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C++ vs Java

Last Updated : 19 Nov, 2024
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Java and C++ are the two most popular programming languages in the world. Both languages have their features and use cases. In this article, we will look at the major differences between C++ and Java.

C++ vs Java

The following table lists all the major differences between Java and C++ programming languages:

ParametersJavaC++
Influenced ByJava was Influenced by Ada 83, Pascal, C++, C#, etc. languages.C++ was Influenced by Influenced by Ada, ALGOL 68, C, ML, Simula, Smalltalk, etc. languages.
Influenced toJava was influenced to develop BeanShell, C#, Clojure, Groovy, Hack, J#, Kotlin, PHP, Python, Scala, etc. languages.C++ was influenced to develop C99, Java, JS++, Lua, Perl, PHP, Python, Rust, Seed7, etc. languages.
Platform DependencyPlatform-independent, Java bytecode works on any operating system.Platform dependent should be compiled for different platforms.
PortabilityIt can run on any OS hence it is portable.C++ is platform-dependent. Hence it is not portable.
CompilationJava is both a Compiled and Interpreted Language.C++ is a Compiled Language.
Memory ManagementMemory Management is System Controlled.Memory Management in C++ is Manual.
Virtual KeywordIt doesn't have Virtual keywords.It has Virtual keywords.
Multiple InheritanceIt supports only single inheritance. Multiple inheritances are achieved partially using interfaces.It supports both single and multiple Inheritance.
OverloadingIt supports only method overloading and doesn't allow operator overloading.It supports both method and operator overloading.
PointersIt has limited support for pointers.It strongly supports pointers.
LibrariesIt doesn't support direct native library calls but only Java Native Interfaces.


Libraries have a wide range of classes for various high-level services.

It supports direct system library calls, making it suitable for system-level programming.


C++ libraries have comparatively low-level functionalities.

Documentation CommentIt supports documentation comments (e.g., /**.. */) for source code.It doesn’t support documentation comments for source code.
Thread SupportJava provides built-in support for multithreading. C++ doesn’t have built-in support for threads, depends on third-party threading libraries.
TypeJava is only an object-oriented programming language.C++ is both a procedural and an object-oriented programming language.
Input-Output mechanismJava uses the (System class): System.in for input and System.out for output.C++ uses cin for input and cout for output operation.
goto KeywordJava doesn't support the goto KeywordC++ supports the goto keyword.
Structures and UnionsJava doesn't support Structures and Unions.C++ supports Structures and Unions.
Parameter PassingJava supports only the Pass by Value technique.C++ supports both Pass by Value and pass-by-reference.
Global ScopeIt supports no global scope.It supports both global scope and namespace scope.
Object ManagementAutomatic object management with garbage collection.It supports manual object management using new and deletes.
Call by Value and Call by ReferenceJava supports only calls by value.C++ both supports call by value and call by reference.
HardwareJava is not so interactive with hardware.C++ is nearer to hardware.

Introduction to C++

C++ is a general-purpose programming language that includes object-oriented paradigms to improve the C language. C++ language is both imperative and compiled. Inheritance, Encapsulation, Polymorphism (both static and dynamic), and other object-oriented principles are supported by C++. In C++, classes and objects are not required to compile code. Thus, it can be termed a semi-object-oriented language. 

The C++ programming language is used by many large software companies, such as Microsoft, IBM, etc., and can be used for developing desktop applications, video games, servers, e-commerce, web search, and databases, as well as high-performance applications, such as telephone switches and space probes.  

For more information, refer to the article – Introduction to C++ Programming Language

Example:

FilenName: hello_world.cpp
C++
// C++ program to print hello world
#include <iostream>
using namespace std;

int main()
{

    cout << "Hello World" << endl;
    return 0;
}

Output
Hello World
Introduction to C++
Program Execution in C++

Introduction to Java

Java was created in 1995 by James Gosling, who is regarded as the father of the software industry. Java was designed to be simple, robust, secure, high-performance, portable, multi-threaded, interpreted, dynamic, etc. In today's world, Java is widely used in mobile devices, internet programming, games, and e-business. 

A developer can also develop scalable applications using Java because it supports many features. Java has built-in frameworks like Spring, Dagger, and others frameworks that ease the development of new applications. They also make application development easier with classes like Applets, Servlets, and JavaServer Pages.

For more information, refer to the article – Introduction to Java

Example:

FileName: hello_world.java
Java
// Java program to print hello world
import java.io.*;

class GFG {
    public static void main(String[] args)
    {
        System.out.println("Hello World");
    }
}

Output
Hello World
Introduction to Java
Program Execution in Java

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