The Java SE 7 feature list is extensive enough to make it look powerful. But is it really worth the hype? Recent years witnessed a number of changes in the JVM and .NET CLR. These have surely helped even basic developers to do those things which otherwise was the domain of advanced programmers.

It would be unfair to say that both JVM and the .NET CLR implement similar ideas at almost the same time. But trends negate this statement. The launch of Java’s Hibernate was also simultaneously followed by .NET’s NHibernate.

Many developers and technology writers have been trying to answer the question- Which among JVM and the .NET CLR would emerge winner in near future?

As far as technical capabilities are concerned, both JVM and the .NET CLR show impressive market cap and popularity. Migration from one of these platforms to the other is no simple task. Even if an organization decides to do so, it would have to replace its whole team of developers. But this would not also guarantee success as one cannot expect, for instance, an experienced .NET professional to show expertise in Java development.

Affordability

Many developers believe that developing an application using the Java platform is considerably cheaper than developing the same using .NET. Though some part of this is true, it cannot be generalized for all applications and companies.

Of course if you intend to run Java on an open source platform, you can easily achieve that without much hassle. However, Java tools would cost you a lot in case you want to do away with open source alternatives. As Java proprietary tools attract a decent fee, sometimes it’s better to switch to .NET.

Unlike Microsoft Visual Studios that are available for free, Java tools need to be purchased. Server-to-developer ratio is another factor that must be considered. Biggies like Google and Yahoo have just a few developers taking care of applications that employ thousands of servers. For such huge companies, Java is a better option.

Scripting Languages

For a programmer who has worked on .NET, what is the number of scripting languages that he must know to develop applications on the Java platform? For web development, knowledge of JavaScript and various Java frameworks comes handy.

Seeing the current trends, it would be incorrect to say that Java would gradually dominate .NET. As both have their own set of benefits and issues, the preferences of developers, and other factors should determine which is more profitable.