• Unit 2: C++ and Java Differences

    To understand a language, it helps to know what motivated its development, its principle concepts (which we call its "programming paradigm"), and how it relates to other languages. If you have completed CS101: Introduction to Computer Science I and the first unit of this course, you should have a strong grasp of Java and C++, their uses, and a basic understanding of object-oriented programming. In this unit, we will outline the similarities and differences between these two languages, noting how each is used in the industry. We will also take an in-depth look at the basic building blocks of each language in order to draw a distinction between the two and further acquaint you with both languages. While there are many syntactual similarities between Java and C++, they are not necessarily translated one to another easily. As you study, pay close attention to the distinctions between the two.

    Completing this unit should take you approximately 6 hours.

    • Upon successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

      • discuss Java and C++ within the context of object-oriented computer programming languages;
      • describe how C++ and Java are used in industry;
      • compare and contrast features of Java and C++, such as variable representation and memory management, to show how the languages are similar but use different syntax; and
      • relate generic programming to template and container programming.

    • 2.1: C++ Background

      • History of the C Programming Language Page

        The C programming language is the procedural/modular precursor to C++, which adds object-orientation. Read this history of C to see where the C fits into the 'larger picture' of computing history. The history of C is part of the lore of programming, Unix/Linux, and the Internet, which everyone who studies programming should know.

      • History of C++ Page

        This page discusses the development relationship of C and C++.

      • Introduction to C++ Page

        This article provides an overview of the elements of C++; specifically, the 'C' portion of C++.

        Note how section 2.2 describes tokens as the "minimal chunks of a program". The root goal of programming is solving problems using the 'chunks' of a programming language. Of course, the chunks must be appropriate for the type of problems to be solved. Generally, smaller chunks are applicable to many types of tasks, but involve more effort; larger chunks involve less effort, but are designed for more specific tasks.

      • Features of C++ Page

        Solving problems with programs is made easier if we can reuse the same or similar solutions that already exist. We do this using the 'chunks' provided by a language, as described in the previous resources. These sections describe the larger 'chunk' features of C++. Larger 'chunks' consist of programming statements used to write a program and to complete programs or portions of programs that reside in libraries.

        The section "Classes and Inheritance" explains and illustrates classes, which enable reuse of large sections of programming code. "Templates" explains and illustrates generic programming using templates. Focus specifically on the Introduction, Function Templates, and Class Templates. It also discusses STL, the standard C++ library. Note that 'list' is a template in C++.

      • Introduction to Objects from a C++ Perspective Book

        This article provides an overview of the elements of C++; specifically, the 'C' portion of C++.

        Note how section 2.2 describes tokens as the "minimal chunks of a program". The root goal of programming is solving problems using the 'chunks' of a programming language. Of course, the chunks must be appropriate for the type of problems to be solved. Generally, smaller chunks are applicable to many types of tasks, but involve more effort; larger chunks involve less effort, but are designed for more specific tasks.

      • Compatibility of C and C++ Page

        Compatibility of C and C++C gradually evolved into C++, although C is still often used. It is possible to mix the two in a single program. This article discusses the compatibility of C and C++. Compatibility of two programming languages refers to the extent to which a program written in one of the languages can be used without modification in the other. Compatibility includes both syntax (grammar) and semantics (the execution of grammatical statements). C and C++ have a degree of upward-compatibility, but there are differences since they are distinct languages that have evolved separately.

    • 2.2: Java Background

      • History of the Java Programming Language Page

        Read this page to get the background of the Java programming language. Its history is most interesting.

      • Introduction to Programming in Java Book

        This page extends on the previous resource to delve deeper into Java itself, relating its use to its history.

      • The Mental Landscape of Java (Chapter 1) Book
        Read Chapter 1, which describes how a 'system' can solve many types of problems. A 'system' consists of a computer (hardware components that carry out machine language instructions), software (programs written in a programming language, in particular Java), a communications interface (that interconnects the computer to a worldwide network of other computers), and an interface (that enables users to access data from and run programs on many of the computers in the network).

        While the operation of 'the system' applies to many programming languages, this chapter points out features of Java that improve the operation of the 'system', such as device independence via the Java Virtual Machine, OO, reusable class libraries (for user interfacing, event handling), network support, support for other technologies, and suitability for programming other devices.

      • Objects in Java Page

        Unlike C/C++, Java is purely object-oriented. It is essential that you grasp the relationship between computer languages and object-orientation.

      • Lists and Sets Page

        In a class hierarchy, a base class is more generic than a class that implements it. In particular, functions or methods of a base class are more generic functions. While generality is desirable, it may be a trade-off with efficiency for certain problems. This section looks at several classes in the class hierarchy for lists and for sets, and the additional features implemented in the subclasses that make them more efficient depending on the problem to be solved.

    • 2.3: Comparing Java and C++

      • Comparing Java and C++ Page

        When comparing two programming languages, consider their underlying concepts (goals, principles, model, paradigm), their syntax (grammar), their semantics (what tasks the language can instruct a computer to do), and what support (resources, libraries, tools, etc.) they provide. These considerations can be broken down into a list of specific features that are used to evaluate and compare the two languages. The table in this article describes the similarities and differences between Java and C++.

      • C++ vs. Java: Code to Executable Page

        This video illustrates the different operational processes (compiling and linking) used in C++ and Java. Most of the video discusses the processes for C++, because it is more complicated than that of Java. The Java processes were described more thoroughly earlier in the course.

    • Unit 2 Assessment

      • Unit 2 Assessment Quiz
        Receive a grade

        Take this assessment to see how well you understood this unit.

        • This assessment does not count towards your grade. It is just for practice!
        • You will see the correct answers when you submit your answers. Use this to help you study for the final exam!
        • You can take this assessment as many times as you want, whenever you want.