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Java Tutorial

Difference Between Java and Python

Overview

Java has become a renowned language in programming due to its long-term presence in the market, which makes it more popular than Python, a rising programming language that is gradually gaining mass value. However, the two languages have several key differences, like Java being statically typed and compiled while Python uses dynamic typing and interpretations.

Dive in to learn more about the difference between Java and Python. 

Python - Introduction

Python is an interpreted high-end programming language developed by Guido Van Rossum in 1991. It features an object-oriented nature in programming with extensive library support, which helps simplify the algorithms and program implementations. 

The enormous collection of libraries in Python is considerably its biggest strength, and using it can be advantageous in various ways, such as: 

  • Assists in machine learning

  • Running GUI applications like Tkinter, Kivy, etc.

  • Processing images using OpenCV, Pillow, etc.

  • Testing frameworks

  • Applications in multimedia

  • Usage in Scrapy, Selenium, BeautifulSoup, and other modes of web scraping

  • Scientific computing

  • Processing text and other data

Java - Introduction

Java was developed by James Gosling in 1995 at Sun Microsystems, it is a high-level programming language that works with object-oriented operations. The syntax in Java involves similarities with the C and C++ syntax. Nonetheless, it has a lower difficulty level than the C++ or C language. 

Java is based on WORA or Write Once Run Anywhere, which makes it independent of platforms. A compiled Java code can run on several platforms without undergoing a recompilation. Most programmers opt for Java to code different web applications, such as:

  • Mobile apps and software

  • Artificial intelligence software

  • Desktop GUI applications

  • Big data technology operations 

  • Business application programs

  • Gaming software and applications

  • Commercial web applications 

Difference Between Java and Python Syntax

Java and Python are very different programming languages, and they each have their own rules and syntax. Let us learn in more detail.

Java Program Syntax

  • Class Definition

Every Java program starts with a class definition. The class should have the same name as the file containing the code. The public static void main(String[] args) method serves as the program's entry point.

  • Code Organization

Java code is organized into classes, methods, and blocks. Methods define the behavior of the program. Statements are written inside methods and end with a semicolon (;).

  • Data Types and Variables

Java is a statically typed language, so variables need to be declared with their data types before use. Variable names follow the camel case convention (e.g., myVariable). Java provides various primitive data types (e.g., int, double, boolean) and reference types (e.g., String, ArrayList).

  • Control Flow

Java supports control flow structures like conditional statements (if, else, switch), loops (for, while), and branching (break, continue).

Here is an example program in Java that prints “upGrad teaches Java programming.”:

To run this program, you must compile it using a Java compiler (e.g., javac) and then run it using the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) by executing the bytecode with the Java command. You can also use an online compiler.

Code:
public class upGradTutorials {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        System.out.println("upGrad teaches Java programming.");
    }
}

The code starts with a class definition: public class upGradTutorials. The keyword public indicates that the class can be accessed from anywhere. The class is named upGradTutorials, following the camel case naming convention.

Here are the two essential components of the program:

  • Main Method: Inside the class, we have a main method, which serves as the program's entry point. The main method has the signature: public static void main(String[] args). The keyword public indicates that the method can be accessed from anywhere.

The keyword static means that the method belongs to the class itself, not to an instance of the class. The return type void specifies that the method does not return any value. The method name is main. It takes a single parameter, String[] args, representing the command-line arguments passed to the program.

  • Print Statement: Inside the main method, we have a single statement: System.out.println("upGrad teaches Java programming.");. The System.out is a standard output stream object that allows us to print text to the console. The println() method is called on the System.out object to print the specified string. The string "upGrad teaches Java programming." is enclosed in double quotes and represents the message to be printed.

Python Program Syntax

  • Code Organization

Python programs are organized using indentation (whitespace). Indentation levels define blocks of code. There is no need for braces or explicit block termination.

  • Data Types and Variables

Python is a dynamically-typed language, so variables don't require explicit type declarations. Variable names follow lowercase conventions with underscores (e.g., my_variable). Python provides various built-in data types (e.g., int, float, bool, str, list, dict).

  • Control Flow

Python supports control flow structures like conditional statements (if, elif, else), loops (for, while), and branching (break, continue).

  • Built-in Functions and Libraries

Python provides a rich set of built-in functions (e.g., print(), input(), and libraries (e.g., math, random, datetime) for various tasks.

Here is an example program in Python that prints “upGrad teaches Python programming.”:


Python programs are interpreted and executed directly. To run a Python program, you can use the Python command followed by the file name. Alternatively, you can run the script directly by making it executable and adding the appropriate shebang line (#!/usr/bin/env python or #!/usr/bin/python). You can also use an integrated development environment (IDE).

Code:

num1 = int(input("Enter the first number: "))
num2 = int(input("Enter the second number: "))

sum = num1 + num2

print("The sum is:", sum)

In the above code, the Python program that prints the statement "upGrad teaches Python programming" to the console. The print() function is called with the string argument.

Here are the two essential components of the program:

  • Print Function: In Python, print() is a built-in function used to display or output text or values to the console. It takes one or more arguments, which can be strings, variables, or expressions, and prints them to the console.

  • String Argument: Inside the print() function, we have a single argument: "upGrad teaches Python programming". The string is enclosed in double quotes to denote it as a string literal. It represents the message or text that we want to display.

Java vs. Python Example Programs

Java Program for Calculating the Sum of Two Numbers

Code:

import java.util.Scanner;

public class upGradTutorials {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        Scanner scanner = new Scanner(System.in);
        
        System.out.print("Enter the first number: ");
        int num1 = scanner.nextInt();
        
        System.out.print("Enter the second number: ");
        int num2 = scanner.nextInt();
        
        int sum = num1 + num2;
        
        System.out.println("The sum is: " + sum);
        
        scanner.close();
    }
}

The code begins with an import statement: import java.util.Scanner;. It imports the Scanner class from the java.util package, which allows us to read user input from the console.

Inside the main method, a Scanner object is created using the line: Scanner scanner = new Scanner(System.in);. The Scanner object is associated with the standard input stream (System.in), representing the console input.

The program prompts the user to enter the first number using the statement: System.out.print("Enter the first number: ");. The user's input is obtained using the nextInt() method of the Scanner class, which reads an integer value. The entered value is assigned to the variable num1. Similarly, the user is prompted to enter the second number, and the value is assigned to the variable num2.

The line int sum = num1 + num2; calculates the sum of the two numbers entered by the user. The variables num1 and num2 contain the integer values obtained from user input. The sum of these two numbers is assigned to the variable sum.

Python Program for Calculating the Sum of Two Numbers

Code:

num1 = int(input("Enter the first number: "))
num2 = int(input("Enter the second number: "))
sum = num1 + num2
print("The sum is:", sum)

The input() function is used to take user input from the console. It displays the specified prompt as a message to the user and waits for input.

The int() function converts a value into an integer. In this code, int() converts the string input obtained from input() into integer values. The int() function ensures that the user's input is treated as an integer. The converted integer value is then assigned to the variable num1.

Similarly, the second line prompts the user to enter and assign the second number to the variable num2. The line sum = num1 + num2 calculates the sum of the two numbers entered by the user. The variables num1 and num2 contain the integer values obtained from user input. The sum of these two numbers is assigned to the variable sum.

Differences between Java and Python

Besides the visible  difference between Java and Python syntax, several other dissimilarity aspects help build a clear distinction, such as:

Parameters 

Python 

Java 

Codes 

Python usually requires fewer code lines. 

Java generally uses longer lines of coded operations.

Framework 

Python has a comparatively lower count in frameworks, the renowned ones being Django and Flask. 

Java includes a larger number of frameworks, like Spring and Hibernate. 

Machine Learning Libraries 

Pytorch and Tensorflow

Weka, Deeplearning4j, Mallet, and MOA.

Database

The access layers of databases in Python are typically weaker than JDBC in Java.

Java's Database Connectivity, or JDBC, is the most popular option for creating database connections.

Practical Agility 

The evolution of the DevOps movement has helped grow Python's popularity, although Python has always been a part of the agile space. 

The static type system in Java adds predictability and reliability to automated refactoring, and the predominance of IDEs in Java's developmental operations enhances the consistency of refactoring in Java, making it more efficient than Python.

Conclusion

Both Java and Python are highly effective and have their own pros and cons. To conclude with the comparison between these two languages, it can be established that the choice depends on the programmer and the project. While Python is succinct and simple, Java is more portable and quicker. You can analyze the difference between Java and Python and choose accordingly. 

This tutorial distinguishes between Java and Python based on the key features that add individuality to the languages and compares their effectiveness through numerous parameters. If you are interested in learning more about Java and other programming languages, courses from upGrad can help you understand the concepts in detail and improve your overall expertise in programming. 

FAQs

1. Can Python do everything Java can?

As an interpreted language, Python has dynamic typing, while Java is a compiled, statically typed language. Java provides a faster runtime because of this aspect. Java is also easier to debug than Python, which is quickly understandable. A prevalent concept in programming is based on Python being unable to overtake Java. 

2. What is Python primarily used for?

Python is a language usually used in developing websites, task automation, data visualization, data analysis, and software development. It is comparatively easier to learn. Hence, several non-programmers like scientists, accountants, and others use Python to work on everyday tasks like data entry and organizing finances. 

3. Which software is used for Java?

Software programs used for Java operations are object-oriented and deal with code and graphics. Choosing the correct tool is necessary. Experienced programmers use software like NetBeans IDE and JavaFX. NetBeans is a full-featured Oracle software program used in Java development, and JavaFX is a consumer platform that creates and connects branded online applications. 

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