25 Jun Python vs Java

Python vs Java

Here we look at Python vs Java and give a brief overview of each language.

 

Python vs Java are two of the most popular programming languages in the world today. Each has their own uses, strengths, and applications. From the outside looking in, it can be daunting to think about which one to learn. All the more so considering that these are only two of the many programming languages in existence. This is why each can be well worth learning.

 

A Brief History of Python vs Java

To start to understand the differences between the languages and how they are used, it is best to look at how they came to be.

Java is an object-based programming language that was created in 1991. It was designed to be a simpler language than C and C++ and to be able to run across a variety of different platforms. Since its entry into the world of programming, Java has become well established and is used from business applications to smartphone games. It is the official language of Android which means it may be the most used language in the world today.

Python has existed as a programming language for a similarly long time. Planning for it began in the late 1980s and the first full version, Python 1.0, was released in 1994.  It is an interpreted language which means that it can be written and then run on any system. The only restriction to running a Python program is the skill of the programmer. While less used today than Java, the overall usage of Python is growing significantly.

 

Usage

When considering if you should use Java or Python, it is best to look at what each language is mostly used for. Both are made to be versatile and to run across any digital platform. As the aforementioned official language of Android, Java is great to use to create different Apps. Python’s more advanced uses include finding patterns in data and machine learning. Similar to Java though, it can also be used for automation in business.

 

Which one is Better?

Python vs Java in terms of what to use or when to use, can come down to the differences. Python is the easier language to learn for new programmers, but its uses can run deeper. This means that a new user can likely create a basic, functional program while a specialist may use Python for purposes like machine learning or AI. Java can be more difficult to learn but may serve better as a base language to start learning, as it requires a strong understanding of syntax.

Ultimately as a programmer the best approach is to be functional in both languages before specialising in either. Both languages have broad ranges of use, Java is one of the most used languages in the world and Python is growing in use. However, very few jobs require proficiency in just one language. Java is good to know, as is Python. Overall, it is best to know an array of languages. A programmer should have knowledge in C#, C++, HTML and Javascript to name a few. To specialise can be good, but a programmer also needs to be versatile in their approach and always keep learning.

 

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If you would like to read on about programming languages, more can be found here on the differences between C# and C++. 

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