Java vs. C++

[Pollux]

I'm a computer science major and i am being taught java at my school. However, i'm not being taught any c++. there is a big debate over where the future of programming lies. any ideas form the programmers out there?
-pollux

[deep_sky]

well it depends on what you want to do but as a computer infomation systems major, I would say both are important to some degree. If you want to go into web-based apps, then java is it. For hardware programming, games, or other apps that need the object oriented approach C++ is it. Pratically speaking Java is probably a better language to know. I myself have 3 semesters of C++, and while we have a one semester java course at my school, it is not required.
I have seen both and they look very similar sytax-wise and structure wise, but I can't say what the true difference having never programmed in java before...

[Pantion]

C++ is a very powerfull lenguaje and many programming lenguages have been created based on C++ and Java is an example.

Java was created due to some limitations that C++ had on doing some stuff or it was way too complicated. Java syntax is very similar to C++. If you know C++ then Java will be a breeze.

Another example are games... first you have to make all the card drawing commands using C++ commands making it real difficult (I tried it) because even with object programming and a good structure the program gets way too long and complicated. The games engines are derivates from C++, but with commands that let you create, modify, etc. far easier than making it directly with C++.

Also Java was initially focused for the web (and it sitll does as well as JavaScript), but since it is cross-plataform compatible (except for the dreaded Microsoft version that now is supposed to be compatible after the suit from SUN) a program in Java can be taken anywere. In contrast C++ is not that flexible... sometimes you need to take libraries that aren't avaible in some platforms, versions of C++, etc.

Hope it helps...

[ANTONIO E GUERRA]

Since Java is based upon C and C+ object oriented design, you will find a lot of similarities between the two languages. However, I find easier to learn Java first and, then, C++. I think Java is like C++ without all the complexities and oddities. In terms of which one is better, it is hard to say. Java is not only used in Web platforms, but it is also an independent language. You can create games, and applications using Java.

[felix726]

Pollux,

I'm about to get my degree in software engineering (only 1 quarter to go!! http://www.sysopt.com/forum/biggrin.gif) and here's my 2 cents. Right now C++ is by far the more predominant languge used for developing commercial software, and I think it will stay that way. Because Java is an interpreted/compiled language it is much more portable to other platforms, but it also causes a finished java program to run much slower and we all know how important speed is when you are refering to computers. Because C++ is strictly a compiled language it wins in the speed catagory. Also, because C++ is the definitive industry standard and has been for a while now, there is a lot of classes, librarys etc. already floating around out there. Because it is so much more cost effecient and easier to build on off the shelf components as opposed to starting from scratch I think developers in industry would be much more eager to build on existing C++ code rather than building new java applications from scratch. On the other hand, if you know one language you already know about 90% of the other, so why not just learn both? In the end this will make you more valuable to whatever company you end up working for which translates into $$$$$$$. "and that's all I have to say about that" http://www.sysopt.com/forum/wink.gif

felix

[Pollux]

WOW
thanks a bundle for all of the responses. i find this to be an extremely interesting subject. I'm really enjoying java and i have done a little work with c++, so i'm looking forward to learning more c++ on my own time. i'm looking to go into game-making when i get out of school, maybe work with some of the people over at iD software http://www.sysopt.com/forum/wink.gif so i guess that i should just try to learn both.

on another subject... what about visual basic? how helpful is that? it looks very rewarding because of how quickly you have a GUI but i've heard it's not very powerful. any thoughts on this one? thanks again to everybody who responded.
-pollux

[deep_sky]

whoever told you that vb is not powerful is erroneous in their opinion. vb regularly used in creating scripts for access databases and can be used to extend the functionally of word and excel.
I found vb to be very easy to learn and to use compared to C++. I am a visual person by nature and the few lines of text I would get as a result from writing pages of C++ code were not very rewarding. I found the gui interface of vb to be very intuitive and help me pick up vb rather quickly. if you have the opportunity, take a class in vb. it is easy to pick up and it cant hurt to have it on your resume....

[Pantion]

VB is an easy to use programing language and it is one of the best to start building Win9x native apps.

The advantages of VB are its intuitive GUI interface and can has a lot of flexibility under Windows. Actually you can combine VB's interface with Visual C++ powerfull commands. That way you can have an incredible easy to use and yet powerfull interface with an strong and well structured programming under it using Visual C++.

[felix726]

Pollux, just out of curiosity where are you going to school? Looks like you and I got the same ambitions about life after college. Go to Dallas and work for id, total dream job.

[Pollux]

I'm at Colorado State University right now. How bout them rams eh?
-pollux

[felix726]

I'm going to school at Ohio State so don't even talk to me about football right now. We didn't even make a bowl game http://www.sysopt.com/forum/frown.gif