Not many technologies can boast of staying relevant for over 2 decades. But, this year, Java has been ranked the 3rd most popular technology, surpassed only by the number one, programming language C followed by Python. While many programming languages are widely used in the world of software development, Java remains the most loved and used option for developers.
However, this does not mean that this versatile, all-terrain language is flawless. Java comes with its share of downsides along with its many benefits. So, if you are starting a project using this time-tested language, it is vital to understand the pros and cons associated with a Java-based program.
What is Java?
If you ask a developer to list the top 5 web development technologies, Java will certainly be on that list. This object-oriented programming language runs on every operating system. Popular for its write-once-run-anywhere capabilities, Java is an entire powerhouse of tools.
From your Android phone, your favorite mobile games, and web apps to Big Data, scientific computing, and websites - Java is everywhere. Today, its logo of a steaming cup of coffee is universally recognized as the symbol of programming. And nobody knows what came first - the developer’s obsession with coffee or the associations with Java that are synonymous with caffeine!
Pros of Java Development - The Bright Side
1. Easy to Learn: It not only easier to learn but also its code mechanism enables ease to debug & maintain! Unlike C and C++, Java has fewer complex features. It is similar to human language as opposed to other languages that resemble machine code. It makes the development process seamless to offer speedy conversions that use interpreters and compilers.
2. Object-oriented: Enables developers to write programs, reuse objects for other programs and prevent errors that occur when objects hide data. This also means that Java makes reading, writing, and maintaining code simple, and you can easily modernize legacy code.
3. Secure: Helps reduce security risks by avoiding the use of explicit pointers. Pointers leave the memory vulnerable to threats by causing unauthorized access. But this concept does not exist in Java! The language also provides a security manager for every app so you can define the access rules for each class.
4. Multithreaded & Distributed Language: Equipped to perform several tasks simultaneously within one program. It provides a mechanism for sharing programs and information across several computers. This boosts system efficiency and performance. It also facilitates distributed computing on one network which is great for developing apps.
5. Integration with Various APIs: Application Programming Interfaces are essentially methods or commands that ensure seamless communication for different tasks. This includes networking, database connection, utilities, and more.
Cons of Java Development - The Flip Side
1. Java Takes Up Considerable Space for Memory
It manages memory through garbage collection. So, when the rngarbage collector is working, it takes a toll on the app's performance. This is because it can only work when all the other threads aren’t working.
2. Java’s Commercial License Comes at a Cost
The Java Standard Edition 8 is not free-to-use for commercial and business purposes. So when you need updates or bug fixes, you are charged depending on the number of processors or users.
3. It Does not Give You that Native Look & Feel (desktop)
rnThe Android Studio was uniquely designed for Android mobile development to give the apps a native look and feel. But when the conversation goes to the UI of desktop programs, Java is sure to invite performance issues. You’ll have to do additional research and find the right tool for a specific project’s GUI if you want to avoid the lag.
4. The Code is Way too Verbose
Being a high-level language, Java needs programmers to use several words. So, when you are writing down your thoughts and commands, the code tends to become drastically huge. It is this wordiness that makes the code more complex with long explanations.
So, Should You Still Use Java?
Despite all the shortcomings and challenges, Java is an advantageous programming language. Its benefits far outweigh its flaws. And that’s the reason why it continues to top the list of popular and preferred programming languages in the development community since it was launched in 1995.
Java’s security, platform independence, maintainability, stability, and robustness make it an ideal option for FinTech sites, PoS systems, Trading apps, Big Data programs, and Android Mobile Development. So, if you want to enhance your professional portfolio, you must learn all the essential
skills required for a Java developer. A hands-on Java developer course that offers practical training on real-life projects can help you improve your chances of getting hired by a reputed organization.