What is the difference between C and Java?
This question compares a low-level systems language with a high-level managed language, testing architectural understanding.
Why Interviewers Ask This
It distinguishes between languages used for embedded systems versus enterprise applications. Interviewers check if you understand abstraction levels and portability trade-offs.
How to Answer This Question
Contrast C's manual memory management with Java's garbage collection. Compare C's compilation to machine code versus Java's bytecode execution. Mention Java's built-in security and networking capabilities compared to C's lower-level socket handling.
Key Points to Cover
- Memory management
- Compilation targets
- Portability
- Abstraction levels
Sample Answer
C compiles directly to machine code and requires manual memory management, offering high performance but risking leaks. Java compiles to bytecode running on the JVM, providing automatic garbage collection and better security. Java is more portable across OSs, while C is closer to hardware.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring JVM role
- Confusing syntax similarities
- Missing performance context
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