How Much Java is Better than C?


Java and C are two popular programming languages with different features, syntax & applications. For the first time, Java was introduced by Sun Microsystems in 1995 & operates on the Java Virtual Machine (JVM). C is a procedural programming language produced by Dennis Ritchie at Bell Labs in 1972. Both Java and C have their pros and cons. But here, we will explore how Java is better than C.

Memory Management

One of the notable distinctions between Java and C is in memory management. C uses manual memory management, which requires the programmer to allocate & deallocate memory explicitly. This process is inclined to segmentation faults, memory leaks & other memory-related issues. Java, however, uses automatic memory management, also known as garbage collection. The JVM automatically allocates and deallocates memory, freeing the programmer from memory management responsibilities. It makes Java more reliable and less prone to memory-related issues.

Portability

Another advantage of Java over C is its portability. With a JVM, you can run Java on any platform. The platforms include Windows, Linux, or macOS, without needing any changes. This portability makes the Java model for developing cross-platform applications. So that you can run them on different operating systems. C, on the other hand, depends on Platform & needs changes to operating on various platforms. It creates challenges for C to develop cross-platform applications.

Object Oriented Programming

Java is designed to develop objects that encapsulate data & behaviour. This approach permits programmers to write modular & reusable code, reducing the likelihood of errors and improving maintainability. C is a procedural programming language. It concentrates on instructions. While C sustains some object-oriented features, they are not as flexible or powerful as Java's approach.

Security

Java has a strong security model making it suitable for developing secure applications. The JVM delivers a security manager that manages access to system resources, such as files & network connections. Additionally, Java's type-safe and memory-safe features prevent buffer overflow and other memory-related security vulnerabilities. C, on the other hand, lacks built-in security components, creating it more exposed to security vulnerabilities.

Ease of Development

Java is easier to develop compared to C. Java has a simple syntax and a vast collection of libraries and tools that simplify development. Additionally, Java provides automatic memory management, which eliminates memory management errors. C has a more complicated syntax & needs manual memory management, creating it more difficult to develop & maintain code.

Performance

While Java's automatic memory management and other features make it more reliable and secure, they can also impact its performance. C is known for its speed & efficiency. This makes it perfect for developing system-level applications that need high performance. However, Java's performance has enhanced significantly over the years, thanks to advancements in JVM technology & compiler optimizations.

Scalability

Java is designed to be scalable, creating it ideal for producing large-scale applications. The JVM provides help for multithreading. It allows Java applications to manage multiple tasks together. Additionally, Java's platform-independent character makes it easier to scale applications on various platforms. As C does not have built-in multithreading support so its scalability is low.

Community Support

A vast community of developers uses Java. This makes it easy to find support, documentation, and resources. The Java community is known for its active development, frequent updates & robust ecosystem of libraries and frameworks. C has less community & rarer resources, making it more difficult to find support & resources.

Ease of Debugging

Java's automatic memory management and strict type checking make it easier to debug compared to C. Java's strict type checking prevents many runtime errors, and the JVM provides comprehensive debugging tools and features. C is prone to runtime errors, such as segmentation faults & debugging can be challenging.

Library Support

Java can produce applications quickly & efficiently as it has a vast array of libraries & frameworks. Java's standard library delivers a broad spectrum of functionality. It includes networking, I/O & concurrency. It has systems like Spring, Hibernate, and Apache Struts. C has a restricted set of libraries & frameworks, creating it harder to produce applications fast.

Memory Footprint

Java's automatic memory management and dynamic loading of classes can result in a larger memory footprint compared to C. The JVM requires additional memory to manage and run applications, and Java's object-oriented approach can result in more significant memory usage. C has a smaller memory footprint. It is suitable for developing low-level systems and applications.

Concurrency

Java is best at it. When it comes to multithreading & concurrency, it has inbuilt support. It allows Java to develop applications that can manage multiple tasks together. Java's thread model allows developers to create and manage threads, which can run concurrently & share resources. C does not have built-in support.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Java is better than C in several ways. Ultimately, the selection of programming language relies on the specific application & the necessities of the project.

Updated on: 05-Apr-2023

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