In the programming world, there are many languages, frameworks, and libraries used by developers for different purposes. But when it comes to .NET and Java, these two go hand in hand in the technology world, quite often performing similar functions and being used by the same scale enterprises in software development. That is why a comparison of Java vs .NET is quite common. 

In this post, we aim at showing you the main differences between Java and .NET, highlighting key features of each technology and answering the question: which one is better, Java or .NET. 

Is .NET Similar to Java?

Since both .NET and Java can be used for the accomplishment of the same development goals, there is often a misconception in defining their technological identities. While both of them are often labeled as programming languages, only Java falls into this category. As for .NET, it is a framework in a classic sense, originally designed as a compilation of VB.NET and C#. To be exact, C# — the basis of .NET, was created to compete with Java which was considered as a top language for mobile app development at that time. Considering this fact, there is no wonder why today the difference between Java and .NET is widely discussed.

Let’s take a look at the detailed comparison:

Comparison Between Java vs .NET: Distinctions and Similarities

So what is the difference between Java and .NET? To answer this question, we’ll point out both the similarities and differences of these technologies.

.NET vs Java: Similarities

• Both Java and .NET are object-oriented: and provide the ability to use classes.
• Ensure code modularity: allow taking classes from one project to use them with another.
• Speed up the development: support downloading and installing external dependencies from other coders into your project.
• Fit different platforms: web, desktop, and mobile.
• Similar syntax: both Java and .NET(C#) were made on the basis of C and C++.
• Deployment restrictions: to avoid runtime errors, both technologies require checking array indexes and variable initialization.
• Both were created for heavy lifting: perfect enterprise-level technologies, working with high-load systems, complex architectures, and big data applications.

Java and .NET Comparison: Differences

While Java over .NET comparison can take dozens of pages, the illustration below shows their key distinctions in services and features.

Service or feature	.NET	Java
Language	C#, VB.NET, PHP, Ruby, Python, and other modified languages	Java, Clojure, Groovy, Scala, PHP, Ruby, Python, Java Script, and over 50 others
Runtime	CLR	JVM
Platforms	.NET, NET core, ASP.NET, ASP.NET Core, Silverlight	Java SE, Java EE
Enterprise	ASP.NET, BizTalk	JavaEE, including: EJB, JCA, JMX, JMS, and more. WebSphere, WebLogic WildFly, Glassfish
Web Development	ASP. NET, ASP.NET core, WebForms, Razor, WCF	Java+Web, including Servlets and JSTL, JSF, GWT, Grails, Spring, Spring Boot, and more.
Desktop development	WinForms, WPF	AWT, Swing, SWT, JavaFX
Server Components	NET COM and OLE automation	EJBs, JCA, JMX
Data Access	ADO.NET/OIeDB	JDBC
Object Persistence	Entity Framework, NHibernate, Dapper	Hibernate
Message Queuing	MSMQ	JMS (MQ Series, etc), AMQP
Remoting	We3b Services (SOAP), REST API, OpenAPI, GraphQL, DCOM	We3b Services (SOAP), REST API, OpenAPI, GraphQL, RMI, CORBA (IIOP)
Naming	ADSI	JNDI
XML	System XML	Xerces, Saxon, Jackson and more.
HTTP Engine	IIS	Application Servers from Multiple Vendors, WebSphere, WebLogic, WildFly, Glassfish, Tomcat
Web Services Support	Built-in	Built-in, JAX-WS
Unit Testing	Microsoft Unit Testing Framework, JUnit	JUnit
Web Application Framework	ASP. Net MVC, Spring.NET	Spring, Spring Boot

Java vs .NET: Which Is Better?

After we reviewed the differences and similarities of two technologies, it is time to find out which is best, .NET or Java. As there is no better way to trace the benefits and drawbacks of using programming technologies than considering the arguments of those who work with them every day, let’s take a look at what developers say about Java and .NET.

Advantages of Java over .NET

Is Java better than .NET? Let’s try to answer this question, overviewing top Java over .NET advantages pointed out by developers:

• Java is free and open-source.
• It has a wider community of developers and, as a result, more support forums, and more documentation.
• Java offers more plugins in IDE’s, saving a lot of time in development.
• JVM (Java, Scala, Clojure, etc.) is much better implemented across several systems.
• Java’s exceptions are more controllable.
• Java goes toe to toe with IoT, offering vast libraries for embedded apps development.
• Having a mature and strict structure and executing run-time checks, Java is ideal for the creation of error-free enterprise software development.

Advantages of .NET over Java

Why .NET is Better Than Java and is it better at all? Let’s see what developers say when comparing Java and .NET.

• .NET is perfect for the development of Windows-specific platforms.
• Allows developers utilizing different languages (C#, VB.NET, C++) to work together on the same project.
• .NET offers effortless debugging.
• Deployment of applications developed with .NET is fast and easy.
• Ajax implementation is simple and easy.
• .NET is great at building UIs.
• Microsoft offers Azure for cloud IoT and Big Data.

Which is Best, .NET or Java?

The truth is that both technologies – Java and .NET are very similar at a language level. What is more, both are much alike in terms of speed, memory, programming efficiency, available libraries, etc. So when it comes to answering the question on what is the difference between Java and .NET, the answer mainly depends on a project.

At Luvina Software, we offer both .NET and Java software development in the software development outsourcing service menu so that our clients can always choose the best solution for their specific projects. Our technologically-driven developers always know when it is the best case for using this or that technology, so whether you know what to choose, Java or .NET, or need some help in identifying the one that meets your project goals

 Schedule a consultation meeting with us!