WGU INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Java vs. C#: Which Language Should You Choose?
All kinds of businesses and organizations use programming languages to build software programs, develop web applications, structure cloud computing systems, and more. Two popular programming languages that fulfill these roles include Java and C# depending on specific project requirements and the target platform.
Java and C# have steadily grown in popularity and usefulness, and both offer unique advantages and disadvantages in programming, engineering, and other computer applications.
Read on to learn about the various features and use cases of Java and C#, as well as how these programming languages compare to each other.
Overview of Java and C#
Java Timeline:
1991: Software developers James Gosling, Mike Sheridan, and Patrick Naughton begin the Java language project under the name, “Oak”
1996: The first public iteration of Java (1.0) is launched by Sun Microsystems
1998–1999: J2SE 1.2 is released, later becoming Java 2 (which includes enterprise-level technological applications)
2006–2007: Sun Microsystems releases Java Virtual Machine (JVM) as a free, open-source software for Java programming
2009–2010: Oracle Corporation acquires Sun Microsystems
2010: James Gosling resigns from Oracle
2023: Java 8, 11, 17, and 21 are officially supported as Long-Term Support versions
C# Timeline:
1988: Microsoft undertakes a project to create a variant of the C language. They name it “C#” but never complete it.
1999: Microsoft engineer Anders Hejlsberg forms a team to develop “Cool,” a new object-oriented programming language, alongside Microsoft’s .NET Framework
2000: .NET Framework is officially announced and “Cool” is renamed to “C#”
2002: Java creator James Gosling labels C# an imitation of Java with less reliability and security
2004: C# mascot Andy is retired
2005: C# 2.0 is launched and begins a steadily divergent trajectory away from Java, with features like reification and LINQ extensions
2012: C# is submitted to the ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 22 for standardization approval
Java is commonly used to build optimized web applications, mobile apps, cloud computing systems, and more. It offers expansive libraries that support graphical interfacing, cybersecurity measures, artificial intelligence and deep learning, desktop applications and plugins, and other forms of application development.
C# is suitable for high-level, robust software applications. It is a component of Microsoft’s .NET Framework and is executed in the Common Language Runtime (CLR) software environment. C# has been used extensively for desktop and web app development as well as video game development.
Below are comparisons of specific Java and C# features:
Syntax and Language Structure
Java
Java's object-oriented programming (OOP) and clear syntax make it an excellent choice for creating modular and maintainable code. This allows programmers to follow the principle of "write once, run anywhere," which means that code written in Java can be executed on any platform.
C#
When it comes to Java vs C#, one standout feature of C# is its use of Language Integrated Query (LINQ) syntax. This powerful feature allows programmers to manipulate data with minimal code, making writing in C# simple, efficient, and easily digestible. The combination of LINQ syntax and C#'s strong, unified type system results in highly structured, polished, and secure code statements that are then entered into a compiler. This makes C# a top choice for developers looking for a language that offers both flexibility and reliability.
Platform and Ecosystem
Platforms
Libraries
Frameworks
Java
Windows, MacOS, iOS, Linux, Android
Java Class Library (Apache Commons, Maven, Jackson, etc.)
Java Framework (Spring, Hibernate, Play, etc.)
C#
Windows, other open-source platforms
Framework Class Library (Dapper, AutoMapper, Entity Framework, etc.)
.NET Framework (ASP.NET, Blazor, etc.)
Platforms
Libraries
Frameworks
Java
Windows, MacOS, iOS, Linux, Android
Java
Java Class Library (Apache Commons, Maven, Jackson, etc.)
Java
Java Framework (Spring, Hibernate, Play, etc.)
C#
Windows, other open-source platforms
C#
Framework Class Library (Dapper, AutoMapper, Entity Framework, etc.)
C#
.NET Framework (ASP.NET, Blazor, etc.)
Memory Management
Java offers high-quality performance at the cost of consuming more memory, while C# provides slightly faster performance thanks to automatic garbage collection, which frees up memory that’s no longer needed by a program.
Java
- Multithreaded environment lets users perform multiple tasks at once
- High memory and processing requirements
- Exception handling and garbage collecting
C#
- Automatic garbage collection
- Automated memory management
- Fast, efficient performance
Object-Oriented Features
Both Java and C# are object-oriented programming languages, which means that their code is written around data, objects, and classes rather than logic. While each language operates similarly in terms of object-oriented features, C# tends to function faster than Java.
Inheritance in Java might look like, “class derived-class extends base-class.” The key term in this process is “extends.” An example of inheritance in C# may look like, “class Dog : Animal {.” In C#, the colon performs inheritance.
Inheritance
Polymorphism
Encapsulation
Java
- Single-level
- Multi-level
- Hierarchical
- Multiple
- Hybrid
- Method overloading
- Method overriding
Data and code acting upon data are integrated
C#
- Single-level
- Multi-level
- Hierarchical
- Static
- Dynamic
Private, protected, and internal access modifiers are used to create single units
Inheritance
Polymorphism
Encapsulation
Java
- Single-level
- Multi-level
- Hierarchical
- Multiple
- Hybrid
Java
- Method overloading
- Method overriding
Java
Data and code acting upon data are integrated
C#
- Single-level
- Multi-level
- Hierarchical
C#
- Static
- Dynamic
C#
Private, protected, and internal access modifiers are used to create single units
Development Tools
Java and C# use numerous development tools to aid users in their programming and development efforts. These tools are designed to increase productivity and shorten the amount of time users spend building software programs, web applications, and more.
Examples of common Java development tools include:
- Apache Maven
- JIRA
- IntelliJ IDEA
- GIT and GitHub
- Jenkins
Some popular C# development tools include the following:
- Visual Studio
- JetBrains Rider
- Subversion
- SlickEdit
- LINQPad
Many of these tools provide code editing, refactoring, debugging, and auto-completing capabilities, making programming in Java and C# efficient and convenient.
Power BI
Power BI can display data in the following formats:
- Column charts
- Area charts
- Funnel charts
- Line charts
- Ribbon charts
These charts and other dashboards are designed with an emphasis on readability.
Tableau
Tableau can display data in the following formats:
- Pie charts
- Bar charts
- Bullet charts
- Boxplots
- Gantt charts
- Maps (geographic, flow, heat, point distribution)
Tableau offers more complex forms of data visualization and encourages more user customization than Power BI.
Use Cases
Where are Java and C# commonly used, and what industries benefit the most from them?
Java
- Web development
- Software development
- Big data
- Social media
- Finance
- Healthcare
- E-commerce
C#
- Web app development
- Desktop app development
- Video game development
- Enterprise-level software
- Microsoft Windows services
- Finance
Examples of real-world projects, products, and services wherein businesses and organizations have used Java and C# include:
- Google Gmail (Java)
- Microsoft Edge internet browser (Java)
- Amazon Web Services (Java)
- Unity game engine (C#)
- Trustpilot (C#)
- Adobe Flash (C#)
Learn more about WGU programs and courses that use these programming languages:
Technology
Data Analytics – B.S.
Lean into data, and walk away with a cutting-edge online degree:...
Lean into data, and walk away with a cutting-edge online degree:
- Time: 62% of graduates finish within 36 months.
- Tuition and fees: $3,835 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 39 total courses in this program.
Certifications in this program at no additional cost include:
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
- CompTIA Data+
- CompTIA Project+
- Udacity Nanodegree—a unique, highly recognized credential designed to prepare you for a career in data science
- MSI Change Management (Optional Certification)
- Certiprof Design Thinking Professional Certificate (Optional Certification)
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Data management
- Data wrangling
- Statistical analysis
- Visualization
- Leadership and management
- Model deployment & storytelling
Technology
Data Analytics – M.S.
Lead businesses with strong analysis skills:...
Lead businesses with strong analysis skills:
- Time: 61% of graduates finish within 20 months.
- Tuition: $4,520 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 11 total courses in this program.
This program consists of three specialization areas which allow you to gain specific experience and skills that will benefit your future career. You can choose from data science, data engineering, and decision process engineering specializations to enhance your degree.
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Data Modeling
- Big Data
- Business Intelligence
- Data Quality
- SQL
- Python
Find Your Degree
WGU offers a flexible, competency-based learning model that empowers you to progress through courses as quickly as you master the material, potentially graduating faster and saving money. Learn more about our IT degrees and how you can become proficient in Java.
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