C# Vs Java, What are the Differences?
FREE
What is C#?
C# is a modern and object-oriented, general-purpose programming language which is known as “C-sharp”. It was led by Anders Hejlsberg and the team and was developed by Microsoft.
What is Java?
Java is a concurrent (simultaneous execution of multiple things), a general programming computer language that is a class-based, object-oriented programming language. The application of Java is typically compiled to the byte code that is able to run on any Java JVM, regardless of the architecture of the computer.
Differences Between C# vs Java
C# vs Java
| Feature | C# | Java |
|---|---|---|
| Overloading of the operator | It supports operator overloading even for multiple operators. | It does not support operator overloading. |
| Runtime environment | CLR(Common Language Runtime) is supported by C#. | JVM (Java Virtual Machine) is supported by Java. |
| Control of API | The API of C# is controlled by the open-source community. | The API of Java is also controlled by the open community process. |
| Public classes | There can be multiple public classes inside the C# source code. | There can be only one public class in Java source code else a compilation error occurs. |
| Checked exception | Checked exceptions are not supported by C#. Checked exceptions are useful in some cases for smooth program execution | Both checked and unchecked exceptions are supported in Java. |
| Dependency on platform | Due to the cross-platform nature of C#, it runs on both, Windows and Unix systems. | Java is platform-independent and robust. It is due to the JVM. |
| Pointers | Pointers can be used in an unsafe mode in C#. | Use of a pointer is not supported in Java. |
| Conditional compilation | It is supported by C# | It does not support conditional compilation. |
| goto statement | It supports for goto statement | goto statement is not supported. Error is thrown when used. |
| Structure and union | Structure and unions are supported in C#. | Structure and unions are not supported in Java. |
| The floating point | strictfp keyword is not supported in C#. This means that floating point numbers cannot be the same across all the platforms. | strictfp keyword is supported which means the output for floating numbers will be the same across every platform. |
Similarities Between C# and Java
Here are a Few Similarities Between C# and Java
Easy Readability
Since both the code, Java, and C# are compiled by a virtual machine, the syntax is easy to understand.
Smooth Transitioning
Both the languages, Java and C# have both low-level and high-level languages. This makes transitioning (converting Java code to C) simple.
Typecasting and Garbage Collection
Typecasting is not supported in either of the languages. However, garbage collection is supported by both languages as it cleans up memory space.
Redundancy
Since they support single inheritance only, the C# and Java codes are not redundant and hence avoid cluttering of code.
Similar Syntax
Both Java and C# have similar syntax, for instance, class, static, and int. Multiple class inheritance and similar oops concepts like abstraction, encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism.
Examples of C# and Java
In this example, we will see how to write a simple C# program.
Output:
Explanation: The “//” is used for commenting on the line which means these lines are not executed by the compiler. The keyword “namespace” is used for our own namespace that we are creating. It is also known as the name of the program. The keyword “class” creates a class named Hello since C# is object-oriented programming.
In this example, we will see how to write a simple Java program.
Output:
Explanation: In this example, the “//’ indicated that the line has been commented on. Every Java program starts with a class definition which is accessed by the “class” keyword. The Java class also has a main method that has the syntax of “public static void main”. Here public indicates that the main class is public and can be accessed from anywhere. The “static” keyword indicates that the method is of type static. The void refers to the return type which means the main method doesn’t return anything. Lastly, the keyword main indicates that the method is of the main.
Where to Use C# and Java?
C# Should be Used When
- Developing a web application
- Developing apps and games
- Developing windows application
Java Should be used When
- GUI applications or web projects are to be made
- Big data application
- Developing backend, for server-side programming
- Building android application
- Developing embedded systems and web application
Which Language to Learn C# or Java?
It depends on what you want to build. If you want to build an android application or backend for an existing application then Java is the preferred language, however, if you want to develop games and window applications then C# might be the programming language that you should learn.
Learn More
Conclusion
- C# is a modern and object-oriented, general-purpose programming language which is known as “C-sharp”.
- Java is a concurrent, general programming computer language that is a class-based, object-oriented programming language.
- Here are a few similarities between C# and Java:
- Easy readability
- Smooth transitioning
- Typecasting and garbage collection
- Redundancy
- Similar syntax