Python vs Java: Which One To Choose

Utilizing a wide range of programming languages, we like to compare them to each other.

We have already written about similarities and differences between Python and PHP, PHP and Java, Java and JavaScript, Java and .NET, PHP and JavaScript, Kotlin and Java.

In this blog post, we are comparing Java and Python, two of the most widely used and influential programming languages today. We will go over their characteristics, benefits, limitations, and most convincing use cases to help you decide which is best for your next project.

What is Java?

Java is a compile, object-oriented, and statically typed programming language. Being one of the most popular in the world, it is used for web and mobile application development, working with Big Data, and building complex apps for enterprises.

Java also offers vast libraries for embedded apps development which makes it a good choice for IoT.

The most significant benefit of the Java language is that it allows writing code only once and running it on different platforms — with the help of JVM (Java Virtual Machine).

In addition to that, Java allows for the creation of a high level of security and a big and strong community of developers. Being made on the basis of C and C++, it has quite strict syntax rules to follow.

Java: Pros and Cons

Java is one of the strongest and most used programming languages, but even though it has plenty of advantages, it is not always a perfect fit for any project.

First among its many powerful features is the platform independence provided by JVM (Java Virtual Machine): you can write the code once and, for the most part, execute it anywhere.

Java is also a compiled language, which typically implies better runtime speed compared with interpreted languages.

If you’re building something that needs to tolerate a lot of data or has high-performance demands, like an enterprise app or real-time system, Java can run it with ease.

Java also has a strong security infrastructure built right in with encryption, authentication, and other tools that make it a wonderful option for apps dealing with confidential records.

Besides that, it is highly extensible, meaning it can be used with growing, complex systems without breaking a sweat. Equipped with multithreading and frameworks like Spring, Java is one of the primary languages for the development of scalable, high-performance applications.

Plus, the huge community, limitless libraries, and substantial documentation make it easier to get support and solve any problems.

That said, Java does have some significant downsides. Its verbose syntax means you generally have to write more lines of code than you would in a language like Python.

The slower development time can also be a downside if you are in a hurry. Java apps tend to use more memory than some other languages, so it might not be the best choice for resource-limited environments such as mobile apps.

And while Java’s object-oriented approach brings structure and stability, it can feel a bit restrictive if you seek more autonomy in your coding. Finally, Java apps can have slower start-up times, which might be a problem for lightweight projects.

All in all, Java is a great choice for large, complex software solutions where performance, protection, and scalability are non-negotiable.

However, its verbosity, slower development speed, and higher memory usage might make it less ideal for smaller projects or rapid prototyping.

What is Python?

Unlike Java, Python is an interpreted and dynamically typed language yet it is also object-oriented. Python is considered to be the easiest language for learning — it is even used for teaching the basics of programming. Since it has simple English-like syntax, Python is a perfect option for fast app development. It is the most popular tool for data science, machine learning (ML), and artificial intelligence (AI).

In other spheres, its popularity is relatively small but the community shows record growth each year which means the language develops fast offering more libraries, frameworks, etc.

Python: Pros and Cons

Python is a fan favorite, and for good reason. One of its biggest positives is its very readable syntax. Python’s code is clean and straightforward, which makes it perfect for beginners but still powerful enough for pros.

Another prominent benefit is the large number of libraries and frameworks in Python. No matter whether you plunge deep into machine learning, data analysis, or making a web app, there surely will be something to save the day.

For example, frameworks like Django for web development and TensorFlow for machine learning can save you loads of time. Besides, Python is the language of data science and AI, so it is a good bet if you are working on some state-of-the-art technology.

The language also has a massive and ever-growing community, so finding help or resources is never a problem.

On the flip side, Python’s performance can be slower compared to compiled languages like Java. Because it’s an interpreted language, it can struggle with tasks that require heavy lifting or real-time processing.

Another disadvantage is the weak typing of Python; because it does not enforce strict data types, variables can change unexpectedly, and that may result in more difficult-to-catch bugs.

Finally, even though Python can be used for mobile apps or embedded systems, it’s not as reasonable or commonly used in those areas as languages like Java or C++.

Python vs Java: A Detailed Comparison

Now that we know a little about each language, it is time to examine some of the differences between them.

1. Syntax and Ease of Use

• Java: Java’s syntax is a bit more complex and requires developers to explicitly define types, which can be painful for small projects since the code in Java is longer and wordier. For example, declaring variables, defining methods, and managing exceptions all require additional lines of code. Java is great for large systems to be strictly structured, but in smaller projects or when it is necessary to rapidly prototype, it becomes clumsy.
• Python: Python, on the other hand, is known for its concise and readable syntax. It is designed to be intuitive, with minimal boilerplate code. This makes Python a great language for rapid prototyping, data analysis, and scripting. Python’s dynamic typing allows you to code at speed, without the hassle of predefining the types of variables.

2. Performance

• Java: Java has a much better raw performance than Python because it is a compiled language. Code compiled in Java needs to be pre-compiled into bytecode and then executed with the JVM, which is highly optimized. This gives Java the edge in terms of performance in most applications, especially those where high throughput or low latency is critical, such as live systems or large-scale enterprise applications.
• Python: Its interpreted nature makes Python slower than Java, especially on CPU-bound applications. Although the performance of Python may not come closer to the performance of Java in heavy computations, web development, automation, and data analysis it is often good enough. Additionally, it can be speeded up using, for example, Cython, or simply it can be connected to other, faster languages: C and C++.

3. Community and Ecosystem

• Java: Java has been living for more than two decades, and the ecosystem is huge. The language has a huge, global community where millions of developers take part in open-source projects as well as commercial solutions. Java also has numerous frameworks and libraries that are suitable for enterprise development, such as Spring and Hibernate.
• Python: Python has seen explosive growth over the past few years, with heavy growth in data science, machine learning, and AI. While the size of its community isn’t quite as large as Java’s, Python is extremely active in developing new tools and libraries at a non-stop pace. Frameworks like Django and Flask make Python a fantastic alternative for web development, while libraries like TensorFlow and PyTorch have solidified their place as the dominant language in the data science and machine learning space.

4. Use Cases

• Java: Java shines in large-scale, enterprise-level applications. It is commonly used in building backend systems, web services, mobile apps (via Android), and big data tools. Java is also well-suited for complex software products that require high performance, safety, and extendability. It’s also a preferred alternative for embedded systems and Internet of Things (IoT) development, thanks to its portability and wide range of libraries.
• Python: Python’s flexibility makes it appropriate for a wide variety of use cases, but it truly excels in data-driven applications. Python is the go-to language for data science, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and automation. It is also used in web development, system administration, and scripting tasks. Python’s ability to integrate with other technologies, such as R for statistical analysis or TensorFlow for machine learning, makes it incredibly versatile in modern tech.

5. Learning Curve

• Java: Java is unforgiving to beginners, given its strict syntax and type system. Objects of programming theory, like OOP principles, generics, and memory management, are somewhat more difficult to understand. Java is phenomenally powerful, but it gets steep for new developers.
• Python: Python is highly simple and clean in terms of syntax, thus ideal for beginners. It gives more priority to readability and reduces cognitive load for the new developers so they can center on the solution instead of worrying about complex syntax. Python’s large community also means that newbies have access to a wealth of tutorials, documentation, and online resources.

Choosing Between Python and Java

A pick between Python and Java finally comes down to what your project demands or lacks.

Unlike Python, Java is ideal for larger, more convoluted applications where performance, safety, and scaling are absolute requirements.

If you’re working on something enterprise-level or mandating top-tier productivity—such as finance, e-commerce, or big data—Java’s your best bet.

But if you look to quickly get something off the ground, especially for prototypes, data-driven software, or machine learning, use Python. It is definitely a better match.

Why Choose SCAND for Your Python or Java Project?

At SCAND, we’ve been helping businesses turn concepts into tangible software products for over 20 years. No matter if you plan to build a big, complex enterprise solution with Java or need to quickly put together a data-driven app with Python, we’ve got the expertise to make it happen.

Our team has loads of experience with both languages and understands the peculiarities of various industries, so we can help you choose the right technology for your specific project.

We work closely with you through every phase of development to prove your project is delivered on time and adheres to all of your performance and security necessities.

The Bottom Line

As you can see, Python and Java have their own benefits as well as drawbacks. When looking for the right tool for software development, you should consider the goals of the future app and the functionality it needs.

At SCAND, we have decades of experience working with both Java and Python and can help you make the right choice as well as deliver a robust and reliable application. Contact us to ask any questions and get additional information.

FAQ: Java vs Python

What are the main differences between Java and Python?

The main differences between Python and Java depend on their approach to processing code. Java is a compiled language, which means it turns code into machine code before running. Python, unlike Java, is interpreted, so it runs the code line by line, which might affect its speed. Another visible difference is that Java uses static-typing syntax, meaning you must define variable types. Python uses dynamic typing, in turn, making it more pliable. Java is often used for enterprise applications, mobile app development, and large-scale systems, while Python is normally preferred for AI, data science, and back-end web development.

Which one is better: Java or Python?

There’s no single answer—one is better depending on the demands, project, and plans. If you need speed and stability, Java is faster because it compiles before running. If you want rapid development, Python is also a great choice because its simpler syntax lets you write code faster. Development teams working on modern web applications, automation, or AI usually tend to pick Python. Java developers, in turn, prefer it for mobile app development, enterprise software, and other Java projects that must perform well under heavy usage.

Is Java harder to learn than the Python programming language?

Yes, many beginners find Python easier because the Python code is simple and readable. Python requires fewer lines of code and doesn’t oblige you to declare variable types. Java code, compared to Python, has a static-typing syntax and strict syntax rules, which can make it harder at first but help prevent mistakes. Although Python is also easier for beginners, learning to write Java might seem better for those who want to work on Java apps, enterprise software, or mobile development.