There has never been a better time to learn how to code. What was once seen as a niche skill for tech workers has become more prevalent over the years. In fact, many experts believe that it will become a new form of literacy over the next few decades.
Among the multitude of coding languages that you can learn, C# and Java are two of the most commonly used.
So, in the battle of Java vs C#, how can you tell them apart? Our guide will show you everything you need to know.
What Is Java?
Java is a mainstay of programming languages and has been in use since the mid-1990s. Its primary benefit is that it’s designed with the idea of writing the code once, then running it anywhere. Any application written in Java can then run on any form of Java virtual machine, or JVM, regardless of its original platform.
As for the programming itself, it’s a class-based, object-oriented language that can get used for general purposes.
What Is C#?
Microsoft developed C# (pronounced like the music note C-sharp) in 2000. It has native support from Windows OS, since it was designed to run in the .NET framework. It was actually developed as a direct rival to Java, thus its similarities with the language.
However, C# is not class-based like Java. While it is an object-oriented language, it’s also component-oriented.
What’s the difference? Component-oriented programming languages work using interchangeable code modules, so you don’t need to know all the inner workings of the language.
Java vs C#: Which Is Easier to Learn?
You would think that since C# does not require as much in-depth knowledge of programming as Java does that it would be easier to learn. However, the truth is the exact opposite.
Since you can write for Java on any platform, you only need to learn the language once. With C#, anything you write will need to be converted to work on non-Windows programs, which takes time and effort.
However, once you learn C#, you can write programs much faster and more efficiently. For instance, you can write a simple print pdf c# program by following the linked C# guide.
Java vs C#: Which Has More Utility?
When it comes to Java and C#, which language has the most utility? In many ways, this question answers itself when you realize that one’s native to Windows OS while the other is designed to be platformless. Java is much more useful as a language since you can write and run it on any platform. Plus, you can find loads of Java tips and guides online. C#, being a more complex and less accessible language, has fewer guides for the layperson getting started with code.
Let’s Review What You Need to Know About Java and C#
The differences between Java vs C# rest mostly with their ease of use, complexity, and utility. However, both are effective programming languages used by many businesses today. So, whichever one you learn, you’ll have a solid foundation in programming.
If you’d like to learn more about programming languages, then check out the Tech section of our blog for more content like this!