Education Ecosystem Blog

Choosing a programming language can be a tough decision. Beginners, for example, are more confused on the choice of programming language. In this article, we will help both beginners and advanced learners to choose between Python and Java.

Python vs. Java has always been a hot topic on the internet. Beginners, for example, always want to know which programming language is best to get started with explicitly.

Python vs. Java, Which Programming Language to Learn?

Before we get started with the comparison, we need to understand that it is more important to understand the computer basics than investing time with the choice of programming language. It is very common for learners to waste time finding the “right” programming language and wasting time doing nothing.

For developers who are already into programming, the choice depends heavily on their project and other factors that we are going to discuss in the article.

Note: We are not going to compare both programming languages from a technical viewpoint. The comparison will be done from a broader perspective, considering multiple factors such as speed, agility, etc. If you are confused as to which programming language to pick based on different criteria, then this article is for you. Keep reading!

Let’s learn briefly about both programming languages before diving deep into the comparison.

Python

Python is an interpreted, high-level programming language with simple to use syntax. It was created in 1991 by a Dutch programmer known as Guido van Rossum. The design philosophy of Python is readability and the ability to write less code for the same amount of work when compared to other programming languages. Python is also highly scalable.

Check out BinaryBeach who is working on “Physics homework in Python!“. You can also catch Dyerrington working on DataScience/Python – Data Structure.

Java

Java is also a high-level programming language. It is a class-based, object-oriented programming language. The design philosophy that makes Java unique is the “write once, run anywhere.” Java is extremely scalable and hence it is the number one choice when it comes to enterprise level development. It was created by James Gosling in 1995 at Sun Microsystems.

Check out Jinmuu learning Java. You can also check out codeHatacher who is working on his Healthcare app using Java and other related technologies.

Beginner’s Choice: Python vs. Java

When it comes to beginners, both programming languages hold equally good. Java has always been the number one programming language for teaching programming to newbies, but recently Python has taken its place.

The reasons are simple. Python is a simple-to-use, English-like syntax, and offers great first experience to the learner.Python also requires minimal setup to get started and has minimal dependency on other system variables. Java, on the other hand, can take some time to set up and work with. If you are a beginner and trying to learn computer science basics or master your first programming language, Python is always the best choice, closely followed by Java programming language.

In Java, you have to write a lot of code to accomplish a particular task. In comparison, Python is succinct. Initially, it might sound cool to write more code. However, the thinking easily changes when you start working on big projects. Writing succinct, easily readable code should always be your priority.

Anyone learning Android should undoubtedly pick up Java programming language as their first programming language.

Not a Beginner? What to Choose? Java vs. Python.

If you are not a beginner and are looking to choose a programming language for your next project, you need to take a look at different factors such as speed, legacy support, practical agility, human resources, architecture, etc. Let’s take on each of the points one by one.

Speed

The Speed of execution is an important factor when developing time-critical applications. Matter of fact, both Java and Python are not the best choices for developing a time-critical application.

Java seems to be a better choice if you are looking for pure efficiency. Java shines at raw-portable performance and other Java virtual machine execution optimizations. Applications that rely heavily on the network I/O should consider Java.

Legacy

If you are working in an environment where legacy systems are an important component, then you need to find a programming language that has less dependency on the legacy. Java is heavily dependent on legacy systems and won’t be a great choice if you are building a system for a decade of usage. Python seems to be not affected by the Legacy software problem.

Agility

Agile development is very common in the industry right now. The demand to churn out products faster with everyday requirement change is a challenge that needs to be maintained. Both programming languages offer excellent feature-set when it comes to agile development. Java’s static type system enables easy refactoring. Python’s dynamic type system allows more experimentation and values fluidity over rigidity.

Other factors

Many other factors come when choosing a programming language for the next project. For example, if your company doesn’t have enough developers to take advantage of a particular technology, it is not a good idea to pick up that technology. The team leader should understand the members and choose the technology wisely.

Conclusion

Choosing Java or Python depends on multiple factors, including personal preference. So which programming language will you choose for your next project? Comment below and let us know.