2022. June 14.
Java is a programming language and .NET is a framework, an environment, yet both are optimal for enterprise software development. What is the difference between the two and how should you decide which to use for various projects? Let's see!
What is .NET?
.NET is a Microsoft product that was originally developed in the 1990s (at that time it was called Next Generation Window Services) and its first version was released in the late 2000s. It is a software environment used to develop Microsoft-related applications. It is open-source and allows the building and running of next-generation apps and web services.
It is part of the Common Language Runtime hardware environment, which acts as a virtual computer. The framework's class library makes software development easier, data accessibility faster, and algorithms smoother to work with.
Most importantly, .NET provides access to many programming languages. Its core development language is C#, which many people think of as an evolution of JAVA.
There are multiple benefits of .NET;
- cross-platform design,
- universal .NET standard,
- layered software architecture,
- easy and fast deployment,
- easy maintenance,
- automatic monitoring in ASP.NET,
- object-oriented programming.
On the other hand, .NET has some disadvantages too;
- dependency on the distributor,
- slower than native code,
- limited object-relational support,
- memory leaks,
- high price of migration apps,
- uncertain future of new versions.
What is JAVA?
The foundations of Java were laid by James Gosling, Patrick Naughton and Mike Sheridan. They wanted to create a language that went beyond C++ and worked well with Sun Microsystems' environment. Java was originally intended to be a PC-only language, but changing times and usage patterns have led to a rethinking of the original concept, making Java a multi-platform programming language.
It was first introduced in 1992 as Oak, and the first version was released in 1995, this time as Java, for which Oracle provided an open-source platform.
The programming language can be used to develop apps, mobile apps, enterprise applications, games and web-based content with great efficiency. It is simple and object-oriented, secure, dynamic and highly productive. These are the reasons for the programming language's popularity. What's more, there's a solid community behind Java, a layer of developers who use their experience to help each other and solve problems together.
Key benefits of Java;
- object-oriented programming,
- platform-independent,
- simple, easy-to-learn programming language,
- safe,
- cross-threaded,
- low-cost maintenance.
However, Java has its drawbacks too;
- memory-intensive nature,
- it is a single-paradigm language,
- less attractive from a GUI point of view,
- no unsigned types.
The core differences
The main and most fundamental difference is that Java is a programming language that supports multiple operating systems, whereas .NET is an environment that is only "on good terms" with the Windows operating system, even though it is multi-platform.
In the case of Java, the Java Virtual Machine is required to execute the code, whereas, in the case of .NET, the Common Language Runtime is essential to run it. Another difference is that intermediate code is compiled at the class level for Java, but at the method level for .NET. While in the latter the development environment is the standard Microsoft Visual Studio, in the former it is provided by a third party.
There are also important differences in programming languages. Java can be implemented using the Java Virtual Machine, which allows it to run on all operating systems. It supports mostly Ruby and Python. The main languages for .NET are C# and C++, and you need Visual Basic to run them.
Overall, Java is still more popular than .NET, although the gap between the two is steadily narrowing due to constant developments.
What are the criteria for choosing a technology?
To decide which is the better solution, you need to know the overall strategy, the concept, and what you want to achieve with the development. You need to think about the scale and complexity of the development. For example, if you want to create an online marketplace, you need strong expertise, because this requires high-level technological solutions. Other important factors are the speed of market entry and scalability. It can be said that both Java and .NET perform well in this respect.
The issue of security is also important. Some might argue that .NET is better than Java in this respect because it relies on third-party solutions.
So in general, which one to choose?
- Java is the better choice for Android and iOS mobile apps, multi-platform and large database applications, embedded systems, IoT solutions, multi-user utility software,
- .NET is a better choice for web applications, websites, games, client applications and complex user interfaces.
Both .NET and Java are suitable for developing and growing your business. The SynerinSoft team can help you with your technical implementation, whether it's a simple or complex multi-layered project, we can help you find the best solution!
