Have you ever wondered what the difference between the Python and Java programming languages are? You’re not alone! We explain a few of the key differences below, and why we steer younger programmers (8-12) in the direction of Python whereas we tend to encourage older students (13-17) to get involved with Java.
“Python’s syntax is designed to be intuitive and its relative simplicity allows newbies to quickly start writing code for a variety of applications,” explains Kasia Mikoluk, an executive at Udemy, “While Java has a steeper learning curve, it is extremely useful for developing applications that will run on any platform.”
First, let’s look at the syntax (or arrangement of characters) of two identical commands that make the screen read out the text “Hello World” in each language:
Python:
print(“Hello, world!”)
Java:
public class HelloWorld
{
public static void main (String[] args)
{
System.out.println(“Hello, world!”);
}
}
As you can see, the Python code is much simpler. It uses what’s called “white space” (or indentation) to separate the code into blocks, whereas Java uses curly braces.
Python and Java handle the assigning of variables differently as well. “Java forces you to define the type of a variable when you first declare it and will not allow you to change the type later in the program. This is known as static typing. In contrast, Python uses dynamic typing, which allows you to change the type of a variable, by replacing an integer with a string…” (Mikoluk)
What does this mean? Well, common types of variables like int (short for integer) are treated differently by the computer than, say a sentence (String). In a great ThoughtCo article, Paul Leahy explains, “A good analogy for a variable is to think of a bucket. We can fill it to a certain level, we can replace what’s inside it, and sometimes we can add or take something away from it. When we declare a variable to use a data type it’s like putting a label on the bucket that says what it can be filled with. Let’s say the label for the bucket is “Sand”. Once the label is attached, we can only ever add or remove sand from the bucket. Anytime we try and put anything else into it, we will get stopped by the bucket police. In Java, you can think of the compiler [or program that interprets the code] as the bucket police. It ensures that programmers declare and use variables properly.”
With this being said, the two codes will look like this when assigning the number 7 to the “number” variable:
Declaring/initializing an integer variable in Python:
number = 7
Declaring/initializing an integer variable in Java:
int number = 7;
So if dynamic typing is easier, does that make it better? Well, while the Python language is based in English and easier to learn because of its simplified syntax, it’s more prone to undetected errors when it’s compiled. Java, which again uses static typing, is much less prone to these kinds of errors.
Probably the most important reason why Java is essential is that most computers and devices have the Java virtual machine (or a system that runs Java) built in, so it has become the universally accepted language for building apps on any platform. It’s especially popular and powerful. Once you know Java, you can program anything from Android apps to elevator systems. Minecraft is even programmed with Java! Python, on the other hand, has to have a device-specific compiler downloaded to that particular machine in order to run.
So those are the main differences between Python and Java. Leave a comment to add some insight, or leave a question and we’re happy to answer it!
To learn more about summer STEAM & computer camps (including Python & Java) at the DAE in White Plains, NY, VISIT THE DAE ONLINE!
Sources:
https://blog.udemy.com/python-vs-java/ https://www.thoughtco.com/declaring-variables-2034319 https://pythonconquerstheuniverse.wordpress.com/2009/10/03/python-java-a-side-by-side-comparison/
Differences, it’s mostly about static/dynamic types. Python has whitespace as syntax, vs. brackets and braces, and Java tends to be a lot more wordy. Both tend to be compiled languages. Java files compile to .class files and Python files compile to .pyc files.this thing also major difference.
Java Training in Bangalore|
Java Training in Chennai|
I ‘d mention that most of us visitors are endowed to exist in a fabulous
place with very many wonderful individuals with very helpful things.
Thanks for one marvelous posting! I enjoyed reading it; you are a great author. I will make sure to bookmark your blog and may come back someday. I want to encourage that you continue your great posts, have a nice weekend! Besant Technologies offers the best
<a href="http://www.traininginmarathahalli.in/dot-net-training-in-bangalore/" Hadoop Training in Bangalore with the guide of the most gifted and all around experienced experts. Our educators are working in Hadoop and related innovations for a significant number of years in driving multi-national organizations around the globe. What makes us trusted experts in this field is the way that we are plainly mindful of industry needs and we are putting forth preparing in a particularly viable manner.
Your very own commitment to getting the message throughout came to be rather powerful and have consistently enabled employees just like me to arrive at their desired goals.
Thanks for one marvelous posting! I enjoyed reading it; you are a great author. I will make sure to bookmark your blog and may come back someday. I want to encourage that you continue your great posts, have a nice weekend! Besant Technologies offers the best Hadoop Training in Bangalore
I have to voice my passion for your kindness giving support to those
Thanks for one marvelous posting! I enjoyed reading it; you are a great
author.I suggest
http://www.dhakshatech.com/unix-training-in-chennai
Nice article! I want to share compare of python with other languages, not only Java.
Check it here: https://www.cleveroad.com/blog/python-vs-other-programming-languages
Thank you,iam a python programer,i want know about java Above given info and examples are useful to
Hi
Thanks for article
Backend development usually plays an extremely important role in the whole process of the project building. But sometimes, the beginners, while being surprised with a variety of opportunities and languages, which may help you to achieve what you need, tend to make lots of really bad mistakes. Here https://artjoker.net/blog/nodejs-vs-python-which-is-best-option-for-your-project/ you can find out, what is the best way of the backend development.
Both Python and Java are prominent technologies. They are current trends of application development related. Python has its area of implementation for Data Science, IOT to make application lightweight and easy to handle.
Hello everyone.
You know, both of them have their benefits, check my article about that https://www.cleveroad.com/blog/python-vs-other-programming-languages
Thank you,iam a python programer,i want know about java Above given info and examples are useful to
Thank you so much for this amazing posts and please keep update like this excellent article. thank you for sharing such a great blog with us.
Best Python course in Marathahalli Bangalore | Best Python training in Marathahalli Bangalore
Good job in presenting the correct content with a clear explanation. The content looks real with valid information. Good Work
devops training in chennai | devops training in chennai with placement
Keep up the great work, I read few blog posts on this site and I believe that your website is really interesting and has loads of good info.
iOS Training in Chennai | iOS Training Institute in Chennai