++ alike?

Java and C++ have a few similarities and a set of differences. You can say that they are similar in some ways but different in others.
Both Java and C++ are object-oriented programming languages that have similar syntax and are used to develop applications.
However, in terms of inheritance, Polymorphism, memory management, and other features, these two languages are at the opposite ends. They also differ in matters such as object handling, primitive data type, and pointers.

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Choose Your Language

In this ‘C++ vs Java blog, you have learned in detail about the two languages, their similarities, and especially their differences. You have also read the answers to some of the most common questions on Java and C++. Though they may have a few similar features, they are completely different languages.