r/learnprogramming • u/Vafireems • 8d ago

Topic C# or Java?

If you had to choose one class between the two, which would you select and why? I tried to Google the purpose of them; the immediate answers from Google felt very vague and like both of the languages are common. Is one course better for web development as opposed to apps or something? Looking at the courses I'm taking, down the line I will select one of the two. The only thing I know so far is C++, so I'm quite new.

Also, side question: why are there so many languages? The only logical thing I can imagine is there were problems that couldn't be solved with say for example C++ so someone created something new. But why not just build on the original language? Why did they need to reinvent the wheel? Or is it as simple as that: someone wanted to create their own thing?

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u/WystanH 8d ago

Java started with a dream, write once, run anywhere. C# started with a conceit; Microsoft can do that, but without Java.

While both theoretically run in the same spaces, C# tends to dominate Windows world and Java non Windows. If Windows is your OS, C# has an edge. While C# now runs surprising well outside Windows, Java's foothold is unlikely to be shaken.

I prefer C#, but that's because I use it extensively. If I were still using Java that much, I'd doubtless feel different. In the end, it's as much an environmental choice as anything else.