The Differences Between C++ and Java That You Need To Know

C++ vs. Java is the biggest dilemma in many programming minds. They are both known for being one of the most powerful languages to be chosen for programming the most challenging websites and software development procedures. 

We have designed this article to summarize both the programming languages along with the critical differences between them through the following docket. The topics will we explore are: 

  • Overview of C++
  • Overview of Java
  • Key Differences between C++ and Java

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Overview of C++

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The C++ programming language laid the foundation for the object-oriented style of programming. We can consider it as an advanced version of C capable of executing operations in the form of objects and classes.

The C++ supports C-Language libraries and has the support of SIMULA-67 (The first Object-Oriented Programming Language). The father of C++, Mr. Bjarne Stroustrup, was inspired by SIMULA-67 and invented C++.

Moving ahead, let us get to know about the Java Programming Language.

Overview of Java

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Originally called the OAK, designed and developed for a simple TV set-top box turned out to be a tremendously powerful object-oriented programming language, overqualified for the decided TV set-top box job.

The IT industry identified the language's true capabilities and used it for some high-end software development jobs, and thus, we have Java Object-oriented programming language. The Java Designed and Developed by Mr.James Gosling in Sun Microsystems back in 1995 is now owned and commercialized by the world leader, Oracle Corporation.

Advancing, we will now learn the key differences that differentiate the two potent object-oriented programming languages. 

Key Differences between C++ and Java

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Though both the titans share the object-oriented programming nature's roots, they were never purely object-oriented because of their origin, design, and support libraries. Hence, they have their differences against a variety of aspects.

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In this section, we will have an illustrated explanation of the key differences between C++ and Java.

C++

Java

C++ is designed to work with compiler only

Java can support both compiler and interpreter

Platform dependent

Platform independent

C++ uses “cin” and “cout”

Complex in/out methods (System.in and System.out)

Incorporates backward compatibility with C 

No backward compatibility support

C++ is a combination of OOPs and Procedural type of programming

Supports only Object-Oriented Programming style 

Memory management is manual, and the user is responsible for the memory consumed

JVM manages memory without user intervention

C++ can provide multiple inheritances

Java cannot support multiple inheritances

C++ supports both method overloading and operator overloading

Java supports only method overloading

Source code is not portable between different operating systems

Source code is portable to any operating system

Libraries offer low-level of functionality

Libraries offer high-level functionality

The programmer is responsible for run-time errors and exceptions

JVM is responsible for run-time errors and exceptions

C++ supports pointers

Java does not have pointers

C++ supports structures (custom data type) 

Java does not provide structures

C++ supports unions 

Java does not provide unions

C++ needs manual class and object management using new and delete keywords

Java is completely automatic regarding class and object management

C++ needs manual garbage memory clearance

Java has an automatic garbage collector

So, those were the main key differences that separate C++ from Java programming languages.

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Next Steps

Java Projects can be your next stop as they are essential to go through before you start coding. It helps you master how to get started with real-time Java Projects according to industry standards.

The link to your next step is here. Java Projects

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If you have any questions about this "Java Programming" article, please do leave them in the comments section towards the end of this article, and our team of experts will answer them for you at the earliest!

About the Author

Ravikiran A SRavikiran A S

Ravikiran A S works with Simplilearn as a Research Analyst. He an enthusiastic geek always in the hunt to learn the latest technologies. He is proficient with Java Programming Language, Big Data, and powerful Big Data Frameworks like Apache Hadoop and Apache Spark.

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