Java and C++ are the hottest object-oriented programming languages now. During 21 century both of them have been measured by many popularity metrics, dominated high-performance software ranks and are often directly compared and contrasted. But let’s not forget that Java is 10 years younger and its syntax was built on a C/C++ base with some different design goals.
DESIGN GOALS
C++
Staying one of the most popular choices in fields like game engine and high frequency trading, C++is a semi object oriented programming language which was developed by Bjarne Stroustrup as an extension of the already existing programming language C.
To C, C++ added support for object-oriented programming, exception handling, lifetime-based resource management (RAII), generic programming, template metaprogramming, and the C++ Standard Library which includes generic containers and algorithms (the Standard Template Library or STL), and many other general purpose facilities.
C++ has found its usage in a lot of big software companies like Microsoft and IBM and can be used to develop desktop applications, video games, e-commerce, web search and databases. By the way, "C++" is not a trademark of any company or organization and is not owned by any individual.
Java
Java is a general-purpose, concurrent, class-based, object-oriented programming language that is designed to minimize implementation dependencies. It relies on a Java virtual machine in order to be secure and highly portable. It is bundled with an extensive library designed to provide a full abstraction of the underlying platform. Java is a statically typed object-oriented language that uses a syntax similar to (but incompatible with) C++. It includes a documentation system called Javadoc.
Java also has support for a lot of features which enhances a developer’s capabilities to develop scalable applications. Special classes like Applets, Servlets, JavaServer Pages make the development of applications easier. Also, Java has a lot of frameworks built on top of it like Spring and Dagger which helps developers to work seamlessly.
"Java" is a trademark of Oracle Corporation.
WHAT SHOULD I LEARN: C++ OR JAVA?
If you are a beginner, better learn C++ as its syntax is less complicated compared to Java and there is a great support for standard data structures like stack and queue in C++. Also if you want to kick-off with projects on the system side or gaming engines, where high performance and fast systems is a must, C++ is definitely a better choice.
But if you are a more advanced coder, Java will open you the doors of today's tech leaders like Amazon and Google, as it is widely used there and therefore, would help with getting a prestigious well-paid job. So, to build feature rich applications with ease, you can go ahead and choose Java over C++.
IS C++ MORE POWERFUL THAN JAVA?
No winners can be named until we specify the area of competition. For example, in terms of performance, C++ is the king. However, in terms of flexibility of usage, Java is definitely better.
WHERE IS C++ USED?
C++ is a semi object oriented programming language which is great for beginners to learn about the basic fundamentals of object oriented programming. Also, in areas like Gaming engines, High Frequency Trading, telephone switches and space probes high performance is of the highest importance and therefore, C++ is a go to language in these fields.
IS C++ A DYING LANGUAGE?
The answer to this question can be “yes”. But only to a certain extent. Java and JavaScript had taken over a few years back and Python seems to dominate the present (and, probably, the future). However, we have to also consider that C++ is still in the top five most popular programming languages. The fact that C++ is more domain-oriented, does not necessarily mean it is dying anytime soon.
WHAT IS THE MAIN DIFFERENCE BETWEEN C++ AND JAVA?
The main difference between C++ and Java is that C++ is only a compiled language while Java is both compiled and interpreted. The C++ compiler converts the source code into machine code and therefore, it is platform dependent. On the other hand, Java source code is converted into bytecode by its compiler and therefore, the Java interpreter executes this bytecode at runtime and produces output. The fact that Java is interpreted is the reason why it is platform independent.
IN A NUTSHELL
So, in conclusion, it is safe to say that both languages are used by a vast amount of big software companies and therefore, learning both of them could prove to be extremely helpful for your career in information technology.
For people looking forward to starting a job with a famous tech giant, or already having a Software Engineering job, it is better to learn more about Java because of the diversity and flexibility it provides.
Nevertheless, people aiming to work on building operating systems, gaming engines and other businesses where high performance is a key, C++ can turn out to be a better programming language than Java simply because it is way faster.
