Articles Development Python vs. Java: Which Should I Learn?

Python vs. Java: Which Should I Learn?

Written by Coursera • Updated on Jun 16, 2023

In the matchup of Python versus Java you’ll find that both are useful in web development, and
each has pros and cons. Read on to discover which language might be best for you to start
learning.

Java and Python are two of the most popular programming languages. Of the two, Java is the
faster language, but Python is simpler and easier to learn. Each is well-established, platform-
independent, and part of a large, supportive community. But that is where the similarities end.
When you’re considering Python versus Java, each language has different uses for different
purposes, and each has pros and cons to consider.
Java: The faster path

When it comes to sheer speed, Java is a clear winner. According to Stack Overflow, this general-
use, compiled language is the sixth most commonly used programming language [1]. It's also the
third-most in-demand programming language that hiring managers look for when hiring
candidates, according to HackerRank [2]. Several factors are driving Java's continued popularity,
primarily its platform independence and its relative ease to learn.

What is Java?

Java is a programming language and platform that's been around since 1995. Since its release, it
has become one of the most popular languages among web developers and other coding
professionals. It's a general-purpose, object-oriented language. Unlike Python, Java is a
compiled language, which is one of the reasons that it’s your faster option.

When you program with compiled languages like Java, the coding gets directly converted to
machine code. That lets the processor execute much more quickly and efficiently while giving
you increased control over hardware aspects like CPU usage. Other examples of compiled
languages include C and C++, Rust, Go, and Haskell.

Java is widely used in web development, big data, and Android app development. It has also
been gaining traction when used in cloud development and the Internet of Things (IoT). Java is
also helpful for working on enterprise-level web applications and microservices. A variety of
organizations use Java to build their web applications, including those in health care, education,
insurance, and even governmental departments. Some of the big names using Java today
include NASA, Google, and Facebook.

Advantages of Java

Speed and efficiency are two of the big draws of using Java. It's also one of the coding languages
considered to be easy to learn. Because many of the processes of this high-level language run
automatically, you won't have to do an intense study of how everything works as much as you
would with a low-level language. You should be able to master it relatively quickly depending on
how much time you can devote to learning and practicing. Other advantages of using Java
include the following:

It's simple: The syntax is straightforward, making it easy to write. It's not as complex as
languages like C++, and it uses automatic memory allocation.

It’s platform independent: You can use Java on multiple types of computers, including
Windows, iOS, Unix, and Linux systems, as long as it has the Java Virtual Machine (JVM)
platform.

It’s object oriented: Because you create classes containing data and functions and objects
that belong to those classes, it offers a more intuitive approach for big project
development. It also provides flexibility and easier troubleshooting, and the ability to
reuse the code.

It has a large global community: This is helpful when you're learning Java or should you
run into any problems.

It supports multithreading: When you use Java, you can run more than one thread at a
time. When running multiple threads, they share a common memory area to increase
efficiency and performance.

It’s secure: Java avoids using explicit pointers, runs inside a virtual machine called a
sandbox, uses byte-code verifier to check for illegal code, and provides library-level safety
along with Java security package and run-time security checks.

Disadvantages of Java

Before deciding whether Java is the right programming language for you to start with, it’s
essential to consider its weaknesses. One of the main downsides to using Java is that it uses a
large amount of memory—considerably more than Python.
Additionally, Java manages its memory through garbage collection, which happens once the
application you’re working on no longer references the object. Java’s garbage collector clears it
from memory, but during the process, other threads have to stop while the garbage collector
works. The step impacts the overall performance of the application. Other disadvantages
include:

It doesn’t offer control over garbage collection: As a programmer, you won’t have the
ability to control garbage collection using functions like free() or delete().

It has a lot of words: Although Java is simple, it does tend to have a lot of words in it,
which will often leave you with complex, lengthy sentences and explanations.

It doesn't have a native look when you use it for desktops: Java has multiple graphical
user interface (GUI) builders, but they aren't the best if you're creating complex UI on a
desktop. Java is weaker when you're using it for desktop versus mobile when it comes to
user experience and user interface. While there are many GUI builders to choose from,
you'll need to do a lot of research to find the right one for your project.

Python: The simple path

Although Java is faster, Python is more versatile, easier to read, and has a simpler syntax.
According to Stack Overflow, this general use, interpreted language is the fourth most popular
coding language [1]. It's also one of the most in-demand programming languages that hiring
managers look for when hiring candidates, according to HackerRank, second only to JavaScript
[2].

Python's popularity has experienced explosive growth in the past few years, with more than 11.3
million coders choosing to use it, mainly for IoT, data science, and machine learning applications,
according to ZDNet [3]. Further, Python added over 8 million new developers to its community in
the last two years, according to SlashData's “State of the Developer Nation” report [4].

Read more: What Can You Do as a Python Developer

What is Python?

Python has been around since 1991, when it was first released. The programming language was
designed by Guido van Rossum with a design philosophy focused on code readability. One of the
driving forces behind Python is its simplicity and the ease with which many coders can learn the
language. It's an interpreted language, which means the program gets run through interpreters
on a line-by-line basis for each command's execution.

Learning the language and testing programs is faster and easier in Python compared to Java
primarily due to it boasting a more concise syntax. As you're entering lines, you enter them right
into the terminal instead of having to compile the entire program before running it. Other
examples of interpreted languages include Ruby, PHP, and JavaScript.

Python empowers developers to employ a variety of programming styles while they're creating
programs. Because it's so flexible, you might use it, not just for object-oriented programming,
but also for functional and reflective programming.

It's popular among programmers for back-end development and app development. It's also a
top choice for those working in data science and machine learning, primarily because of its
extensive libraries, including Scikit-learn and Pandas. It's the programming language used to
develop many of the leading digital platforms and tools we use today, including Google Search,
iRobot machines, and YouTube.

Advantages of Python

Python’s versatility is difficult to match, and it's so flexible that it encourages experimentation.
This keeps programmers from being pigeonholed into only building one type of application. You
can learn just one language and use it to make new and different things.

Computer Weekly calls Python the most versatile programming language, noting that “Although
there might be a better solution for any given problem, Python will always get the job done well”
[5]. Other advantages of Python include:

It’s platform-independent: Like Java, you can use Python on various platforms, including
macOS, Windows, and Linux. You’ll just need an interpreter designed for that platform.
 It allows for fast development: Because Python is dynamically typed, it's fast and friendly
for development. Additionally, it uses asynchronous code to tackle situations and
challenges faster because each unit of code runs separately.

It offers extensive libraries: Its large library supports common tasks and commands. It
also contains code that can be used for many different purposes, ranging from generating
documentation to unit testing to CGI.

It offers a more flexible approach to programming: Python supports a variety of

programming styles and has multiple paradigms. Not only is this optimal for programmers
who enjoy flexibility, but it also makes it ideal for start-ups that might need to shift
approaches abruptly.

It's free and open-source: You can download Python without any cost, and because it's so
easy to learn and boasts one of the largest and most active communities—you should be
able to start writing code in mere minutes.

It may boost productivity: NetGuru says that Python is more productive than Java
because of how concise it is and because it's dynamically typed [6]. Additionally, it has
control capabilities and integration features that can make applications more productive.

Practice your Python skills with tutorials

Discover step-by-step guides for troubleshooting Python basics like syntax, if-
else statements, and exceptions, and working with loops in Coursera's free
programming tutorials.

Disadvantages of Python

While Python is arguably one of the easiest and fastest languages to learn, it’s also decidedly
slower to execute because it’s a dynamically typed, interpreted language, executed line-by-line.
Python does extra work while executing the code, making it less suitable for use in projects that
depend on speed. However, if speed isn’t a sensitive issue, Python’s slower nature won’t likely be
a problem.

Other potential disadvantages include:

It only executes one thread at a time: Python has a Global Interpreter Lock that only lets
one thread execute at a time, so if you're working on a multi-threaded CPU-bound
program, it'll likely be even slower. Using multiprocessing programs instead of
multithreaded programs can be an effective workaround.

It isn't mobile native: Python can be effectively and easily used for mobile purposes, but
you'll need to put a bit more effort into finding libraries that give you the necessary
framework. Some examples include Kivy, which lets you use the same API to create mobile
apps and software that you can run on Raspberry PI, Linux, and Windows.

It uses a large amount of memory: If you're working on a project where many objects are
active in RAM, this could present an issue for you. Switching to NumPy could be an
effective workaround to reduce the amount of memory Python uses for each object.

How to start learning

Learn just one, or learn them both. Many programmers eventually learn multiple programming
languages. To get started, you’ll be better off if you choose one—but which is better as a start?
That depends upon what you find most interesting and which language feels like a good match
for your goals. If you're just beginning to learn how to code, you might want to start by learning
Python because many people learn it faster. It's simple and more concise, while Java has more
lines of complex code.

Evaluate your goals?

When opting for a starting point, you should take your goals into account.
Java is popular among programmers interested in web development, big data,
cloud development, and Android app development.
 Python is favored by those working in back-end development, app development,
data science, and machine learning.
You’ve got many options for learning either or both of these popular
programming languages, including bootcamps and certificate programs.

Coding bootcamps

When you sign up for a bootcamp, you can expect an intensive, immersive experience designed
to get qualified to use the language quickly. According to Course Report, the average bootcamp
lasts around 14 weeks, although they can last anywhere between six and 28 weeks [7]. You might
opt for a language-specific bootcamp or one that teaches you relevant high-level skills like data
science, web development, or user experience design. You might find online or in-person
bootcamps from educational institutions or private organizations.

Certificate programs

Certificate programs vary in length and purpose, and you’ll emerge having earned proof of your
mastery of the necessary skills that you can then use on your resume. This path affords another
alternative to pursuing a degree that focuses on the topic you've chosen. You'll have the
opportunity to develop skills and proficiency in the programming language to apply to the work
world.

Try out Python and Java with Coursera

Another option is to take online courses to become more familiar with Java or Python before
committing to a more rigorous form of training. You can start with courses such as Java
Programming and Software Engineering Fundamentals Specialization offered by Duke University
or Python for Everybody Specialization through the University of Michigan.