C and Java are popular programming languages used extensively in the programming community. While there are certain similarities between both languages, there are some differences between C and Java. A few differences include the following:
Differences between C and Java
1) Program Structure:
The steps in writing C programming language involve using functions and procedures. This type of programming method is known as procedural format.
In contrast, Java is popularly known as object-oriented programming, as objects and classes comprise the code for programming.
So, one of the differences between C and Java lies in the programming structure. While the code in C is built based on functions and procedures, Java is of objects and classes.
2) Portability:
In C, the compiler, with the help of an interpreter, converts the source code to machine code. The compiler generates a machine code compatible with the system during the code conversion. Hence, if you take the same code and try to run it on another system, it may not run due to differences in the system requirements. Due to this, C programs are less portable, requiring recompilation of the code for running in another system to make the code compatible with the new platform.
However, instead of the compiler in Java, it uses JVM to convert the source code to machine code. While the compiler generates code compatible with the system requirements, JVM converts the source code to machine code and generates the code compatible with the system requirements. Hence, Java can be compiled anywhere and can run on any system. Thus, Java programming language is highly portable, and the code is tagged as “write once, run anywhere.”
3) Platform Dependency:
While compiling the code in C programming language, the compiler translates the source (English-based) code into machine code. The machine code depends on the computer’s operating system and hardware. So, if the programmer wants to run the same code on a different system or platform, the program requires recompilation to generate a new machine code.
In contrast, Java generates a bytecode through the Java Virtual Machine (JVM). The bytecode is platform-independent, making the code ready to run on any platform. So, Java is known as a platform-independent technology.
4) Memory Management:
Among the differences between C and Java, memory management is one. In C programming language, memory management can be done manually, as the programmer explicitly allocates and frees the space in memory.
Whereas in Java, the memory management is automatic with the presence of a garbage collector. For instance, the garbage collector automatically reclaims memory which is not in use. This feature helps in lessening the memory leaks.
5) Error Handling:
In C, automatic error handling is absent. Instead, the programmer must include error codes and manually handle errors. This process may lead to error-prone code while generating less structured code.
In contrast, Java uses an exception-handling mechanism, enabling it to minimize and recover from errors quickly and with ease.
6) Performance:
In terms of performance, C ranks higher than Java in fastness and efficiency. Due to this particular feature, C is a better choice for system-level and low-level programming.
Due to the JVM, Java is slower than C typically. However, over the years, Java has improved drastically on the performance scale.
7) Inclusion of Standard Libraries:
C has a basic standard library and requires adding most of the libraries and functions separately.
Java has a treasure of rich standard libraries included in the Java Standard library. This library comprises various APIs and classes suitable for multiple tasks.
8) Security:
Security is another one of the differences between C and Java. C shows more vulnerability in terms of security than Java because of the low-level memory management.
Java, in contrast, exhibits a robust type system, and automatic memory management offers better security with fewer vulnerabilities.
9) Syntax:
With relatively compact and straightforward syntax while featuring low-level attributes, C programming suits embedded systems and systems programming projects.
Java employs more complex syntax while focusing on OOPs principles, hence suitable for developing web development applications.
10) Pointers:
C program uses pointers to manipulate data directly, making it prone to memory bugs and escalating security issues. Java does not use pointers, making it easier and safer to manage the memory.
All the above are some differences between C and Java programming languages. However, choosing the best technology depends on the programmer’s goals and specific project requirements. While C programming language is best suited for system-level programming with an emphasis on performance, Java can be better for creating projects on web services and platform-independent applications with security as a high priority.
Differences Between C and Java: A Recap
In terms of performance, C ranks higher than Java in ——–
Answer: Fastness and Efficiency
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