Language differences: Python, Java, C, C++

[napstar]

what is the difference between python ,java ,c,c++?
what kind of applications can you create with it?

[bartonc]

what is the difference between python ,java ,c,c++?

There are two basic groups here:
Python & Java are interpreted languages. An interpreter is (basically) a piece of software that sits between your program and the hardware/operating system of you computer and tells your computer to do the things that your program says to do.

C and Cs big brother, C++ are compiled. A compiler reads your program and crunches it down to machine executable (binary) form, yeilding instructions that run directly on the hardware of your computer.

Both Python and C++ fit into a catagory called Object Oriented Programming Languages, giving software designers a better grasp on data and the functions that work on that data.

I don't know if Java supports this concept. Old style C does not.

Pros & Cons (in my view - especially for beginners)
Compiled:
+ Runs faster; Hardware execution
- Compilers are hard to figure out; Lots of settings to get right

Interpreted:
+ Run a program "interactively"; Type a line in, hit return and see the result
- Not as fast; A program running a program

The easiest to learn in this list. My opinion is (hands down) python.
But the choice really comes down to personal preference.

[bartonc]

what kind of applications can you create with it?

Java is used mainly for web application development.
C is good for writing drivers and command-line executables (things without a need for a lot of data abstraction).
Python, C++ and other OOPLs or good for full applications with GUI interfaces and lots of data abstraction.

[bartonc]

There are two basic groups here:
Python & Java are interpreted languages. An interpreter is (basically) a piece of software that sits between your program and the hardware/operating system of you computer and tells your computer to do the things that your program says to do.

C and Cs big brother, C++ are compiled. A compiler reads your program and crunches it down to machine executable (binary) form, yeilding instructions that run directly on the hardware of your computer.

Both Python and C++ fit into a catagory called Object Oriented Programming Languages, giving software designers a better grasp on data and the functions that work on that data.

I don't know if Java supports this concept. Old style C does not.

Pros & Cons (in my view - especially for beginners)
Compiled:
+ Runs faster; Hardware execution
- Compilers are hard to figure out; Lots of settings to get right

Interpreted:
+ Run a program "interactively"; Type a line in, hit return and see the result
- Not as fast; A program running a program

The easiest to learn in this list. My opinion is (hands down) python.
But the choice really comes down to personal preference.

Actually, Python is a bit of both. There is an invisible (there are no settings) "compile" stage that converts you program that you type into "byte code" that is then run by the python execution engine.