What to pick? Java or C++?

[EliteFollow]

I'm currently in the process of learning an object-oriented programming (OOP) language, and I'm uncertain about whether to choose C++ or Java. Can you provide guidance on which language would be a better choice?

 

[Hippoon]

Java is considered among the top and extensively used programming languages for Object-Oriented Programming (OOP).

 

[Teenagmi]

Java is considered among the top and extensively used programming languages for Object-Oriented Programming (OOP).

C++ finds greater application in extensive development projects, such as those involving banks or governments, while Java predominantly caters to consumer-oriented products like applications, software, and video games.

 

[TreasureCent]

Java

 

[WireKrool]

• I have no preference for either of them. It relies on the purpose you intend to use them for.
• C++ holds greater power, while Java is more straightforward to grasp and use.

 

[Bitsubio]

Java++

 

[GlimmerDean]

C++ finds greater application in extensive development projects, such as those involving banks or governments, while Java predominantly caters to consumer-oriented products like applications, software, and video games.

It is the complete opposite. Java is widely employed in enterprise settings such as banks, government infrastructure, and business systems. This is largely due to the community being entrenched in the tech stack they've used for many years, making it incredibly challenging to transition to newer languages or technologies. This situation is expected to persist for decades. Java's strength lies in its excellent cross-platform compatibility, aided by stable frameworks that enable rapid and reliable development, which is why it was initially chosen.

On the other hand, C++ can be an absolute nightmare for simple tasks like building a web server or creating a GUI app for clients. However, it excels in areas such as memory management, generating small-sized executables, and executing fast forking code. This is why it's the preferred choice for graphics/network drivers (due to its small size and low-level capabilities), video games (thanks to its efficient resource usage), and applications like Google Chrome (which benefits from its high-speed JavaScript engine).

But when it comes to building apps that are easy to develop and maintain, we opt for modern frameworks and languages that facilitate the fastest possible development. For web applications, it's often JS + React, while Kotlin is favored for Android and C#, Java/Kotlin, JS + Electron for desktop applications.

If someone wishes to learn Object-Oriented Programming, they can rely on Java every day of the week. It offers the easiest path to become accustomed to abstractions and programming concepts.

 

[Numndbl]

Begin by studying Java before delving into C++ in case you plan on learning through self-guided methods. It is important to grasp the concept of manual memory management, which is prevalent in C++ and C, although initially, it might slow down your learning process.

Opting for Java as your first programming language has its advantages. It strikes a balance between being low-level enough to understand programming fundamentals without an overwhelming amount of "magic" found in languages like Python or Ruby.

Furthermore, Java's high-level nature allows you to focus on programming logic without getting bogged down by memory management concerns. Many modern programming languages incorporate automated memory management mechanisms such as garbage collection and automatic reference counting, and Java is no exception.

Additionally, Java offers versatility, allowing you to develop applications for various layers in the software stack. By using the popular Spring framework, you can create robust backends with excellent online documentation and support.

For backend and database programming, you can use Spring Boot + JDBC in Java. If you prefer server-side rendering of HTML, Spring's Thymeleaf templating system is also at your disposal.

While achieving similar results is possible in C++, it is essential to note that C++ operates at a lower level, making it more complex compared to Java.

 

[Supremsten]

The difficulty of both tasks varies depending on your level of experience; I find them quite challenging for beginners.

 

[PersonInterest]

The difficulty of both tasks varies depending on your level of experience; I find them quite challenging for beginners.

Java was developed as a means to write code similar to C++, but without the complexities of memory management, making it decidedly more challenging than C++.