Differences Between Java and Ruby

As a beginner programmer, you may be wondering which language is right for you. Two popular options are Java and Ruby, but they have some key differences that may influence your decision. In this guide, we’ll go over the major differences between Java and Ruby to help you make an informed choice.

Static Typing vs Dynamic Typing in Java and Ruby

One of the main differences between Java and Ruby is the way they handle data types. Java is a statically-typed language, which means that you have to specify the type of a variable (such as an integer or a string) when you declare it. For example:

int num = 5;
String str = "Hello, world!";

On the other hand, Ruby is a dynamically-typed language, which means that you don’t have to specify the type of a variable. The type is determined at runtime based on the value assigned to the variable. For example:

num = 5
str = "Hello, world!"

Syntax: Simplicity and Boilerplate in Java and Ruby

Another difference between Java and Ruby is the syntax, or the way the language is written. Java is known for its verbosity, which means that it can require a lot of code to do simple things. For example, here’s a simple “Hello, world!” program in Java:

public class Main {
  public static void main(String[] args) {
    System.out.println("Hello, world!");
  }
}

Ruby, on the other hand, is known for its simplicity and conciseness. Here’s the equivalent “Hello, world!” program in Ruby:

puts "Hello, world!"

Built-In REPL in Java and Ruby

A REPL, or Read-Eval-Print Loop, is a simple interactive programming environment where you can enter commands and see the results immediately. Both Java and Ruby have built-in REPLs, but the Ruby REPL is generally considered more user-friendly. For example, you can use the Ruby REPL to try out simple commands and see the results immediately:

$ irb
irb(main):001:0> puts "Hello, world!"
Hello, world!
=> nil
irb(main):002:0> 2 + 2
=> 4

File Names and Organization in Java and Ruby

In Java, file names are typically the same as the name of the main class in the file, and the file must be saved with the “.java” extension. For example, the file for the “Hello, world!” program above would be saved as “Main.java”.

In Ruby, file names can be anything, and the file must be saved with the “.rb” extension. For example, the file for the “Hello, world!” program above could be saved as “hello.rb”.

Exception Handling in Java and Ruby

Both Java and Ruby have ways to handle exceptions, or errors that occur at runtime. In Java, exception handling is done using try-catch blocks. For example:

try {
  int num = Integer.parseInt("abc");
} catch (NumberFormatException e) {
  System.out.println("Could not parse 'abc' as a number.");
}

In Ruby, exception handling is done using the begin-rescue-end blocks. For example:

begin
  num = Integer("abc")
rescue
  puts "Could not parse 'abc' as a number."
end

Compiler and Language Licensing in Java and Ruby

Java is compiled, which means that the code is converted into a lower-level language that can be run on a computer. The Java compiler is available for free, but the language itself is owned by Oracle and requires a license to use.

Ruby is an interpreted language, which means that it is not compiled and is executed directly by the interpreter. The Ruby interpreter is available for free, and the language itself is open-source and freely available to use.

Library and Code Distribution in Java and Ruby

Both Java and Ruby have a wide variety of libraries, or pre-written code, that you can use in your own programs. Java libraries are typically distributed as JAR files, which can be included in your project using import statements.

Ruby libraries are typically distributed as gems, which can be installed and included in your project using the “require” statement.

Summary of Differences Between Java and Ruby

In summary, Java and Ruby are two popular programming languages with some key differences. Java is a statically-typed, verbose language that is compiled and requires a license to use. Ruby is a dynamically-typed, concise language that is interpreted and is open-source. Both languages have their own strengths and weaknesses, and the right choice for you will depend on your goals and needs as a programmer.

Differences Between Java and Ruby