C++ vs Java

C++ and Java are general-purpose and object-oriented programming language. Extensively used for competitive programming because of their excellent features. In spite of many similarities, they differ from each other in various aspects. In this blog, we will discuss all the various aspects and factors that make C++ and Java different.

But, before going to the difference, let’s first get familiar with these languages and their current trends.

1. C++

C++ is a powerful middle-level programming language designed by Bjarne Stroustrup in 1979 at Bell Labs.  Its first edition, “The C++ Programming Language” released in 1985. C++ is very similar and compatible with the C language as it can compile 99% of C programs without changing a single piece of code.

C++ had all the features of C language with the support of classes; therefore, before being named C++, it was called “C with classes”. This makes C++ a more well-structured and safer language than C language. In 1983, it was renamed “C++.”

It supports various programming paradigms, namely Multi-paradigm, procedural, functional, object-oriented, generic, and module. It runs on multiple platforms, such as Mac OS, Windows, Linux, and various versions of Unix.

According to the TIOBE index of 2020, C++ ranked under the top 5 programming languages.

Many tech companies and organizations are still using C++ as their tech stack, including Facebook, Evernote, LinkedIn. Maybe learning C++ is not beneficial from the career perspectives as companies are switching to different technology stacks. Still, somehow it makes it easier for you to understand the tricky concepts of programming languages. And don’t worry, C++ will always remain one of the popular programming languages in the future.

2. Java 

Java is a high-level, class-based, robust, secured, and object-oriented programming language. It is designed to have fewer implementation dependencies within the application. Java is a general-purpose programming language with a wide range of applications developed by James Gosling, the father of Java. It was firstly called “Green Talk” by James. Later it was called “Ook” and developed as a green project. But finally, in 1995, it was renamed “Java“.

It is widely used in developing computers applications, social media applications, and game consoles, as it is a fast, reliable, and secure language. Many applications only depend upon Java to run.

Java is so popular because it is not only a programming language but also a platform. It is a collection of programs that help developers in developing and running Java applications. It also includes a set of software and libraries, a Java compiler and an execution engine.

 According to the TIOBE report, Java is enjoying the top-second position among all the programming languages.

It is a language that is always in in-demand in the tech world. There are more than eight million Java developers around the globe. Most top-notch companies, including Adobe, Uber, Netflix, and many others, use Java language in their tech stacks. And it is also offering ample career opportunities for Java developers.

Now, let’s move to C++ vs Java.

3. Difference between C++ and Java

4. Why is it so?

1. Why is Java both interpreted and compiled language while C++ is only compiled?

Java is both interpreted and compiled because its source code is converted into bytecode at execution times, and a Java interpreter(JVM) interprets this bytecode, and output is produced.

In comparison, C++ is designed to be compiled language, as its source code directly translated into machine-readable language.

2. Why is multiple inheritance not supported in Java?

Multiple inheritance generally causes ambiguity which leads to unexpected results. For instance, if two classes A and B, having a similar method, displayAge(), are extended by C.

When Class C calls displayAge() , the Java compiler cannot decide which displayAge() method it should invoke, either of class A or class B, so there will be no ambiguity.

3. Why is there no pass-by-reference in Java while in c++?

Pass-by-value means passing the copy of an object’s value, while pass-by-reference means passing the reference of an object. By passing the reference means pass the address where an object is stored in memory, address is accessed by pointers.

Java doesn’t support pointers because of the security hence, no pass-by-reference in java. Although, C++ supports both pass-by-reference and pass-by-value as pointers are accessible in C++.

4. Why doesn’t Java have a concept of default arguments?

A better code is that which is understandable by everyone. But default arguments increase the complexity of the code. For instance, if a function prototype has three arguments with default values, then at some line, it is called with two arguments and at another with one argument.

It leads to confusion and reduces the readability of the code. So to avoid complexity, it does not have a concept of default arguments.

5. Conclusion

Now, you know what C++ and Java are and how they differ from each other. Both languages are awesome and have their own importance. If you want low-level implementation or system-level programming then go for C++ as it has better performance and faster than Java. While for enterprise applications or Graphical User Interface, Java is the best one to choose. I hope the above insights will surely help you choose the right language for your project and career.

 If you have any queries or suggestions, then connect with us through the comment section below.