For a very long period, the most effective programming languages were C and C++. The reason for this is that it offers several advantages and benefits that make it easier for programmers to address challenging real-world challenges. Additionally, Java has contributed to the past and current creation of other pieces of software. But just like every coin has two sides, java also has its share of drawbacks.
In this article, through the discussion of pros and cons, we will justify how java is still beneficial for business and is better than any other programming language.
Pros of Using Java
Java as a programming language has a lot of benefits. Let’s go through each of these benefits individually.
1. Java is Simple
A straightforward programming language is one that is simple to learn and comprehend. Java is one of the easiest programming languages to learn and use because of its basic and understandable codes.
Java also simplifies the development of programs by eliminating all the difficult C and C++ elements like pointers, structures, and unions. You can always hire IT professionals who are good in Java for your project.
2. Java is an Object-Oriented Programming Language
Java’s ability to be an object-oriented programming language is one of its key benefits. We are all aware of how difficult and complicated procedural languages are to use. Java is more simpler to build and much more secure when using the OOPs approach. OOPs ideas assist Java in resolving practical issues. By splitting up enormous code into smaller, labeled chunks, it also makes maintenance easier.
3. Java is a Secure Language
Pointers were used in languages like C and C++ to access memory locations. Given that pointers might result in illegal memory access, this poses a security issue. Encapsulation, abstraction, and inheritance were also employed in Java, which increased security and prevented unwanted access to the users.
4. Java is Economical
Java is inexpensive and simple to create as a result of its straightforward structure. Java can operate on any computer, independent of the hardware, which drastically lowers the cost of development.
5. Java is Platform-Independent
Java adheres to the WORA feature (Write Once Run Anywhere). Any other system with Java installed may run the Java programs created on one machine. Because Java’s compatibility is not based on the operating system or hardware, it is platform-independent and incredibly flexible.
6. Java is a High-Level Programming Language
High level language enabled java programs are simpler to understand as these are in human language only. With a few straightforward and simple syntaxes, it is comparable to English. Java features an interpreter that converts the code to a language that a computer can understand.
7. Java Supports Portability Feature
Java is a language that is very adaptable. This is due to Java’s platform independence and the fact that it doesn’t need any specialized hardware to function. Java is now practically compatible with all devices thanks to this.
8. Java Provides Automatic Garbage Collection
In C or C++, we had to make programatic space available. The Java Virtual Machine (JVM) controls memory automatically. As a result, if an object has to be dereferenced and doesn’t refer to any class, the JVM does it automatically, saving us from having to add any additional code. Java thus offers automated garbage collection.
9. Java Supports Multithreading
The tiniest component of a process is a thread. Multithreading is a crucial element to get optimal CPU usage. Programming language Java allows for multithreading. Java allows us to execute several threads simultaneously. To improve the application’s effectiveness and performance, they share a single memory. Each thread operates separately from the others.
10. Java is Stable
To fix issues, Java is updated often. Java is one of the most reliable programming languages available as a result. Through updates, almost all issues are instantly fixed. Because of this, it’s crucial to update Java often.
11. Java is a Distributed Language
Java is a distributed programming language because it has the ability to share programs and data among several machines. As a result, the system operates more effectively and efficiently.
Additionally, Java supports RMI (Remote Method Invocation), allowing for distributed processing. Java can also exchange objects in a distributed setting since it is compatible with COBRA and socket programming.
12. Massive Community Support
Java has been around for a while, and it has managed to create a developer community that is greater than that of any other programming language worldwide. Through the years, Java has been a relatively stable language thanks to this community and Oracle. Java has practically all questions answered in StackOverflow, which aids engineers in debugging their code, unlike new programming languages like C# or R.
Cons of Java
Although we have shown that Java has many benefits, nothing in this world is flawless. Let’s look at each of the disadvantages that Java has separately.
1. Slow Performance
When compared to native programming languages like C and C++, Java uses more memory. Due to the interpreter’s added effort in translating the code into machine language, Java is also slower than them. The JVM conducts a number of backend tasks that slow down the program. Java provides automated garbage collection, thus it runs continually in the backend.
2. Poor GUI
When it comes to GUI, Java is well behind. Java’s GUI builder is inadequate and unable to create complicated user interfaces. For designing GUIs, Java offers a variety of frameworks, including Swing, SWT, JavaFX, JSF, and others. However, these frameworks are not sufficiently advanced to create intricate GUIs. The GUI builders in contemporary languages like Python, R, C#, etc. are superior.
3. No Backup Facility
Java has virtually no functionality for user data backup. It primarily focuses on data storage, however there is no backup mechanism for such data.
4. Significant Memory Space Required
Compared to other programming languages like C and C++, Java uses more memory. Java has terrible memory management. Java has a garbage collector, however it negatively affects performance.
5. Verbose and Complex Code
Many verbose and intricate syntaxes exist in Java. It might be challenging to recall those complicated syntaxes at times. Due to their comparatively easy language, Python and C++ are preferred by many programmers over Java.
6. Paid Commercial License
In January 2019, Oracle made the announcement that they will start charging for the commercial licensing of Java 11 and later. Java was a free program at the time. Because they had to pay based on the number of systems to receive updates, this worried a lot of programmers. Although the usage of Java for ordinary purposes is still free, there is a cost associated with development and access to all of Java’s capabilities.
Despite the disadvantages, it’s a fact that java is still in demand and used by many programmers.
Conclusion
We observed that Java has both benefits and drawbacks. Java’s disadvantages are quite minor compared to its advantages, which explains why so many programmers continue to regard it as the best programming language available. It has dominated the programming industry for many years at this point and will continue to do so. If you also need Java developers for your project, you can get in touch with top manpower outsourcing companies in India.
