.NET versus Java

[MetallicaD]

Hey there.. need some quickie info, What are the pros and cons of using .NET versus Java?

Thanks,
-mcd

[VBCrazyCoder]

Java is like "...And Justice For All" as it is open-source. So all of those open-source junkies out there will tell you that it is like "Orion". And when you mention .NET the conversation will "Fade To Black", or become heated "St. Anger", and then you are "Unforgiven".

Some people just "Ride the Lightening" of .NET and all the hype it has received.


But seriously, just do a goolge search for ".NET vs Java" and you will get more than you can read. It is a popular topic. One such link is:

http://java.oreilly.com/news/farley_0800.html

[MetallicaD]

Nice! great analogies! Anyways.. I did such searches on google and got back mostly biased information, nothing that was really clear cut such as:
.NET is better than Java because #1.. #2..

and

Java is better than .NET because #1.. #2..

But thats ok, I found information good enough for me to extract the information in this format.

Thanks for your reply!

-mcd

[VBCrazyCoder]

It is very hard, if not impossible to get an unbiased view point because the people that write the articles and books, etc either program in Java or .NET!

BTW - you need to add the new album to your icon :D

[MetallicaD]

Very true, if they didnt specialize in at least one or the other, their opinions and analysis would be pretty pathetic..

as for the avatar, I would love to add the remaining albums to it, but there is a size limitation on this forums avatars.. id have to kill all transitions to add the remaining album covers.. but ill give it a shot!

Thanks,
-mcd

[Cander]

There are only 2 types of articles on Java vs .NET

1) Those that focus on .NET negative points and Java's high points.
2) Those that focus on Java's negtive points and .NET's high points.
3) And of course the usual 'Microsoft sucks, so Java is better!' ones.


Then there are benchmarks which always bring out the same thing, regardless who wins, either the benchmark providers were paid off by the winning company, or they cheated.



:eek:

[sbasak]

.NET and Java are both same good (or bad). It's your personal choice in the same way people choose Mecedes or BMW!

Learn what you like and do projects where your expertize is.

I personally like VB.NET because I'm well versed with it I'm a VB programmer. However, I don't think Java is bad either.

[shunt]

I agree with sbasak.... It seems that the all the languages are very similar in their capabilities. I think that the cost required to implement a solution developed in the given language will influence the language decision and not the capabilities of the language itself.

From a developers perspective, it is not a requirement to be an expert in the language. It is more important to be an expert in the design patterns required to implement a solution and have a reasonable skill with the language.

By the way, I have seen a few articles floating around talking about how VB.NET might not get much support in future due to the success of C# and Java.....

I am also a VB.NET developer, but I think I am going to make the move to C#.

[nswan]

why is C# having so much success? VB.net and C# both compile to the same MSIL code don't they and both run at the same speed?

[MetallicaD]

Well.. its an interesting discussion on C# versus VB.NET.. there are many points to take for either side.. such as, a VB.NET downfall could be the perception that VB is an 'easy' and beginners language.. even though it has almost all of the capabilities of C#, and VS.NET even supports VB.NET better than C# (well, i think VS.NET 2003 may have evened that argument up). Other views to take are the flooding of the market.. C#-ers seem to be more in demand because the lanuage looks more like the C++ syntax (curley braces, etc.).. that is seen as a more superior...

ok.. gotta run.,, someone else finish up my thoughts for me please...

-mcd

[Cander]

Too much arrogance in programming. Too many fanboi's that believe their language choice is THE choice. Every language has its place.

[MetallicaD]

Cander... I am with you .. variety is the spice of life.. even in the coding world.. but its not an arguement you can make when you need to negotiate with a client about which technology will be used for a multi-million dollar project.

-mcd

[VBCrazyCoder]

I agree. It used to be that VB was looked down upon because of lack of OO, and it was often slower (string manipulations, etc). But .NET has changed the playing field.

Also, I think the most popular coding language is still VB isn't it? Maybe that is why is has the reputation of being a beginners language - because everyone can use it?

[MetallicaD]

Well, the point and click idea of programming that started out with VB was one of the driving forces in it being called a beginners language.. didnt Micro$oft sell it as that.. ".. anyone can program!!"

As for efficiency, it was a step behind the higher order languages like C++.. most functions that VB has were really wrappers around Windows API calls.. so, in realizity, every call you make has overhead to it.. you could avoid this by just calling the API..

I think its one of the top 3 languages now( i would think)

-mcd

[crpietschmann]

I've done stuff with Java and .NET. Personally, I like .NET better.

But, remember, that at this moment .NET applications wont run on Linux or Mac, but Java will.

[MetallicaD]

Yeah, the biggest problem with .NET that I see right now is the platforms it will run on.. The big question, will it ever be ported to a linux or non-M$ based server. Have you heard about the Mono project (www.mono.org, i believe).. a Open SOurce group working on porting the framework to linux.

good luck guys!
-mcd

[crpietschmann]

It is actually http://www.go-mono.org

I'm sure it's in Microsofts plans, eventually...

[MetallicaD]

Yeah, I wouldnt doubt M$ has plans for other platforms, but I dont think they will explore or release them until the windows platform distribution dwindles or profitability is on the decline.. its a shame, too, because every day they wait, more companies are having to make commitments to mainframe or non-windows solutions becuase .NET isnt viably available in a non-windows platform... unfortunately, I may fall under this category with a project I am currently working on...

-mcd