Java is one of the most popular programming languages in existence, consistently ranked as one of the two most-used languages. It’s been around for 24 years and is the language of choice for everything from Android apps to financial services server-side applications.
If you’re working with a Java development company to bring your next great project to fruition, it’s important to understand how the language works, including the benefits and drawbacks of using it. Here are some of the pros and cons to consider.
Pros of using Java
What are the benefits of using Java? Given its popularity, there are many pros.
1. Easy to use
Particularly compared with languages such as C++, Java is relatively easy to learn and implement. Debugging, finding errors, compiling, writing code, and even reading the language are all simplified. It abstracts away memory management and other complex processes, meaning Java developers can rely on the computer to handle complex and tedious tasks.
2. Presence and community
Used by the likes of Google, Spotify, Instagram, Netflix, and many other corporate giants, Java has proven to have a lasting impact and presence. Because it is so popular and there are few languages that threaten to dethrone it, it has a large community. That means there are plenty of other Java programmers ready to answer questions about the language and assist with troubleshooting. There are also numerous resources, such as courses and articles, available to Java developers as well.
3. Platform independent
Java is platform-independent, meaning that the source code can run on any operating system and browser, so long as it supports the language. Your Java development company can create products that run on different devices regardless of their systems.
4. Frequent updates
Java has clearly stood the test of time, but that doesn’t mean it’s not evolving. Oracle, Java’s creator, is constantly releasing new features. For example, in Java 12, released in March of 2019, garbage collection pause times are reduced. Garbage collection refers to Java’s process for automatic memory management. Ultimately, frequent enhancements mean your Java development company can better execute your project.
5. Security
Security is central to Java’s design, with a security manager, a Virtual Machine that verifies bytecode prior to running it, and other features. These are all meant to promote the safety of your project at every stage of its development. Whether you’re going the Java outsourcing route or using in-house Java developers, you can rest assured your project is secure.
Cons of using Java
Despite Java’s age and popularity, there are some drawbacks to using the language. Here are some of the most frequent criticisms.
1. Performance
Java is slow, especially compared with languages that are natively compiled, such as C++. Although the speed has improved some since Java was first created, many programmers complain about its performance. This should be a consideration when working with Java development services when building your programs.
2. Memory
Another drawback of Java is that it requires a significant amount of memory space — again, particularly compared with languages such as C and C++. When using Java, garbage collection manages the memory and affects the performance of the entire application when the collector is running. The other threads of execution usually run at the same time but must come to a halt when the garbage collection takes place.
3. Overall look and feel
If your Java development company is creating an Android app, there are tools available for developing the user interface, such as Android Studio. However, desktop apps are a different story. It can be difficult to find a graphical user interface platform that is consistent and feels native.
4. Complexity of code
Java developers also sometimes complain that the code uses complex sentences and too many words, making it difficult to read and understand. Written in an English-like language, Java intends to be more manageable but ends up providing too much explanation and being overly complex. This can slow down the programming process for a Java development company.
Java has stood the test of time. It’s one of the most popular and widely-used languages in the world, thanks to its many commendable features. Still, there are several drawbacks to using the language as well. When considering whether to employ a Java development company for your project, weigh the pros and cons and how they will impact the process and end result.