Differences Between C++ and Java

Differences Between C++ and Java

1. One-Line Summary for Beginners

Coming from C++? Delete pointers, delete manual memory, delete multiple inheritance — add JVM, GC, and strict OOP. Java is C++ made safer and simpler.

2. Comparison Table (exam favourite)

Point	C++	Java
Platform	Compiled to native (recompile per OS)	Bytecode + JVM (WORA)
Pointers	Yes (int *p)	No (references only)
Memory	Manual (new/delete, malloc/free)	Automatic GC
Multiple inheritance (classes)	Yes	No (use interfaces)
Operator overloading	Yes	No (except + for String)
Header files	.h + .cpp	Single .java, no headers
Struct/union, goto	Yes	No (class only, no goto)
OOP	Hybrid (can write procedural)	Pure-ish (everything in class)
Threads	Library (C++11)	Built-in (Thread, synchronized)
Pointers bug	Segfault possible	NullPointerException (safe exception)

3. Code Side-by-Side

// C++
#include <iostream>
int main() {
    int* p = new int(10);
    std::cout << *p;
    delete p; // must free!
    return 0;
}

4. Beginner Tips

• String is a class in Java (not char array). Compare with .equals(), not ==.
• main must live inside a class in Java.
• No sizeof, no scope-resolution :: for basics.

5. Exam Points

• Any 6-8 differences table — 5-7 marks, very frequent.
• Pointers / memory / multiple inheritance rows are most asked.
• Code example of same program both sides — 3 marks bonus.