Java's being more secure than C++

[Arukas]

I'm very familiar with C++, and I have just started learning Java. The book I had is claiming that Java is more secure than C++. My question is: Are they claiming Java is more secure because it runs on a virtual machine?

-Thanks

[christopherx]

Java programs have constraints on them. For example, Java programs won't compile unless you declare that a certain type of exception will be thrown. C++ allows you too compile more volitile programs. Also, in Java you can not reference memory locations that don't belong to your program. In C++, you can! It just means Java forces you too take extra precautions to make sure it doesn't do any damage. C++ gives you more freedom, but also comes with more risk as a result!

[Arukas]

So, from what you saying, Java isn't more secure than C++. Java just uses safety features that require a certain level of security features?

[Fubarable]

So, from what you saying, Java isn't more secure than C++. Java just uses safety features that require a certain level of security features?

We're arguing about the number of angels that can dance on the head of a pin here. No one can say this is "more secure" than that as it is a gross over-generalization and really makes no sense. Secure in what sense? Based on what metric?

[Arukas]

We're arguing about the number of angels that can dance on the head of a pin here. No one can say this is "more secure" than that as it is a gross over-generalization and really makes no sense. Secure in what sense? Based on what metric?

I'm just reading a Java book, and it makes the claim that Java is more secure than C++. My opinion is its a baseless claim. I think the book is claiming the security benefits of a virtual machine for Java's own.

My understanding, when considering C++ vs Java, the trade-off is speed vs portability.

I'm spending this weekend, learning Java. I have experience in C++ programming. The point of my question was to see if I'm mode of thinking is correct. Also, I wanted to try the forums out as I will have many more questions once I start programming in Java. I learning it one thing, but using it a completely different animal. I just want to make sure I use it to its fullest potential.

[Fubarable]

I'm just reading a Java book, and it makes the claim that Java is more secure than C++. My opinion is its a baseless claim. I think the book is claiming the security benefits of a virtual machine for Java's own.

It's an overly generalized unprovable nonsense statement. I would just move on if I were you.

My understanding, when considering C++ vs Java, the trade-off is speed vs portability.

Not quite. Java's "HotSpot" JVM is able to optimize code pretty well, so that while the first part might have once been true, it can not be made as a blanket statement. The second part of the statement also may have some holes. Sure you can create small programs that run on many different platforms, but once you start adding specialized libraries or services, portability becomes more difficult to maintain. I would say that Java is better adapted towards creating applications that may be able to run on multiple platforms but it is ill-suited towards making applications that need a close association with the operating system since it has been constructed to be as OS-agnostic as possible.

I'm spending this weekend, learning Java. I have experience in C++ programming. The point of my question was to see if I'm mode of thinking is correct. Also, I wanted to try the forums out as I will have many more questions once I start programming in Java. I learning it one thing, but using it a completely different animal. I just want to make sure I use it to its fullest potential.

Welcome to Java and welcome to the Java-Forums.org!

[Arukas]

Thanks!