When it comes to developing server and desktop applications, Java and Microsoft. NET became a part of a heated discussion between coders, business owners, and development teams. Which one is better? Both of them allow the use of top-level coding languages for building large-scale apps.
Even though many people call .NET and Java frameworks, this is not technically correct. .NET is a framework. Meanwhile, Java is a language. .NET platform is a younger creation than Java. In fact, some programmers call the “older” Java more verbose and complicated. However, the performance of both is highly commendable.
Both .NET and Java are currently the most popular tools for web app building. Which one is better? Many programmers and businesses are faced with a choice of choosing one of them for their needs.
.NET vs Java: What Is The Difference
Let’s take a look at the essential differences between these two tools.
- Operating System
Java can work on any operating system. Meanwhile, Microsoft .NET mostly works with Windows. There are a few of open-source implementations of Microsoft. NET available, however, it’s mostly designed for Windows users.
Java works with Java Virtual Machine, which also runs on any device an operating system, making the tool an all-purpose solution, not dependent on any one OS.
- Programming Languages
Both .NET and Java support popular programming languages, such as PHP, Python, and Ruby. Java also offers support for Java, JavaScript, Groovy, Clojure, and Scala. Meanwhile, .NET supports C#, F#, VB.NET, C++, and .NET. Both tools offer support for less popular languages as well.
The J2EE framework offers Java as a default language. Meanwhile, .NET provides flexibility with C#, F#, and VB.net.
- Integrated Development Environment
Integrated Development Environment (IDE) is the set of tools to assist developer with creating and testing software. The default IDE for .NET is Microsoft Visual Studio. Even though it has a big variety of necessary features to build apps, it takes away the freedom of choice from .NET users.
Java allows the user to choose between the following IDEs: Oracle NetBeans, Oracle JDeveloper, IntelliJ Idea, and Eclipse.
- Demand
If you look at Indeed’s job search statistics, today, Java developers are in higher demand than programmers working with .NET. More applicants are looking for Java-related jobs than for .NET developer positions. Many experts also note a higher demand for Java apps.
- Easy Learning
When it comes to learning a programming language, Java is easier to grasp than .NET’s C#. Meanwhile, C# is a more sophisticated programming language since it had much more time to evolve than Java.
Advantages of .NET
- Seamless horizontal scalability
- Multiple language use
- Easy interfacing with Windows
- All tools are high-quality and available from Microsoft (easy access inside Microsoft Developer Network)
- Consistent UI practices
- Simple and high-quality language integration
Advantages of .Java
- Better object-relations support
- Seamless integration with other platforms
- Easy migration between Java platforms
- More advanced build systems
- Better user and support community
- More advanced CI tools
Which One Is Better?
When it comes to choosing the best language/framework, you need to consider an array of factors. The main factor to think about is the set of necessary skills. Does your company have a large development department with certain experience? Or do you need to outsource in order to build an app?
Java developers are easier to find than .NET experts are because Java is easier to learn. Meanwhile, it’s possible to create excellent software using both of these tools.
If you are working mostly with Windows-based software and use mostly Microsoft products then you may save money on creating a .NET app. Meanwhile, if you are choosing Java as a cheaper option, you need to think about investing in the related software.
Overall, it’s easier to create applications using Java. However, .NET frameworks should be considered when you need to deliver web-based content and design a richer GUI.
Myths Debunked
A few myths about these tools need to be debunked in order to make the right choice.
- Java Is Slow
This may have been the case a few years ago. Today Java doesn’t have any performance issues.
- .NET isn’t free
It is. Visual Studio (community edition) and SQL Server express are free with windows licensing. More advanced version of .NET requires investments.
- Java Is Everywhere
Today more than 50 % of large enterprises in the USA and UK use .NET.
- NET Only Runs on Windows
.NET programming is available for Mac and Linux developers on Mono Platform.
- Java Installation is tough
You don’t need to be a Java expert to execute a Java application.
- .NET is for desktop apps only
ASP .Net Core allows the user to create powerful web applications. Mobile apps development is also possible with cross-platform mobile app development platforms.
Simon Frey is a software and web applications developer with experience in PHP, Laravel, MySQL, .NET. He has been developing software for the past 11 years and enjoys working on new projects. Simon is available for hire and can be contacted through his website: www.simon-frey.eu