There are many programming languages available to developers nowadays. Java and C# are among the most widely used programming languages. Choosing one programming language among so many available choices can sometimes be challenging.
To choose the best one when starting, you need to have knowledge of the perks of the specific language. Here, in this article, we will learn about C# and Java in detail. We will also learn key differences between C# vs Java.
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What is C# Language?
C# is a high-level language developed by Microsoft. The language was developed for Windows, web applications, and other software within Microsoft. C# is a strongly typed language for automated memory management and object-oriented programming. C# is easy to understand and use, which makes it a popular choice for developers.
C# is widely used in software development, apps, web applications, databases, games, etc. C# has a large library support that updates with time due to the built-in support modifiers. Making apps easy on the.NET framework with the help of C#.
Features of C# Language
C# is a Microsoft language that contains many features beneficial for developers. Let us find some of the most important features of C# below.
- C# is an easy-to-learn programming language due to its user-friendly interface and support.
- C# is a statically typed language. Hence, debugging, reading, and understanding the code are easier.
- C# supports object-oriented programming, which makes it more flexible and effective.
- It is a faster development language and easier to maintain.
- It contains automatic garbage collection, which makes memory management effective.
- C# has extensive library support with many advanced features and tools.
- LINQ (Language Integrated Query), a powerful feature of C#, allows us to write queries directly within the languages from various sources.
- C# is a platform-independent program. Hence, we need to write the program only one time. According to the device, there is no need to repeat the same program many times.
- Easier integration into Windows and .NET makes it ideal for software development.
- C# supports value and reference types, making it more flexible while handling different data types.
Also, Check: Java or C++ which one is better?
What is Java?
Java is one of the most popular and in-demand languages of the current era. Java was developed by the Sun Microsystem, which is now known as Oracle. Java language is known for its flexibility, adaptability, and easy maintenance. Java codes are platform-independent with the help of Java Virtual Machine (JVM).
The Java language comprises the Java Development Kit (JDK) which is used for Java application development and applets. It contains Java Runtime Environment (JRE), Java loader, Java compiler (javac), Java Virtual Machine (JVM), and many more. Let us learn more about the Java language.
Also check: How to Start Learning Java
Features of Java Language
Java language consists of many advanced features that are compatible with today’s advanced modern technologies. Let us learn some of the most important features of Java Programming languages.
- Java language is platform-independent. It means that we do not need to write the same code again and again for different platforms.
- Java supports object-oriented programming. It uses objects and classes for organizing code. Object oriented programming in Java makes the code reusable, modular, and organized.
- Java is a strongly typed language which means that data types in Java must be defined at the time of declaration.
- In Java, there are automatic exception handlings through its garbage collection method. It reduces memory waste and helps to manage memory well.
- Java consists of huge library support, known as Java Standard Library (JSL). It contains many methods and modules for simplifying complex tasks during development.
- Java supports multithreading which helps to handle runtime errors easily.
- Java also consists of built-in security features, such as bytecode verification, security manager, and many more.
C# vs Java Syntax
The syntax of C# and Java is almost the same. However, there can be some notable differences between them. Let us check for a similar difference here in the table.
| C# Syntax | Java Syntax |
| int x = 5;
string name = “PhysicsWallah” |
int x = 5;
String name = “physicsWallah” |
There is a very small difference in the syntax of both languages. In Java observe that the first letter in String is uppercase. However, in C#, its in lowercase.
Also, Java does not use pointers, but in C#, we can see the use of pointers.
C# vs Java Similarities
There are many similarities between the Java and C# language. Let us look at some of the most important similarities in this article.
| C# and Java Similarities | |
| 1. Both languages have almost similar syntax. Java syntax follows C syntax, which makes it easy for the developers to adapt.
2. C# and Java are both are Object-oriented programming languages. 3. Both of these languages use automatic error handling. 4. They both use automatic garbage collector, hence better memory management. 5. C# and Java consist of extensive library support consisting of many predefined methods and classes. 6. C# and Java, both languages, are platform independent. 7. Both of these languages use try-catch blocks for exception handling. 8. C# and Java provide multithreading which helps developers to handle parallel and concurrent process. |
Difference Between C# vs Java
The Java and C# languages have many similarities and features. However, let us look at some significant differences between C# vs Java.
| Differences Between C# and Java | |
| C# | Java |
| C# was founded by Microsoft and is mainly associated with the .NET framework in 2000. | Java was founded in the year 1995 by Sun Microsystem. |
| C# is more attached to the Windows environment. | Java is a platform-independent language and is compatible with any device. |
| C# contains libraries generally associated with Windows applications, game development or backend development, especially with the .NET framework. | Java consists of a wide library (Java standard library) consisting of popular choices for a wide set of applications. |
| C# uses pointers. | Java does not use pointers. |
| It uses LINQ (Language Integrated Query) for query solving. | Java does not have any specific features for solving queries. |
| C# is faster than Java in memory management. It uses a garbage collector for memory management. | Java uses its specific garbage collector present in JVM and JIT to convert the code according to the platform. |
| C# also uses access specifiers, but before the specifiers keyword accessibility is used. | Java uses access specifiers like public, private, and protected. |
Which Language to Choose?
While choosing one language between the two, it is very important to analyze the needs of the software project you are working on. It also depends on the preferences of whether to use C# or Java. Both these languages offer many advanced features, tools, libraries, community support, etc.
C# was developed by Microsoft and it can be a great choice when we are working with .NET framework or Window-based applications. However, Java will be better when requires cross-platform development.
C# vs Java Examples
Let us check out some examples of Java and C# code. Look at the table below.
Java Program to find factorial of a number
| Factorial of a number using Java |
| class Factorial{
static int factorial(int n){ if (n == 0) return 1; else return(n * factorial(n-1)); } public static void main(String args[]){ int i,fact=1; int number=4; fact = factorial(number); System.out.println(“Factorial of “+number+” is: “+fact); } } |
C# program to find factorial of a number
| C# program to find factorial of a number |
| using System;
public class Factorial { public static void Main(string[] args) { int i,fact=1,number; Console.Write(“Enter any Number: “); number= int.Parse(Console.ReadLine()); for(i=1;i<=number;i++){ fact=fact*i; } Console.Write(“Factorial of ” +number+” is: “+fact); } } |
Also check: PW Skills Full Stack Java Developer Course Syllabus
C# vs Java FAQs
Is C# better than the Java language?
Choosing one among the two most popular languages is a challenging task. However, read the article to help you decide which one to go with in 2023.
Which language is more in demand, Java or C#?
Java developers are always in high demand, with many big companies hiring the java developers. However, both pay you well.
Is C# faster than Java?
C# language is slightly more faster than Java, as the C# code is compiled directly into the machine code. However, Java uses JVM and JRE to convert the code into a native language.
Is C# more complex than Java?
Yes, learning C# is slightly tougher than learning Java, as it contains pointer concepts along with the OOPs. However, Java uses only OOPs and references, making it easy to learn.
