C# vs Java

Difference Between C# and Java

C# and Java both languagesare popularly used programming languages. They both are derived from C/C++ programming and follow Object Oriented Programming approach. Even so, both these languages are different from each other in many aspects.

What is C#?

• C# is developed during Microsoft’s .NET initiative directed by Andres Hejlsberg in the year 2000.
• It is a general purpose, object-oriented programming language. C# pronounced as C sharp.
• C# was derived from C and C++ programming. So, if someone already knows C/C++ languages, for them it is easier to learn C#.
• C# programs are executed with the help of Common Language Infrastructure (CLI).
• C# supports applications for embedded systems and OS.

C# program Example

The following program demonstrates how to write a basic C# program.

Sample.cs

 using System;
classSample
{
static void Main(string[] args)
  {
Console.WriteLine("Hello World");
  }
} 

          Output:

Hello World

In the above C# program, the first line using System is written for accessing the classes and methods defined in the Systemnamespace. The next line declares a class Sample. The Console.WriteLine() method displays the output on the output window where Console is a class declared in the System namespace.

What is Java?

• Java is an Object-Oriented Programming language. It was developed and released by Sun Microsystems in the year 1995.
• Java programming is one of the most preferred programming languages due to its many features. It is platform-independent. It does not support explicit pointers. This makes Java programs more secure.
• One must install JDK before executing the Java program. The Java code is first compiled into a byte code. And the byte code is then interpreted. The byte code can be executed on any other platform which has Java Virtual Machine (JVM) installed on it. This makes the Java programs portable.
• There are three versions of Java.
• Java EE (Enterprise Edition)
• Java SE (Standard Edition)
• Java ME (Micro Edition)   

Java program Example

The following program demonstrates how to write a basic Java program.

Sample.java

 /* Declaration of Class */
class Sample
{ 
    /* Driver Code */
public static void main(String ar[])
   { 
      /* Print statement */
System.out.println(“Hello World”); 
    } 
}  

Output:

Hello World

The above Java program declares a class Sample. The System.out.println() method displays the output on the output window.

Similarities between C# and Java

1. Object Oriented Programming:

C# and Java both are Object Oriented Programming languages.

• Derived from C and C++:

C# and Java both are developed with the help of C and C++ programming.

• Garbage Collection Feature:

Both these languages have the feature of garbage collection for memory management.

• Syntax:

Syntax of C# and Java are mostly similar because they are both derived from C and C++ programming.

• Multiple inheritance:

Java and C# don’t allow multiple inheritance. We can achieve multiple inheritance in both these languages by using interfaces.

• Intermediate Code Generation:

Both the languages generate intermediate code after compilation. Intermediate Java code is called byte code and C# code is called Microsoft Intermediate Language (MSIL)

C# Vs Java

Sr. No.	C#	Java
1.	C# is developed as a part of the .NET initiative by Microsoft.	Java programming is developed by Sun Microsystems.
2.	C# is used to develop software applications for the Microsoft platform.	Java can be used to develop any open source applications.
3.	C# programs are executed with the help of Common Language Runtime (CLR).	Java programs are executed with the help of Java Runtime Environment (JRE).
4.	C# Arrays are specialized as the system.	Java Arrays are specialized asObjects.
5.	C# supports goto statement.	Java doesn’t support the goto statement.
6.	C# provides operator overloading for multiple operators.	Java doesn’t provide the feature of operator overloading.
7.	Multiple public classes are allowed in C#.	Java programming only allows a single public class with the main() method. Otherwise, a compile-time error is displayed.
8.	C# code is Windows-specific.	Java code can be executed anywhere. It is platform-independent.
9.	Type safety in C# programming is comparatively unsafe.	Type safety in Java programming is safe.
10.	C# support Union and Structure.	Java doesn’t support Union and Structure.

Which is better C# or Java?

Considering all the differences and similarities between C# and Java, we can say that both the languages are powerful and great to work with. While choosing one of the two languages developers need to analyze the requirements, usage, and platform where the application will be running.

This article explains what C# and Java programming are, and discusses similarities and differences between C# and Java programming.