Comparison between Python & Java

Why do we need to compare Python vs Java?

We have compared the pros and cons of Python, to one of the most widely used languages in the era.

Well, when you step out of your house to buy a smartphone, do you buy just any, or do you compare the bestselling models and then make a decision? To choose among Java vs Python for a project, you must be aware of the pros and cons of each over the other. In this Python vs Java tutorial, we help you with the same.

Hello World in Java and Python

To rigorously compare python and java, we first compare the first program in any programming language- to print “Hello World”

Syntax

A striking characteristic of Python is simple python syntax. Let’s see the subtle differences.

a. Semicolon

Python statements do not need a semicolon to end, thanks to its syntax.

b. Curly Braces and Indentation

In Java, you must define blocks using semicolons. Without that, your code won’t work. But Python has never seen a sight of curly braces. So, to define blocks, it mandates indentation. Some lazy programmers don’t go the extra mile to indent their code, but with Python, they have no other choice. This indentation also aids readability. But you must compliment the indentation with a colon ending the line before it.

Learn more about Python list with examples.

c. Parentheses

Starting Python 3.x, a set of parentheses is a must only for the print statement. All other statements will run with or without it.

 d. Comments

Comments are lines that are ignored by the interpreter. Java supports multiline comments, but Python does not. The following are comments in Java.

Learn how to declare and slice a string in Python

Dynamically-typed

One of the major differences is that Python is dynamically-typed. This means that we don’t need to declare the type of the variable, it is assumed at run-time. This is called Duck Typing. If it looks like a duck, it must be a duck, mustn’t it?

To see how Python handles date and time,

Verbosity/ Simplicity

Attributed to its simple syntax, a Python program is typically 3-5 times shorter than its counterpart in Java. As we have seen earlier, to print “Hello World” to the screen, you need to write a lot of code in Java. We do the same thing in Python in just one statement. Hence, coding in Python raises programmers’ productivity because they need to write only so much code needed. It is concise.

Let us see various types of variables and data types in Python as it will help in better programming.

Speed

When it comes to speed, Java is the winner. Since Python is interpreted, we expect them to run slower than their counterparts in Java. They are also slower because the types are assumed at run time. This is extra work for the interpreter at run-time. The interpreter follows REPL (Read Evaluate Print Loop). Also, the IDLE has built-in syntax highlighting, and to get the previous and next commands, we press Alt+p and Alt+n respectively.

However, they also are quicker to develop, thanks to Python’s brevity. Therefore, in situations where speed is not an issue, you may go with Python, for the benefits it offers more than nullify its speed limitations. However, in projects where speed is the main component, you should go for Java. An example of such a project is where you may need to retrieve data from a database.

Winner– Java

 Install python on Windows if you are willing to go ahead with Python.

7. Portability

Both Python and Java are highly portable languages. But due to the extreme popularity of Java, it wins this battle. The JVM (Java Virtual Machine) can be found almost everywhere.

Winner– Java

8. Database Access

Like we’ve always said, Python’s database access layers are weaker than Java’s JDBC (Java DataBase Connectivity). This is why it isn’t used in enterprises rarely use it in critical database applications.

9. Interpreted

With tools like IDLE, you can also interpret Python instead of compiling it. While this reduces the program length, and boosts productivity, it also results in slower overall execution.

Check Must Read Python Books for Programming in Python.

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