What is the Difference Between Java and Python

The main difference between Java and Python is that the Java compiler converts the Java source code into an intermediate code called a bytecode while the Python interpreter converts the Python source code into a machine code line by line.

Java is a programming language designed for use in a distributed environment. It is a popular programming language for various applications such as Android smartphones, and the Internet of Things (IoT). The concept behind Java is to “write once and read anywhere”. On the other hand, Python is a simple and an easy programming language, which is useful for building web applications, scientific and numerical computing, machine learning, image processing, data analytics and many more.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Java
     – Definition, Functionality
2. What is Python
     – Definition, Functionality
3. What are the Similarities Between Java and Python
     – Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between Java and Python
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Bytecode, Compiler, Interpreter, Java, Machine Code, Python, Source Code

What is Java

Java is a popular high-level programming language. Web applications, mobile applications, high performance distributed systems are some examples of Java-based applications. Also, Java has many versions; Java SE is the standard edition. Java ME is for mobile development while Java EE is for enterprise level applications. Moreover, there are Integrated Development Environments (IDE)s with all the necessary tools to develop applications in Java. Some common Java IDEs are NetBeans and Eclipse.

Besides, Java is a programming language that supports object-oriented programming, which allows modelling of real-world scenarios in computing. However, the Java source code is not directly converted into machine code. First, the source code converts to an intermediate code: bytecode. This bytecode is executable in any platform that consists of a Java Virtual Machine (JVM). Therefore, Java is platform-independent. Additionally, it provides error handling, compile-time error checking and runtime checking. Moreover, it is also possible to implement multi-threading and allows developing secure applications.

What is Python

Python is a high-level programming language. It is a multi-paradigm language and supports procedural programming and object-oriented programming. Furthermore, an interpreter converts the Python source code into machine code line by line. However, it is a slow process in comparison to a compiler based language which converts the whole source code into machine code at once.

Nevertheless, the main advantage of the Python language is that it is simple and easier to learn. Therefore, it is one of the most popular languages among beginners. The simple syntax helps to develop even a complex algorithm to solve a problem within a short period.

Furthermore, it is easier to integrate with databases such as MySQL, MSSQL, and, SQLite. Also, it allows developing Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs). Moreover, it supports multithreading.

Similarities Between Java and Python

• Both are high-level general purpose programming languages.
• The programmer can easily download and install both without paying a fee.
• Also, it is possible to integrate both with databases such as MySQL, and MSSQL.
• In addition, both support GUI development and multithreading.
• It is possible to use these two languages for a variety of applications including web, mobile, machine learning, image processing, etc.

Difference Between Java and Python

Definition

Java is a general-purpose computer programming language that is concurrent, class-based, object-oriented, and specifically designed to have as few implementation dependencies as possible. On the other hand, Python is an interpreted high-level programming language for general-purpose programming. Hence, this is the main difference between Java and Python.

Code Conversion

Also, code conversion is a major difference between Java and Python. Java compiler converts the Java source code into an intermediate code called a bytecode. Conversely, Python interpreter converts the Python source code into the machine code line by line.

Data Type

In Java, it is compulsory to declare the data types, so it is statically typed. In Python, the data types are dynamic, and it is not necessary to declare data types. Therefore, it is dynamically typed. Thus, this is another important difference between Java and Python.

Semicolon

Furthermore, Java requires a semicolon at the end of each statement. In Python, there is no need of using a semicolon at the end of the statements.

Block of statements

In Java, a pair of curly braces surrounds a block of statements. However, in Python, a block of statement is indented.

Speed

Moreover, Java is a faster language in comparison to Python.

Complexity

Another difference between Java and Python is that the Java is language that is difficult to learn while the Python is easier to read, learn and understand.

IDEs

NetBeans, and Eclipse are popular Java IDEs while PyCharm is a popular Python IDE.

Conclusion

The main difference between Java and Python is their conversion; the Java compiler converts the Java source code into an intermediate code called a bytecode while the Python interpreter converts the Python source code into the machine code line by line.

Reference:

1. “Java Overview.” Www.tutorialspoint.com, Available here.
2. “Python Overview.” Www.tutorialspoint.com, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Java” By Linux Screenshots (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr
2. “Lozingle 10032014” By Sagaru9535 – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia