Comparative Analysis of Python and

Java
Abstract- In the rapidly changing world popular choices in modern languages.
of technology, programming languages Python has an easy-to-read syntax and a
are essential for encouraging innovation. small, lightweight code base that is easy
Python and Java are two of the most to run. Although Java is more technical in
popular languages. With so many options, nature, it has a very strong following and
students find it hard to choose which is widely used for integration and
language to begin with. This article functionality in business applications.
provides a summary of the features, These languages are highly sought after
capabilities, benefits, and drawbacks of and provide myriad opportunities for job
Python and Java. This article presents the seekers with experience. Both languages
implementation of fast bubbling may be specialized to fit varied needs.
algorithms in two languages. The This report discusses the characteristics
percentage code lines, file size, and speed and usage of Python and Java to lead
will all be considered and analysed. Our novices to the most in-demand
goal is to identify the programming that is alternatives.
most appropriate for beginners. A. Literature Review
Key Words: Comparison, Python, A couple of research have been conducted
Java, Programming Language, to compare the basic features and performance
Beginner. aspects of Python vs Java. Prechelt [1] has
compared programs written in Python and
Java and concludes that code size of
I. Introduction equivalent programs in Python were about 3-5
Programming is an essential skill times smaller than that of Java. The decreased
in the age of technology. Just like reading, number of lines of code means higher
where simple books build up confidence, productivity and easier maintainability.
beginners benefit from activities in other
Execution time has long been the sword that
languages more accessible to begin with.
tipped the balance in favour of Java. But Nanz
There is a continuing debate about what is
and Furia recently (2010) proposed that the
the best language for beginners, since one
performance differences between Python and
must match the learning process and
Java are smaller than they have previously
confidence of the beginner. Unlike
been, particularly due to contemporary Python
coding, the production of a program
libraries and optimizations.
includes problem solving, algorithm
analysis, and knowledge of data Another point of comparison between
structures. Programming traces its roots to languages is memory consumption. The
Plankalkül developed by Konrad Zuse in overview did not provide any specific
the 1940s, following previous languages numbers, but it is reasonable to assume that
like Short code and Fortran. Not very long due to this difference, Java most likely
in the world of programming, several consumes a higher amount of memory than
languages have surfaced along the way, Python as we know that the static typing and
each with different characteristics. While object-oriented nature of Java does tend to
experienced developers can easily adapt to require more space [2].
different languages, they face difficulties
like the learning process, debugging, and It is easy to read and write, making it a
navigation of complex tools. Hence, it is a popular choice for beginners. A study by
very crucial task to select a language that Mannila et al. Students learning Python as
is simple, easy to use, and easy to their first programming language performed
understand. Java and Python are two better and had a deeper understanding as
compared to students learning Java [3]. This is This study compares Python and
aided by Python's usage of intuitive syntax Java, two popular programming languages
and less boilerplate code. used in commercial software
development. The Stack Overflow
Java is a good language in many aspects of Developer Survey 2024 and JetBrains
robustness, strong typing and enterprise Developer Ecosystem 2023 show that
applications. It is very good at cases that have these languages are still in high demand
high-volume concurrency and collaborative among developers. According to JetBrains
system building. [5], Python remains the most widely used
language among developers due to its ease
Python is often heralded as the best
of use in powerful libraries, especially for
programming language for data science and
tasks such as data analysis, scripting and
AI applications because of its simplicity,
machine learning. Java continues to be a
versatility, and rich ecosystem of libraries.
leader in Android business and
The interpreted nature of the language enables
development, demonstrating its power and
quicker prototyping and easier debugging.
ability to handle complex, advanced
Python is the present and future of Artificial
applications.
Intelligence and Machine Learning. Python is
a prevalent language in this domain which can Although Java is still the primary
to some extent be caused due to the language used by professional developers
availability of powerful libraries such as in business and business processes. Stack
TensorFlow, PyTorch and scikit-learn Overflow Research shows [6]: According
to the October 2024 GitHub report [7],
[4]. Although Java can be used for AI
Python and Java are the most popular
development, it is mostly considered less
programming languages for open source
suited due to the availability of libraries and
projects, reflecting their international
ease of implementation.
popularity among developers and
After comparing with the facts and figures contributors. Python and Java are popular
of both Python and Java, we saw that programming languages for beginners due
while Java has its pros in big markets to their usefulness. Python is simple and
writing software for huge systems easy to learn due to its simple syntax and
requiring more stability, security and step-by-step approach.
performance but on the other hand Python
is an easier language to learn, write & It is well-suited for tasks such as data
maintain. The simplicity and easy to read analysis, automation, and artificial
syntax of Python is making it a preference intelligence due to its ease of use and
above any language, especially in modern extensive libraries and functions. java. In
applications like Artificial Intelligence this study, various sources have been
(AI) as it has a lot of powerful libraries of compared including books, articles,
AI and data science. Due to performance, journals and research papers. The
scalability and strong typing, Java following section provides a brief
remains useful for enterprise-level description of the selected languages.
applications and systems where high A. Overview of java
levels of concurrency are required.
Java is a programming language
Python has a tremendous edge due to its developed by James Gosling at Sun (Sun
rich library support and ease of use, Microsystems) in 1991 and released in 1995
especially for AI applications. Still, [8]. One of Java's most appealing advantages
programming languages change over time is its "write once, run everywhere" capability,
and new advances in Java AI features can which enables the programming language to
narrow that gap. be platform independent. When launching a
Java program, the compiler generates byte
II. Overview code rather than platform-dependent machine
code. When you launch the program, the byte
code is executed in Java's virtual machine [8]. security, multi-thread capabilities. It
This implies that in order to run the program, enables the development of dynamic
the platform must have a JVM (Java virtual and responsive programs capable of
machine) installed, making it simple to run the handling several tasks
same application on many systems. The name simultaneously. Using several threads
Java was first offered as OAK. In order to to share memory improves speed and
connect devices like televisions and VCRs, capabilities.
OAK was created as a programming language e) Distributed: Java’s method-calling
[9]. Oracle Corporation purchased Sun feature enables file access from any
Microsystems in 2009-10 and became the internet connected workstation. It
owner of Java. Another business edition gives allows for a seamless exchange of
developers with the most recent Java features data and applications across several
[10]. Java supports common object-oriented computers with integrated networking
notions such as classes and methods [11]. The capabilities. Java offers RMI (Remote
language is adaptable to web, Android, and Method Invocation), Socket
desktop applications [8]. Since Java is a Programming, and COBRA for object
compiled language with static type, variables sharing in a distributed context.
need to be specified before they may be given
values. 2) Applications for Java: There are
several real-world applications for
1) Features of Java
Java. The team researched Java's
a) Object oriented: Java is completely many uses. Here's a quick overview
object-oriented. Object-Oriented of typical Java applications.
Programming (OOP) is useful for
working with real-world applications. a) Android applications: Java is
An OOP program is one that has considered the official
inheritance, polymorphism, programming language for
abstraction, and encapsulation. developing Android mobile apps.
Java is the recommended
b) Platform independent: A program is programming language for
compiled into platform-independent mobile applications however,
byte code and run on a Java Virtual Dart is also an option. Android's
Machine. The usage of JVM makes Dalvik Virtual Machine (DVM)
Java programming platform agnostic runs the built Java byte code.
since, once installed, the same Java compatible application
application may be performed on development tools include
various systems [12]. Java byte code Android Studio and Kotlin.
is portable, as it may be transported to Java's OOP paradigm enhances
any platform without requiring security, simplicity, and
implementation. effectiveness while designing
c) Robust: Java effectively manages Android applications.
memory and automatically removes b) Desktop GUI applications: Java
unused objects. Java handles may be used to construct desktop
exceptions and uses several checking applications. Packages like
mechanisms. All these elements Abstract GUI applications are
contribute to Java's robustness. built using the Windowing
d) Secured: Java programs are safe as Toolkit (AWT), JavaFX, and
they employ their own runtime Swing.
environment, known as the JVM. c) Web-based applications: Java
Java has built-in safety features such allows for the development of
as compile-time type checking and web applications using servlets,
runtime verification. It is well struts, and JSP (Java Server
recognized for its security features. Pages). Java’s ease of coding and
Java lacks pointers, which improves
 excellent security makes it ideal networking, I/O, and XML
for developing applications in processing.
healthcare, social security, f) Java is designed to be secure. Java
education, and insurance. provides a security manager that
Broadleaf, an open-source establishes class access restrictions
ecommerce platform, helps Java for each application. It also has a
developers create web large library and a library of
applications for e-commerce. rigorously tested guides.
d) Cloud-based applications: Cloud g) Java is designed to be secure. Java
computing provides low-cost IT provides a
infrastructure. It offers on- security manager that establishes class
demand delivery of Pay-as-you- access restrictions for each
go pricing strategy for internet- application. It also has a large library
based IT resources, including and a library of rigorously tested
storage, servers, databases, guides.
networking, and applications. h) Java has strong community support.
Java's development features include SaaS When students encounter difficulties,
(Software-as-a-Service), IaaS there is always someone to help them.
(Infrastructure-as-a-Service), and 4) Disadvantages of Java
PaaS (Platform-as-a-Service). a) Java prioritizes storage above
e) Big Data Technology: Java is backups.
ideal for Big Data analysis b) Memory management is expensive
because of its speed, due to the enormous amount of space
dependability, and robustness. required.
Java's automatic garbage c) Java is slower and consumes more
collection and robust memory memory.
management make it ideal for d) Choosing a GUI tool might be
Big Data applications. It uses challenging due of Java's slow
frameworks like Apache performance in desktop apps.
Mahout, Apache Spark, and Java e) Java code is verbose. It aims to
JFreechart to engage in Big Data. simplify but is hindered by complex
Java's strong links to open- codes and extensive information.
source groups make it ideal for
integrating with many B. Overview of python
technologies, like Apache Guido van Russom created Python
Hadoop, Apache Spark, Apache in the late 1980s and early 1990s in the
Mahout, etc., are sub-projects of Netherlands [8]. Python is highly
Java. inspired by other languages such as Java,
C++, and Smalltalk. Python is dynamic.
3) Advantages of Java A dynamic programming language
a) It provides students with transparent, enables variables to change during
well written and clear expectations. execution and eliminates the need for the
b) Java is easier to use, write, develop, programmer to declare data types. This
debug and learn than other languages is one of the reasons why the language is
like C, C++ and C# typically considered as a beginner
c) Java's platform independence, friendly, requiring less computer science
decentralized nature, multi-threading background to get started [8]. Python is
capabilities and garbage compilation. an interpreted language that supports
d) Java's object-oriented programming object-oriented programming through
(OOP) allows for standard and classes [13] . Python has expanded over
reusable code. the years and built a significant
e) Java provides comprehensive APIs community.
for database connectivity,
 The programming language supports a available for anyone to use, modify, and
wide range of general-purpose features. distribute under the terms of its license,
It provides support for online and which is certified by the Open-Source
desktop application frameworks, as well Initiative.
as a diverse library set [8]. Key points about Python being open
source: Free to use: You can download
1) Features of Python
and use Python at no cost.
a) Simple and Lovely: It is a very
high-level language with many i. Community Driven: A large
learning resources. Python community of developers contributes
supports third-party tools that to the development and improvement
make it easy to use and of Python. ii. License: Python is
encourage users to continue released under a permissive license,
learning. Python is extensively which also allows commercial use.
identified for its clean, honest
syntax that intently resembles d) Object-Oriented: In Python, "object-
simple English. It is very easy oriented" means that every element of the
to read and write Python language is considered an object, which
programs compared to other allows programmers to structure code
languages such as: C++, Java, using classes and objects to model real-
C#. Python makes world entities, making it easier and more
programming fun and allows natural to solve complex problems by
you to focus on the results object-oriented programming (OOP) [15].
instead of the syntax [14]. Key points about OOP in Python:
b) Portable: Portable to many i. Everything is an object: Numbers,
operating systems Python can strings, lists, functions: All are
run on a variety of operating treated as objects in Python,
systems, including Windows, meaning they have attributes and
macOS, Linux, and Unix.
methods associated with them [15].
ii. Classes and objects: A class is a
Portable Distributions: There are distributions blueprint for creating objects,
of defining the properties (data) and
Python that can be run without installation, behaviours (methods) that an object
such as:
will have [15].
i. Python Portable: A distribution that can e) A high-level interpreted language: Unlike
be run from a USB stick and includes add- C/C++, you don't have to worry about
ons such as various IDEs. It is only hard tasks like memory management,
available for Windows. ii. WinPython: A garbage collection, etc. Similarly, when
free open-source distribution that can run on you run Python code, it automatically
Windows 8+ with 2GB of RAM. It is converts your code into a language your
designed for scientists, data scientists, and computer understands. You don't have to
education. worry about lower-level operations [14].
iii. Virtual Environments: Virtual
2) Applications for Python: Python is a
Environments allow you to have a
versatile programming language with
stable, reproducible, and portable
many applications, including:
environment. You can check which
versions of packages are installed and a) Web Development: Python is a
when they are updated. popular choice for web
development due to its
c) Open-Source: Python is considered an simplicity, readability, and
opensource programming language, comprehensive tools. Django is
which means that its source code is freely
 a well-known Python net to think like a computer scientist,
framework [16]. which requires a lot of effort and a
b) Business Applications: Python complete shift in their thinking
can be used for data analysis, paradigm [23]. Implementing Python
automation, and interaction with code is simple enough that anyone
enterprise databases and APIs who has taken an elementary math
[17]. course will find tools like "variables"
c) Game Development: Python is and "functions" easy to use [24].
Whenever a programmer needs to
used to develop games such as
prototype software, Python, with its
Battlefield 2 and EVE Online.
rich library, can be used. The
Python and Pygame can be used
software can be rewritten in a simpler
to quickly create and test game language if necessary. The
prototypes [18]. advantages of Python are significant,
d) Machine Learning and Artificial so use it as the primary language for
Intelligence: Python is a stable Learning programming can greatly
language that can handle the affect the speed of learning computer
large calculations needed to science in general.
build machine learning modules
[19]. 4) Disadvantages of Python: There are
e) Desktop GUI: Python is a good few drawbacks with python. Not Easy
choice for developing desktop to Maintain: Because Python is a
GUIs because it is open source, dynamically typed language, the
same thing can easily mean
platform independent, and easy
something different depending on the
to learn [20].
context. As a Python app grows
f) Image Processing: Python can larger and more complex, this may
be used for image processing get difficult to maintain as errors will
applications [21]. become difficult to track down and
g) Human-Computer Interaction: fix, so it will take experience and
Python can be used for this insight to know how to design your
human-machine interaction [21]. code or write unit tests to ease
maintainability [14].
3) Advantages of Python: The easiest
thing to do in Python is to write a Slow: As a dynamically typed language,
“Hello World” program. Most Python is slow because it is too flexible
programming languages require you and the machine would need to do a lot of
to write a lot of specific methods or referencing to make sure what the
functions, class or program definition of something is, and this slows
declarations, etc. But Python allows Python performance down [14].
you to start programming without
these requirements. III. Method
Python is an interpreted language, so This research paper compares Java and
by using a command-line interpreter, Python programming languages.
the learner can easily control how Quicksort compares lines of code (LOC),
operators or functions work [22]. The file size, speed, and readability.
Python interpreter has a built-in help
module, which can significantly A. Code Implementation
improve the process of understanding 1) Quick Sort Algorithm:
various aspects of the language. To GeeksforGeeks [25] provides a
understand programming languages, fast implementation of the
beginners (students with no algorithm and ensures the
programming experience) must learn reliability of the method. To
continue this idea, we have
 added a reader that will review Python generates code that is shorter and more
the time and keep track of the lightweight than Java for Quick sort
numbers. Four datasets ranging algorithms. Python's straightforward syntax
in size from 100,000 to and absence due to explicit declarations add
1,500,000 were created for the value to a roughly 50% reduction in LOC
experiment. This document when compared to Java, which usually
provides access to Java and requires more hot code textual statics and
Python implementations of method definitions.
Quick sort.
Calculate the estimated time Additionally, Python files are smaller. Python
using the %%timeit Jupyter codes are made even tougher by the absence
function in Python. The of external dependencies like the Java Virtual
Instant.now() method in Java Machine (JVM) and bytecode compilation.
calculates the elapsed time.The Large file sizes are a result of Java's
compilation structure and some other class
results showed that in four cases
structures.
Python took longer to complete
the search task.
In terms of execution time, Java outperformed
As can be seen from the comparison in Python, especially when working with larger
Figure 1, for small names it is datasets (100,000 to 1,500,000 elements).
best to use any language to Java's Just-In-Time (JIT) compiler and static
describe the input data, while for typing improved performance, whereas
lists with millions of digits Java Python's interpreted nature and dynamic
is the best choice. Compared to typing resulted slower execution, especially as
Python. dataset size increased.

Because of its elevated, English-like syntax,

Python succeeded at readability, that also
made the programming easier and maintain.
Even though type safety is enhanced by Java's
more strict syntax, this has occurred in more
simplistic and difficult and complex code,
especially for absolute beginners.

Our findings indicate Python's gains in terms

of convenience of learning, speed, and
simplicity, which make it perfect for
newcomers. Java, on the other hand, provides
better scalability, stability, and performance,
which makes it more reasonable for business
applications and large-scale systems.
Figure 1 Quick Sort
Execution Time
Python works best for simple tasks, but Java is
Comparison Graph
best in economic situations. The best option
will be considered according to the needs of
IV. Results / Discussion the job and the experience of the employee.

Based on how well the Quick Sort algorithm is

implemented, this section compares Python V. Conclusion
and Java, paying particular attention to
readability, processing time, file size, and lines
According to our research, Python is the
of code (LOC). programming language of choice for
beginners due to its simplicity, open
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