Golang vs Java: Which One is Better?

The comparison of Java and Golang pits two popularly quick backend programming languages. Moreover, they compete against one another in several other categories like learning time, web development, performance, developer payout, and others.

Developers widely use both Golang and Java. Direct rivalry exists between the two languages for dominance of server-side web applications. The parallels, distinctions, and business uses of each language are highlighted in this article. 

Is Java superior to Golang? Is Golang more complicated than Java? Let's explore.

Golang and Java — The Concept

Since it has been around for a while, Java has established a stronghold in the backend development sector of the software business. Golang, on the other hand, is a recently developed language. Developers use Java and Golang both extensively. The two languages are directly competing for supremacy in server-side web applications.

Golang

Google released Go, often known as Golang, as an open-source language in 2011. Golang is a multi-paradigm, statically typed, compiled, general-purpose programming language, much like Java.

Because the language's compiler was created in C, Golang's syntax is similar to that of 'C.' But now that it is written in Golang, the language can continue to be self-hosted.

Golang is a concurrent programming language that can perform several tasks simultaneously. It was created for modern multicore computers. Deferred garbage collection is another feature that efficiently maintains memory to run programs.

Java

Java is a general-purpose, statically typed programming language. In 1995, Sun Microsystems created and made Java available. Java is used on various platforms, including contemporary data science and machine learning applications and dated legacy software on servers.

Java was developed to simplify the web development process and enact the principle of "write once, execute anywhere." And programmers have undoubtedly thrilled at the ability to design code that can operate on various platforms without recompiling. Some popular Java-based platforms are Facebook, Amazon, Twitter, eBay, and LinkedIn.

Because Java is well-known among developers, many pre-built modules and programs are available. Java coding is made simple by these modules and the availability of developers.

Java has several uses. Anywhere there is a CPU, it can run. The virtual machine converts the source code into bytecode before compiling it, making it similar to a compiled language.

Comparing Golang and Java

Golang and Java are both powerful server-side programming languages. Here is a comparison of them. 

Capabilities

Golang and Java offer a wide range of functionality, but because Java is object-oriented, it is better suited for demanding jobs. Code reuse is encouraged by object-oriented programming (OOP), which also improves the developer experience. Java additionally enables runtime self-reflection of code to check for faults.

Golang is less flexible than Java since it is not an object-oriented language and does not enable inheritance or reflection. One of the most crucial aspects of Golang is garbage collection. Java has garbage collection as well, although it could be stronger. Large codebases are easier to manage using garbage collection.

Furthermore, another crucial aspect of Golang is concurrency. Functions or processes can execute concurrently, thanks to "Goroutines." Java offers multithreading features that produce a comparable result, although they are much less potent than Golang's. 

Ease-of-use

Golang has a unique syntax. The language is easy to read and write for native English speakers. To define preset actions and internal procedures, Golang has a total of 25 keywords. Additionally, Golang's library is compact, making skimming simple.

Golang's syntax also does away with the brackets, parentheses, and colons that programmers typically use at the end of lines, which is different from most programming languages.

On the other hand, Java is complicated. The use of Java demands a developer's whole focus. However, the advanced grammar of Java allows for flexibility and loose coupling.

Performance

Despite Java's speed, Golang performs better than Java in most measures. Java's virtual machine for Java compilation is partially to blame for the lack of performance. Although this virtual machine enables Java to operate on any platform, it slows it down.

Golang is in the lead. Testing is simple, and the user experience is superior with Golang. Due to its resemblance to "C," Golang is speedy. Additionally, Golang's memory management adds to its quickness. Automatic garbage collection takes care of new object references without pausing.

Community

Golang is younger and less well-known than Java. Java used to be the language used the most frequently for server-side development. Although Python and Java are currently vying for that distinction, Java still has a more extensive user base than Golang.

Java developers are simple to discover for recruiters. Also, because the Java community is extensive and well-established, Java developers can readily seek advice from it. 

Use Cases

Even though Java and Golang are server-side languages, they have diverse applications. Thanks to JVM, Java is a cross-platform programming language that enables it to operate across platforms with little to no hassle.

On the other hand, the scope of Golang is constrained. For instance, Golang creates a binary file from code to run on any platform. However, making a binary file for each platform takes longer than necessary.

Compiling the individual binary files for each platform takes time. Java is hence the best choice if portability is a priority.

Golang can be a valuable addition to your tech stack if you want to optimize your backend. Only when Python or Java are not accessible is Golang an excellent alternative for machine learning due to its parallelism.

The Key Takeaways

Both Java and Golang are reliable, popular, and valuable. But they are still very different from one another. Java is object-oriented, more well-established, and has a larger community and library. Golang is a multi-paradigm and superior at handling concurrency. Golang is quicker, but Java has more features and more significant support.

You can determine which language is appropriate for use professionally depending on the kind of websites or applications you're producing. If you need help with the technology to utilize or the team of experts to hire, get in touch with Amplifyre.

Amplifyre makes it possible to locate, evaluate, match, and remotely manage the world's best software engineers, partners, and developers. Amplifyre helps companies create their engineering dream teams by combining a global footprint. Get your ideal team right away with Amplifyre!