Talk of software programming languages and two candidates that promptly come to our minds are .NET and Java. The duo has captured the developer’s interests and inclinations for years now. And if a choice must be made between the two, the task is harder.
Comparing .NET vs Java for the selection of the preferred programming language is no simple game. Both Java application development and .NET application development have been reigning at the top.
Organizations have been leveraging them for creating web apps and websites as they both are efficient for server-side and desktop applications. As we look at Dot Net vs Java, Java is a renowned programming language and .NET is a software framework created by Microsoft.
Through this detailed article on .NET vs Java, we attempt to go through the overview of both these languages and then foray into their pros, and cons, companies using them, and parameter-based comparison. This will help stakeholders of all genres and stature like business owners, CTOs, developers, product owners, project managers, etc. to take a final call.
What is .NET?
.NET is a free, cross-platform, open-source developer platform for building many different types of applications. With .NET, you can use multiple languages, editors, and libraries to build for web, mobile, desktop, games, IoT, and more.
Powered by the tech giant Microsoft, .NET is a well-known development framework that is platform agnostic and can be utilized across multiple platforms like Windows, Linux, and macOS.
Developers can create a variety of web, desktop, and mobile applications with various editors, development instruments, and libraries. It has been leveraged by organizations globally for projects of varied genres and domains.
The .NET framework supports different languages such as C++, C#, etc. with an object-oriented concept. It has a Common Language Runtime (CLR) that is responsible for the execution of compiled source code.
Developers can develop next-gen applications and web services with reusable components, making the application code error-free and increasing productivity.
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 one of the most popular object-oriented programming languages, Java has been reigning on the top for decades now, for the versatile websites and applications that it can create. There are billions of devices, worldwide, that are using Java – be it mobile phones, gaming consoles, computers, medical instruments, etc.
Developers can execute Java applications in a fast, secure, and effective way. Java is based on C and C++.
Organizations can develop mobile apps, enterprise apps, embedded applications, games, and web-driven content, with Java. It is secure and simple with great community support.
It has been of the maximum value in modern-day technological advancements like IoT, AI, ML, eCommerce, etc. It is class-based and written as code, compiled to bytecode, after which Java Virtual Machine converts it based on device needs.
Secure compiler, interpreter, and runtime environment
Distributed computing with great networking
Multi-threaded with a rich set of APIs
Platform-independent and object-oriented
Robust, reliable with a high error detection rate
Cons of Java:
Less machine interaction
Single paradigm language
Slower memory management
.NET vs Java: Organizations Using Them
Top Companies Using .NET
Microsoft, Accenture, Samsung, Cisco, GoDaddy, Intuit, Xero, Stack Overflow, Agoda, Trustpilot, Trendyol Group, doubleSlash, Paralect, Agoda, Starbucks, accuRx, and many more.
Top Companies Using Java
Spotify, Amazon, Uber, Airbnb, Netflix, Tesla, Oracle, Boeing, Walmart, Target, Pinterest, Instagram, Google, LinkedIn, Slack, eBay, Intel, Groupon, TripAdvisor, Slack Flipkart, and many more.
Java vs .NET: Similarities
Whenever we talk about comparing Dot Net vs Java, there are certain similarities that exist in both, here are they:
Both go well with other programming languages
Both have their own Integrated Development Environment (IDE)
Both are portable and can easily work on high-loaded systems
Both are fit for complicated, enterprise-level application development
Both have a multi-tiered architecture for creating effective applications
.NET vs Java: An In-depth Comparison
Parameters
.NET
Java
Overview
.NET is a cross-platform, open-source software framework used for developing software applications with different versions of Windows.
Java is an object-oriented and platform-independent high-level programming language, that can work on any operating system.
Developed by
Developed by Microsoft
Developed by Sun Microsystems
Ease of Learning
Less documentation and tough to learn
More documentation and easy to learn
Popularity and Demand
Highly popular but lesser resource requirements compared to Java
Highly popular and increased resource needs compared to .NET
IDE
Oracle, Eclipse, IntelliJ IDEA, JDeveloper, etc.
Visual Studio, VS Code, Rider, MonoDevelop etc.
Basic Runtime Requirement
Needs Common Language Runtime (CLR) for execution during runtime
Needs Java Virtual Machine (JVM) for execution during runtime
Database Connection
ADO is used for database connectivity
JDBC is used for database connectivity
Performance
It is compiled and executes on the OS where the code is deployed.
It is an interpreted language and hence code is not converted until executed
Architecture
Supports disconnected architecture
Supports connected architecture
Exception Handling
Supports only Windows OS
Supports multiple OS
XML Support
It has a system XML
It has XML like Saxon, Xerces, etc.
File Extension
.net
Java
GUI Components
.NET Class
Java Beans
Messaging Queue
MSMQ
JMS, AMQP
Web Service Support
In-built support for web services
Add on support for web services
Supported Platforms
.NET, .NET Core, ASP .NET, ASP .NET Core, Silverlight
JavaSE, JavaEE
LINQ Accessibility
Support for LINQ
No support for LINQ
HTTP Engine
IIS
Application server from vendors like WebSphere, Tomcat etc.
Server Components
.NET, COM + Serviced
EJBs
Web Server Scripting
ASP .NET
JSF
Just In Time Compilation
Just In Time compilation of code to machine code happens at the class level
Just In Time compilation to machine code happens at the method level
Coding Speed
Speeds up the coding process because of reusable components
Optimized and faster code but a lengthy one
Web Application Frameworks
ASP .NET MVC, Sprint .NET
Sprint, Spring Boot
Community Support
GitHub – Approx 12.6K stars and 2K stars and forks respectively
GitHub – Approx 11.6K stars and 2.9K stars and forks respectively
Garbage Collection
Offers effective garbage collection as compared to Java
Offers less effective garbage collection as compared to Java
.NET Vs Java: Where to Use What?
Though both technologies can be utilized best with all types of applications, there are certain situations where either fits better as we compare Java vs Net:
Use Java For
Android/iOS mobile applications
Multi-user and multi-platform apps
Government solutions and enterprise applications
Embedded and IoT-driven systems
Use .NET For
Client applications
Gaming applications
Large enterprise platforms
Web applications and websites
.Net vs Java: Conclusion
However much we compare Java Vs .NET, there are certain factors on which the final call depends – costs involved, skilled resource availability, project deadlines, the scope of the project, scalability and security, organizational objectives, etc. Whichever you choose between .NET vs Java, it is like selecting the better of the best.
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SPEC INDIA
SPEC INDIA, as your single stop IT partner has been successfully implementing a bouquet of diverse solutions and services all over the globe, proving its mettle as an ISO 9001:2015 certified IT solutions organization. With efficient project management practices, international standards to comply, flexible engagement models and superior infrastructure, SPEC INDIA is a customer’s delight. Our skilled technical resources are apt at putting thoughts in a perspective by offering value-added reads for all.