Python vs. Java is a good starting point for assessing how to complete your upcoming project. These two languages dominated the programming world in 2024 – ranking in the top three for the year – and will probably continue to do so into 2025.
Choosing the right language depends on your business as well as the product(s) you intend to create.
Just recently, the August 2020 Tiobe index – a trusted resource for measuring the popularity of programming languages – listed Java as the second most popular language and put Python at third.
It’s hard to decide which programming language will fit your business objectives best when you don’t know the strengths and weaknesses of the technologies surrounding it. This knowledge is critical for making the right choice.
In fact, Python and Java have many similarities when you compare their features using six important features that any programming language should have, those features being:
- Performance
- Readability
- Collaboration
- Hiring
- Learning Difficulty
- Dynamic vs. Static
Although Python does just a little bit better than Java when these features are at stake, it’s still worth looking at an in-depth comparison.
Luckily, Trio is here for you. You’ll find a side-by-side Python vs. Java comparison right here!
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Python vs. Java: Side-By-Side Comparison
Both Java and Python have some unique advantages.
Thus, in order to get to the bottom of this Python vs. Java debate, you’ll have to cross-examine their differences closely and look at the languages side-by-side to figure out what’s what.
Let’s take a closer look at each of the criteria down below.
Performance
Java is faster than Python. This is for a number of reasons.
The main factor is the fact that Java is a compiled language with the aid of a Just-In-Time (JIT) compiler.
Python has a slower runtime because it is interpreted. Considering this, it takes more work to get Python source code to the nitty-gritty bits that computers can actually read. Java, with the aid of its JIT compiler, has a natural advantage over Python in this regard.
This has been supported with a practical benchmark for 2024 that revealed how Java outperforms Python in many tasks, including processing large datasets and building high-traffic APIs.
What’s more, although interpreted languages can provide an environment to debug-as-you-go, so to speak, certain runtime errors that have to do with type checking and conversion will be left completely vulnerable.
Parsing through such errors will indubitably take time – time that Java developers can use more efficiently.
TL;DR: Java is faster for most tasks due to its compiled nature, making it ideal for high-performance applications.
Related reading: Vue.js vs. Angular in 2024: Side-by-Side Comparison
Learning Difficulty
Python is easier to learn. The coding style is instinctive, and the syntax is really easy to understand. In fact, Python is known as the go-to coding language to teach beginner programmers.
It is often the first language taught in schools and other educational institutions.
Perhaps this is because Java is middle-level. In some ways, this means that complexity is built-in.
The utility of significant whitespace definitely contributes to Python’s ease of use as well. Python is widely adopted in data analysis and scripting, making it perfect for rapid development. Ultimately, if you want something easy, go with Python.
TL;DR: Python is easier to learn, making it the better choice for beginners or rapid development.
Dynamic vs. Static
This subject makes for another Python vs. Java crossroads. Whether to use dynamically typed languages or statically typed languages is a matter of preference.
Dynamic typing (Python) provides flexibility for rapid prototyping, while static typing (Java) ensures reliability and reduces runtime errors.
Dynamic languages only perform type checking at runtime compared to static languages, where type checking is done at compilation.
Type checking is the process of ensuring that all reference types match up to their expected values.
This way, the computer won’t get confused if, for example, an integer variable is given an alphabetic value.
Of course, misunderstandings – or bugs – do happen, and they’re all the more likely to happen with dynamic languages.
On the other hand, dynamic languages tend to be less verbose and are easier to debug in most cases. But is simplicity a good excuse for being vulnerable to errors?
In short, dynamic typing speeds up innovation in startups, while static typing suits enterprise-grade systems.
Here is a quick comparison of the pros and cons of each type to help you make up your mind.
| Typing | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Dynamic | Flexibility, faster prototyping. | Error-prone. |
| Static | Errors prevented and better overall performance. | Verbose and rigid. |
TL;DR: Stalemate. Dynamic typing (Python) offers flexibility, but static typing (Java) ensures reliability.
Code Readability
The Python philosophy has code readability at its core.
The language enables your developers’ code to be clean, readable, and concise.
Quite a few developers choose Python over other languages to avoid writing extra code and keep their programs maintainable. Python’s simple syntax also facilitates collaboration in team projects and reduces maintenance overhead.
Java is more verbose, but it is working toward the same goals. Java 9 implemented modules in an attempt to accelerate software development and provide additional structure. But it’s not there yet.
To better understand this, let’s look at a side-by-side comparison.
Python:
def greet(name):
return f"Hello, {name}!"Java:
public class Greeting {
public static String greet(String name) {
return "Hello, " + name + "!";
}
}TL;DR: Python excels in readability, making it ideal for collaborative projects and maintainable codebases.
Popularity
The 2024 Tiobe Index clearly shows that Java is more popular than Python.
And yet, things are not as they seem. This measure of popularity relies on search queries conducted on Google, Google Blogs, MSN, Yahoo! Baidu, Wikipedia, and YouTube.
For alternative methodologies, consider the Popularity of Programming Language (PYPL) index.
Their methodology is dependent on Google searches for language tutorials. To some, this could indicate a higher investment in a certain language.
According to the PYPL index, Python is in first place with a 29.8% share of the overall data. Java has roughly half of that share at 15.35%.
At Trio, we’ve also been able to witness Python’s growth in emerging technologies while Java maintains a stronghold in enterprise systems.
TL;DR: Python leads in emerging tech fields like AI, while Java remains a staple in enterprise development.
Community & Collaboration
There are many paths to follow to find community in either Python or Java.
Java User Groups (JUGS) are volunteer organizations that strive to share Java knowledge throughout the world via networking events.
These groups are increasingly popular and widespread.
In addition, JavaOne, a distinguished programming event, was held each year from 1996 to 2018. It’s now been rebranded as Oracle Code One as a hub for all programming in general.
Plus, under Oracle ownership, Java is privileged with corporate sponsorship.
For all that, this could pale in the face of the Python community. The official website maintains that Python has 1637 user groups in 191 cities and 37 countries with over 860,333 members.
Python has conferences, too. PyCon is the largest annual convention that supports Python. And PyLadies encourages women to take an interest in coding through mentorship.
Popular tools like Python’s PyPI and Java’s Eclipse IDE also foster collaboration among developers.
None of this data can stack up to Stack Overflow, where you can guess millions of anonymous community members are hidden behind screens.
In reality, it is difficult to measure the sheer size and collaboration propensity of communities with the popularity and development flexibility of Python and Java. This is another stagnate note for the Python vs. Java discourse.
TL;DR: Both languages have strong communities, with Python excelling in open-source contributions and Java in enterprise support.
Difficulty of Hiring Developers
This is undoubtedly a salient subject area for someone looking to start a 2025 project with qualified developers. Fortunately, you’ll have no difficulty in hiring developers for Python or Java.
Whatever the Python vs. Java rivalry entails, both languages are in high demand. Ergo, you’ll have a large pool of applicants. One piece of advice is to make sure you’re hiring the right developers.
Python developers are often sought after for AI/ML roles, while Java developers dominate enterprise-level projects.
One of the recommendations that we give all our clients is to consider hiring a remote developer is they are struggling with finding someone.
South America has a growing pool of skilled developers for both languages, offering cost-effective hiring options.
TL;DR: Both Python and Java developers are widely available, ensuring a deep talent pool for hiring.
Now that you know how Python and Java compare, it might be worthwhile to look at how they stand alone without the pressure of competition.
What Is Python?
Python is a high-level, general-purpose interpreted programming language.
Python is a high-level, general-purpose, interpreted programming language developed by Guido van Rossum. Known for its emphasis on code reliability, Python stands out due to its clean syntax and its distinctive use of significant whitespace.
To review, high-level languages are in immediate contrast with low-level languages. Low-level languages don’t go far beyond the 0s and 1s of machine code, which bears the most resemblance to how computers talk.
Although low-level languages are slightly more readable than a couple of numbers, they can be just as confusing to look at. This is why high-level languages are much preferred.
High-level languages abstract machine code to syntax that can be understood relatively easily by human eyes.
As an interpreted language, Python translates code line by line at runtime, which simplifies debugging and fosters rapid development. Because of this, developers can sometimes debug code in real time!
General purpose simply means that Python can be used for a diverse range of software purposes, such as mobile or web development.
The most distinctive trait of Python is its use of whitespace. Typically, languages require some textual indicator that a block of code is finished. Often, those characters are brackets or semicolons. Instead, Python uses whitespace itself as a material marker for the end of a code block.
Python also happens to be object-oriented. This means developers can store data and metadata using the concept of objects as intuitive placeholders for real-life constructs.
Objects are defined inside of classes, making Python class-based. You can think of classes as templates for objects.
These features make Python an intuitive and versatile language, suitable for a wide range of applications. Of course, there are some particular advantages as well.
What Are the Advantages of Python?
Python first appeared in 1990 and still it tops charts. Even now when search engines are filled to the brim with Java vs. Python inquiries, there must be a reason why developers finally chose to use Python over other languages.
- Third-Party Modules
Python has a repository of software called the Python Package Index (PyPI). It contains numerous third-party modules to help developers interact with most other languages and platforms.
- Support Libraries
On a related note, Python carries its own standard library that truly justifies its general-purpose categorization.
There are tools you can use for game development, web development, and even machine learning like TensorFlow and PyTorch..
- Open-Source
Languages that have open-source licensing more often than not have the advantage of continuous improvement.
Developers who use Python and are committed to its advancement will have the opportunity to modify the language towards that end goal.
This ensures that it stays relevant in emerging fields like AI and data science.
- Community
In the same vein, having a large community behind Python’s development doesn’t hurt. With annual events like PyCon, Python developers have ample opportunities to network and share knowledge.
The bigger the community, the more developers will be invested in Python’s prolonged success.
- Data Structures
Data structures are a means of organizing data within code. For example, a list or array in a program is a data structure.
While all of Python’s data structures are user-friendly, its most idiosyncratic one is the dictionary.
Dictionaries in Python can store heterogeneous values, whether they be numbers, letters, or strings of multiple characters. They can also be indexed by key values so developers have them ready for quick access later.
- Productive
The object-oriented design of Python enhances its processing capacity leading to more speed and productivity.
This is why developers use Python to make complex network applications. Django, a high-level Python framework for secure and scalable web app development, is a good example of this.
When Is the Use of Python Recommended?
There are several instances where the use of Python would be recommended.
The first would be for applications that rely heavily on a graphical user interface (GUI). Python has many GUI frameworks, the tkinter module being a fan favorite.
Turtle, a module in tkinter, is often introduced to beginner programmers as a standalone implementation. Novice developers are able to code instructions to a moveable drawing stick i. e. the turtle, and draw images.
The most common uses of Python GUI programming are for building games, computational applications like graphs and calculators, and image processing.
Developers also utilize Python for language development, prototypes, operating systems, business application, and web frameworks or applications.
To summarize, Python is highly recommended for:
- AI and machine learning applications (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch)
- Web development frameworks (e.g., Django, Flask)
- Data analysis and automation
- Prototyping for startups, thanks to its rapid development capabilities
- GUI applications with frameworks like tkinter
Industries such as fintech, healthcare, and education rely heavily on Python for its flexibility and scalability.
Which Companies Use Python?
Python is particularly great for startups thanks to its rapid prototyping. But this doesn’t mean it is limited to small companies.
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that some major companies are using Python as their premier programming language. Let’s see why.
Probably not one of the companies listed here is unfamiliar. But Google should be by far the most familiar.
Google is one of the largest companies in the world. Primarily known for its search engine, it also plays a foundational role in services such as the Android operating system, Youtube, and Stadia.
Python is a core language for Google. Its simplistic syntax and easy maintenance allows for rapid deployments – an important attribute for the most hyped up Google projects.
The language is also a functional asset for machine learning and artificial intelligence. These facets are integral to Google’s search algorithms.
Facebook is a social networking site, and the most triumphant of them all. Despite being developed in 2004, Facebook has over 2.6 billion users, and it’s not slowing down.
Python’s package support is a big factor in Facebook’s ongoing development; particularly in its backend operations. The engineering team behind Facebook also contributes to Python’s open-source community with its own features and bug fixes.
Related read: 15 companies that use Node.Js
Instagram is another social media platform but it operates primarily through a mobile app and digital photography is the main form of content.
Django, previously mentioned as a framework for building web apps, can credit Instagram for having the largest implementation of the framework.
Through Django, Instagram can present itself as a mobile application, though it’s coded natively as a web app.
- Netflix
Netflix uses Python for analytics, personalization algorithms, and internal tools.
Its versatility allows Netflix to adapt to evolving user needs efficiently. And, of course, its rapid development is also essential for the service that heavily relies on user satisfaction.
What Is Java?
Java and Python share many characteristics. This is why the Python vs. Java holy war probably won’t end anytime soon.
The upside is that you won’t have to sit through another long-winded explanation to understand why Java is a valuable language to use.
In short, Java is a general-purpose class-based, object-oriented programming language. You should have the terms object-oriented and general-purpose down pat and saved in your mental dictionary.
Another trait of Java is that it is a compiled language, at least somewhat. Typically, compiled languages stand in opposition to interpreted languages.
Compiled languages are directly translated to machine code at compilation in turn for interpreted languages that wait until runtime.
Since machines are getting a full translation, compiled languages tend to execute faster and be more efficient.
In Java specifically, compilation works differently, and there are two programs that the environment depends on.
The first is the Java Just-In-Time (JIT) compiler. And the second is the Java Virtual Machine (JVM).
The JIT compiler compiles the source code into a low-level version called byte code.
On the other hand, the JVM acts as a middle-man, blurring the definitions when it comes to interpreted and compiled languages.
Portability describes the usability of the same software in multiple environments. One way to characterize this feature is by the motto, “Write once, run everywhere.” The slogan is meant to be a descriptor of Java’s cross-platform capabilities.
The language was designed to have as few implementation dependencies as possible, meaning that to run on different platforms developers won’t have the same dependencies that a language like Python might need.
What Are the Advantages of Java?
Java has some key conveniences; and if you’re truly dedicated to the Python vs. Java debate, it’s only fair to give both sides due process.
After all, judging by the numbers you saw, Java is more popular than Python.
With that said, look no further for the following Java advantages.
- Cross-Functional
If you’ve neglected to take away anything from this reading material, then heed now that Java is a highly portable language.
There are many ways to describe its portability from the adjective cross-platform to a quick summary of its implementation dependencies to a four-worded slogan. But you get the idea.
- Multithreading Support
Multithreading in programming refers to when two or more parts of a program run concurrently to optimize central processing unit (CPU) usage.
Java can effectively be used to program large systems, making such a feature nearly imperative.
- Community
Alike to Python, Java has a large community which can be attributed to its popularity. However, Java is also popular amongst large-scale enterprises.
Though Python is showing its head in some of the same cliques, Java has a substantial base for business-oriented developers, resulting in a niche market in addition to the larger community.
- Development Tools
Java has some really nice development tools, Eclipse SDK and Netbeans, to name a few. Both have debugging capabilities and work as integrated development environments (IDEs).
Eclipse especially may be the most used platform for Java developers. The IDE supports auto-completion, and more importantly, development at an industrial level.
When Is the Use of Java Recommended?
Being general-purpose, Java has the capacity to run all sorts of applications.
A number of these match up with Python, including:
- Android app development
- Enterprise-level systems (e.g., ERP, CRM)
- Middleware and backend solutions
- Scientific applications requiring robust performance
But one outstanding tidbit about Java is that it is refreshingly middle-level – though there is some dissent on that given developers are unsure of how middle-level should even be defined.
Here’s a pretty straightforward explanation: Middle-level languages combine elements of both low-level and high-level language.
Essentially, middle-level languages can offer a low-level access to memory while still providing a high-level abstraction through their readable syntax.
To put it one way, Java is a viable language to use for systems programming, a type of programming allotted to building large and/or embedded systems.
Such systems have software that interacts directly with the hardware.
This interaction requires a reasonable amount of complexity, and middle-level languages take the bait.
Because Java is a middle-level language, you can build complex systems like web servers, application servers, and other middleware products using Java.
Industries like banking, e-commerce, and logistics frequently use Java for its reliability and scalability.
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Which Companies Use Java?
Naturally, Java’s popularity would attract some spectators.
It is the responsibility of professional developers to watch out for trends and always look for ways to optimize their programming.
Some major companies have done just that and are faithful Java developers.
- Android
Android is a mobile operating system currently powering 2.5 billion devices. Take note that an operating system is not to be confused with a phone manufacturer. This seems to be a common misinterpretation.
For instance, an Android phone can be a Samsung. It can also be an LG or HTC.
At any rate, Android and iOS are the two highest-performing mobile operating systems, the Windows phone having been disbanded in 2017 for failing to keep up with Android and iOS.
While it’s not appropriate to discuss whether Android or iOS is better right at this minute, it is worth knowing why Android developers must use Java to develop for the Google Play Store.
Java is a sensible choice for Android because of its mass popularity and community, as well as its high portability. Its portability ensures seamless compatibility across billions of devices.
As the motto, “Write once, run everywhere,” rings true, many Java developers can easily transition to mobile development in Android.
Popularity and community only increase this reality, extending a full-circle effect. Many willing developers come running to Android’s doors, increasing the popularity of the operating system itself.
- Uber
Uber is a ride-hailing company that’s deployed as a mobile app.
All you need is some basic contact information to make an account and then you’ll no longer have to remember any complicated hand gestures to catch a cab.
This taxi alternative chose Java for its performance rankings.
Uber developers also take advantage of the open-source ecosystem as it permits integration with external technologies for database management and analysis.
- Netflix
Netflix is the most well-known streaming service for watching films and series at a low monthly cost.
The website is a useful illustration of a single-page application. Single-page applications do not need to be reloaded in spite of their dynamic content.
Rather than just Java itself, Netflix uses Spring Boot, a Java-based framework used for developing microservices. Microservices is an architectural programming style whereas a singular application can be structured as a collection of services.
Developers favor microservice applications because they are easy to maintain and test.
Andy Glover, Director of Engineering at Netflix, also likes Java because the language is accompanied by high access to developers who can quickly catch up to speed and start developing.
- Amazon
Amazon uses Java in its backend systems. This means that the language enables its e-commerce platform, which can sometimes have millions of users and transactions in a single day.
Reliability is crucial for the company, and Java allows them to not only have that reliability, but also scalability.
Conclusion
You’ve cruised through every point on the Python vs. Java deliberation. Python and Java do share some similarities, mainly in that they are both object-oriented and general-purpose. These are utilitarian qualities to have for any programming language.
Where Java and Python contrast holds the source of the real contradictions. Python, for one, is dynamic and interpreted. But Java is static and compiled.
Java is faster, but Python is easier. Hopefully, at this point, you’ve found some answers. You’ve certainly done the reading.
Choose Python for AI, data science, and rapid development; opt for Java for enterprise systems, Android apps, and high-performance solutions.
And now, if you are in search of Senior Python developers and/or Senior Java Developers, Trio is here to help you with the best professionals in the market.
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