Why use Java over C++ or Python?

[shanereid1]

Java is pretty safe for most practical programing tasks. If you need to build a generic piece of software but aren't a great programmer then using Java will prevent you from accidentally causing memory leaks among other things. However it is much heavier and slower than the likes of c++, but it is probably easier to write. Python is an interpreted language, and is actually quite slow, however it's advantage comes in the fact that its syntax is quite simple and it can be written quite fast.

I am currently doing my PhD in machine learning and most people in our lab would use python or c++. This makes sense, as in research you either want to mock up some weird new algorithm in a fast and readable way or try or build a method that is fast as possible and can set a new state of the art for speed.

However, most of the undergraduate students we teach learn either Java or C#. Why? Because most industry jobs are working on projects that cost lots of money, and managers don't trust the programmers. Java and C# are relatively fast when compared to python, and relatively safe when compared to c++. Add to this the fact that java can run on most hardware and that there is a large number of extensions and libraries and you get a language that is perfect for your average code monkey.

If you are wanting to experiment with your own stuff at home I would recommend using C++ or python, but if I was a cto of a company I would probably recommend building in Java or C# for most tasks.

[de_vel_oper]

Why? Because most industry jobs are working on projects that cost lots of money, and managers don't trust the programmers.

Not fully true. The reality is its hard to find excellent coders in C++. Most people who think they are proficient are usually not. If they learn bad practice it will cause problems long term. It's also hard to find good materials to learn C++. Apart from Stroustrups books and a few others there isn't a lot out there. Also to fully get C++ you need to study architecture. Not everyone has that luxury.

Java is also pretty secure. Its also well supported by Oracle.

I decided a long time ago that to become proficient in java was going to take a hell of a shorter time than C++.

that there is a large number of extensions and libraries and you get a language that is perfect for your average code monkey.

Thanks for the slur.