C# vs Java: Assessing Two Popular Programming Languages

With so many programming languages available, making the right choice for your project can be challenging. You can choose the wrong one and face the consequences, or you can choose the right one, and everything will work perfectly.

Two programming languages are often a developer’s delight, but a matter of comparison is C# vs. Java. Programmers usually implement their Java and C# programs to create desktop apps, backend development, Windows client applications, mobile apps, enterprise apps, games, cloud-driven services, etc. Both enjoy their fanbase and have been topping the global popularity charts.

Both these languages belong to the ‘C-family,’ have general purposes, and are imperative, but they have similarities and differences. This article emphasizes the overview of Java vs C#, its advantages and disadvantages, and their evaluation based on standard parameters.

What is C#?

C# is an object-oriented, component-oriented programming language. C# provides language constructs to directly support these concepts, making C# a natural language to create and use software components.

As a modernized, general-purpose language, C#, also known as C Sharp, was released alongside the .NET framework and Visual Studio. C# programs are executed through .NET CLR and other class libraries. It is a prevalent type-safe language that ensures robust version control features that keep libraries and programs current. It is designed around CLI standards and is ideal for novices to learn.

As a generic, scoped, and strongly typed language, implementing C# supports software fundamentals like garbage collection, array bounds, etc., offering portability and platform independence. It supports many modern features such as internationalization, third-party integration, simplistic coding, and operating and embedded systems applications.

What is Java?

Java is a programming language and computing platform first released by Sun Microsystems in 1995. It has evolved from humble beginnings to power a large share of today’s digital world by providing a reliable platform upon which many services and applications are built.

As a developer’s delight, Java has been a prevalent language that is general purpose, concurrent, object-oriented, and class-based. Applications created in Java can be executed on any Java Virtual Machine (JVM) after being compiled into bytecode. It goes by the concept of ‘Write once, Run anywhere.’ Multiple websites and applications may not work well unless Java is installed since it is a computer platform.

Java is a software platform leveraged by multiple devices, such as computers, notebooks, mobile devices, medical devices, game consoles, etc. Being a dependable and secure language, Java’s fundamentals rely on the C and C++ languages. It is more like a merger of software basics and other specifications. Developers have the flexibility to rewrite or reuse code to create new code, offering a great experience.

C# vs Java: Pros and Cons

Pros of C#

• Simple and secure extension methods
• Lambda, LINQ expressions and generics support
• Powered by Microsoft Corporation
• Automated garbage collection and memory management
• Backward compatibility
• Assembly versioning
• There is no need for any explicit coding
• Inheritance, polymorphism, abstraction, encapsulation
• Native support for Windows-based and COM-supported apps
• Properties with getting/set methods
• Top cross-platform support

Cons of C#

• It is less flexible since it depends on the .NET framework
• Larger learning curve
• Not very attractive graphical user interface

Pros of Java

• Interpreted, threaded, and dynamic
• It can execute on almost any platform and network
• Ideal for creation and integration of object-oriented programming models
• Easy access to detailed documentation and skilled resources
• Multiple task execution because of a multi-threaded environment
• A wide variety of third-party libraries, easily navigable
• Easy and simple to learn syntax
• Inheritance, abstraction, polymorphism, encapsulation
• Just-in-time (JIT) compiler for high-performance coding
• Bytecodes independent of the computer’s architecture
• Effective memory management by automated garbage collection

Cons of Java:

• Slower because of the JIT compiler
• Lack of support for low-level programming constructs such as pointers
• Needs high memory and processing requisites

Java vs C# – Organizations Using Them

Companies Using Java

Airbnb, LinkedIn, Twitter, CRED, Pinterest, Lyft, Netflix, Accenture, Uber, Instagram, Bitpanda, Spotify, DoorDash, Google, Paytm, Amazon, CashApp, trivago, Hubspot, etc.

Companies Using C#

Intuit, Alibaba, Statista, Delivery Hero, Bank of America, Okta, Banshee, Unacademy, Stack Overflow, FlashDevelop, Cisco, Accenture, Olo, Hepsiburada, Venmo, Runtasitc, etc.

C# vs Java: The Similarities

• Server-side, backend programming languages
• Inspired by the C family of languages
• Object-oriented languages focus on classes and objects
• High-level languages, easy to write and learn
• Scalability to handle high volumes of data well
• Dependency on C and C++
• Generation of intermediate language code post-compilation
• Garbage collection
• Similar syntax
• Support for multiple-class inheritance
• Well-documented languages with supportive communities

C# vs Java: Understanding the Differences

C Sharp vs Java: When to Use What?

Use Java when:

• You need access to a comprehensive codebase and community
• Portability and interoperability are more important
• There is a need to create web-based, desktop, mobile, high-precision, IoT, server-based apps or scientific applications

Use C# when:

• It would be best if you had programs on the .NET platform or Windows-specific programs
• There is a need for speed and modern features like garbage collection
• You are creating mobile apps, web apps, enterprise software, or video games

Till Later

Since both have carved a niche for themselves, comparing C# and Java infers that both have a bright future. Both have invested heavily in acquiring developers’ trust and will enjoy a bright future. You can select the desired language based on what we discussed in the previous section.

Other parameters are essential in selecting the right one as we compare Java vs. C#—cost considerations, skilled resource availability, project deadlines and requirements, etc. The brighter side for both is that access to professional resources is easy, and you can get the required task force for your projects in the desired time.

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