Java vs C#
Java
General-purpose, object-oriented language running on the Java Virtual Machine since 1995.
Enterprise backend systems, Android apps, large distributed systems, organizations prioritizing developer availability
VS
C
C#
Modern, statically-typed language developed by Microsoft for the .NET ecosystem and cloud applications.
Cloud-native web applications, Azure deployments, high-performance APIs, game development (Unity), Windows enterprise solutions
Short Answer
Java dominates enterprise systems with 9+ million developers and superior cross-platform portability via the JVM, while C# excels in cloud-native applications with ASP.NET Core's 15% performance advantage and deep Windows ecosystem integration through .NET.
Our Verdict
Choose Java if you're building large-scale enterprise systems, Android applications, or need maximum developer availability and cross-platform portability—its 20+ year track record supports 90% of Fortune 500 companies. Choose C# if you're developing cloud-native applications on Azure, building high-performance APIs, or targeting Windows/.NET ecosystems—modern .NET Core's performance and developer experience make it increasingly competitive for new cloud projects.
Java6.7
8.3C#
Choose Java if
Enterprise backend systems, Android apps, large distributed systems, organizations prioritizing developer availability
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Key Differences at a Glance
📏
Developer Ecosystem Size: Java wins (9.4 million active developers vs 4.2 million active developers)
⚡
Cross-Platform Performance: C# wins (.NET 8+ provides 15% faster API response times on cloud vs JVM-based, universal Linux/Windows/macOS support)
🔹
Primary Use Case Focus: Enterprise backend, Android mobile, microservices vs Cloud-native, ASP.NET web, Windows enterprise, game development
Key Facts & Figures
| Metric | Java | C# | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clean Build Speed Improvement (K2 Compiler)(%) | Baseline (0%) | — | — |
| Enterprise Backend Market Share(%) | 75% | — | — |
| Android Development Market Share(%) | 5-10% | — | — |
| Median Developer Salary (US)(USD) | $107,500 | — | — |
Key Differences
Java
Attribute
C#
9.4 million active developers🏆
Developer Ecosystem Size
4.2 million active developers
JVM-based, universal Linux/Windows/macOS support
Cross-Platform Performance
.NET 8+ provides 15% faster API response times on cloud🏆
Enterprise backend, Android mobile, microservices
Primary Use Case Focus
Cloud-native, ASP.NET web, Windows enterprise, game development
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