Why do many software engineers not like Java?

While Java is a popular programming language, there are some reasons why some software engineers might have reservations or preferences for other languages. Here are a few common reasons: 1. Verbosity: Java is often criticized for its verbosity, meaning that it requires more lines of code compared to other languages like Python or JavaScript to accomplish certain tasks. This can make the codebase larger and potentially increase development time. 2. Performance: Although Java is known for its performance, there are cases where it may not be the best choice for highly resource-constrained or real-time systems. Some software engineers prefer languages like C++ or Rust for applications that require low-level control or maximum performance. 3. Learning Curve: Java has a steeper learning curve compared to some other languages. It has a vast ecosystem with many frameworks, libraries, and design patterns to learn. Additionally, concepts like checked exceptions and strict typing can be challenging for beginners. 4. Garbage Collection: While automatic garbage collection is a convenient feature in Java, it can introduce latency or pauses during the process, affecting real-time applications or scenarios that require extremely low latency. Some software engineers prefer manual memory management in languages like C++ to have more control over memory usage and performance. 5. Lack of Language Evolution: Java has been criticized in the past for being slower to adopt new language features and updates compared to some other programming languages. This has led to frustration among some developers who desire quicker access to modern language constructs and capabilities. It's important to note that these concerns or preferences can vary among individual software engineers, and the suitability of a programming language depends on the specific use case, project requirements, and personal preferences. Different languages excel in different domains, and software engineers often choose languages based on the needs of their projects and their own expertise. read less

The Java programming language and Java software platform have been criticized for design choices including the implementation of generics, forced object-oriented programming, the handling of unsigned numbers, the implementation of floating-point arithmetic, and a history of security vulnerabilities in the primary Java ... read less