Difference Between Java and C

Java vs C

C and Java are both power programming languages with many advantages. C is more of a procedure-oriented programming language which means that there is a procedure to be written for certain tasks, and programs are built by calling those procedures. Java, as everybody knows, is an object-oriented programming language in which OOP is used to define classes. Many objects can be created using a single class. Though both the languages are geared towards a particular style of programming, it is still possible to write in a procedural style in Java and object-oriented style in C. However, in each case, the language will somehow get in your way while programming which is annoying.

The C Language implements a stage of compilation called preprocessor which generally performs an intelligent search to replace the identifiers that are declared using #define or #typedef directives. Java language does not have a preprocessor. #Define directive and class definitions are replaced by constant data members. In C language, preprocessor definitions are often stored in header files which is not the case in Java because Java programs do not use header files.

As far as memory management is concerned in C, the programmer must explicitly free any memory allocated on the heap. Failing to do so will result in memory leaks. Whereas in Java, the memory is automatically freed with the help of a garbage collector. Hence, in Java there is less chance of memory getting leaked.

C language supports pointer which many programmers think is a major contributor to bugs in the programs. Failure to use the pointers in the correct way will result in bugs which again leads to a waste of time in fixing them. Java does not support pointers; however, it offers functionality that is similar to that of pointers through heavy references. This approach avoids bugs due to improper management of pointers.

Programs written in C language compile to native machine code which means that the programs written in C must be run on the platform they were compiled to run on. Java compiles to Java byte code which runs on top of a Java virtual machine environment. The byte code can be ported to different platforms and can be executed on different operating systems.

Java language does not provide direct support for multiple inheritance but offers functionality similar to multiple inheritance by using interfaces.

Operator overloading in C is an important feature which is not supported in Java language. Both C and Java are very prominent programming languages with a plethora of advantages and features which helps programmers to create robust applications and software.

Summary:

1. C is procedure-oriented language whereas Java is an object-oriented programming

language.

2. The C compiles the source code to native machine code whereas Java compiles to

Java byte code.

3. The memory management in C language is manual whereas in Java it is managed by

a garbage collector.

4. The C language contains a preprocessor whereas Java does not support a

preprocessor.

5. In C language, pointers are very commonly used whereas in Java, references are

used.

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