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Difference Between C++ and Java
Last updated: [13-dec-2025]
C++ and Java are widely used programming languages. There are many differences and similarities between the C++ language and Java. The major differences are given below.
| Aspect | C++ | Java |
|---|---|---|
| Platform Independent | C++ is platform-dependent. | Java is platform-independent. |
| Mainly Used For | Mainly used for system programming. | Used for application programming, web, enterprise, and mobile apps. |
| Design Goal | Designed for systems and application programming; extension of C. | Designed for network computing and ease of use. |
| Goto Statement | Supports goto. | Does not support goto. |
| Multiple Inheritance | Supports multiple inheritance. | Does not support multiple inheritance through classes; uses interfaces. |
| Operator Overloading | Supports operator overloading. | Does not support operator overloading. |
| Pointers | Supports pointers. | Pointers are restricted and not accessible to programmers. |
| Compiler / Interpreter | Uses compiler only. | Uses both compiler and interpreter (JVM). |
| Call by Value / Reference | Supports both call by value and call by reference. | Supports call by value only. |
| Structure and Union | Supports structures and unions. | Does not support structures and unions. |
| Thread Support | No built-in thread support. | Built-in thread support. |
| Documentation Comment | Does not support documentation comments. | Supports documentation comments (/** ... */). |
| Virtual Keyword | Uses virtual keyword to override methods. | No virtual keyword; methods are virtual by default. |
| Unsigned Right Shift (>>>) | Does not support >>> operator. | Supports >>> operator. |
| Inheritance Tree | Creates a new inheritance tree. | Single inheritance tree with Object class as root. |
| Hardware Interaction | Closer to hardware. | Less interactive with hardware. |
| Object-Oriented | Object-oriented but not strictly single-root. | Pure object-oriented with single-root hierarchy. |
| Memory Management | Manual memory management using new and delete. | Automatic memory management using Garbage Collector. |
| Exception Handling | Supports exceptions but not mandatory. | Strong exception handling with checked exceptions. |
| GUI Support | No built-in GUI libraries. | Built-in GUI libraries like AWT, Swing, JavaFX. |
| Security | Less secure due to pointer access. | More secure with restricted memory access. |
| Performance | Faster due to direct compilation. | Slightly slower due to JVM. |
| Templates vs Generics | Supports templates. | Supports generics with type erasure. |
| File Extension | .cpp | .java |
| Development Speed | Slower due to complexity. | Faster due to simpler syntax. |
| Standard Library | Rich STL. | Rich Java Standard Library. |
| Exception Specifications | Exception specifications exist but not enforced. | Checked exceptions enforced using throws. |
Note
- Java does not support default arguments, unlike C++.
- Java does not use header files; instead, it uses the import keyword to access classes and methods.
C++ Program: Hello World
#include <iostream>
using namespace std;
int main() {
cout << "Hello, World!" << endl;
return 0;
}
Output:
Hello World!
Java Program: Hello World
public class Main{
public static void main(String args[]){
System.out.println("Hello World!");
}
}
Output:
Hello World!