What Can Go Do That Java and C Cannot?

Go, C, and Java are three of the most popular programming languages in the world. Go, developed by Google, stands out for its simplicity, fast compilation, and rich standard library. However, the common belief that certain tasks can only be performed in Go is a misconception. Let's explore the fact that there is almost nothing you can do in Go that you cannot achieve with C or Java, despite their differences.

Compilation Speed

One of the most striking differences between Go and other languages like C and Java is the speed of the compiler. The Go compiler is significantly faster, primarily due to its minimalistic and simple syntax, which eliminates many of the modern features found in other languages. This advantage translates to faster development cycles and higher productivity.

Our own experience has shown that Go has the fastest compilation speed among C, Java, and Go. For instance, when developing applications, Go yields quick compile times, making it a preferred choice for rapid prototyping and iteration. In contrast, C is the slowest among the three.

Language Capabilities

Go is not just another language with a rich standard library; it is a general-purpose programming language that can be used for a wide range of applications. There are no inherent tasks or functionalities that can only be performed in Go that can't be replicated in Java or C. For example, while Go has goroutines, which are spawning lightweight threads, Java and C also have libraries that can handle similar functionalities.

Coroutines in C

Boost, a popular C library, now supports coroutines. Additionally, C 20 standard includes coroutines, demonstrating that C and C are not lagging behind in this aspect.

Coroutines in Java

Java also supports coroutines through libraries like xv6, which is a simple operating system, a Java version of xv6, and projects like Flow that simplifies coroutine programming in Java.

Portability and Performance

Go offers the unique advantage of portability without the need for a virtual machine (VM). Go programs compile to machine code, resulting in native binaries that run directly on the machine's hardware, much like C programs. This portability is particularly valuable for internet tech companies that wish to avoid the overhead of JVM and VMs.

Performance Considerations

While Java offers portability through its VM, it incurs a JVM runtime overhead. This can be detrimental to performance in applications that demand the lowest possible latency. On the other hand, C programs offer excellent performance but can vary in performance depending on the developer's expertise. For example, parallelism in C is more complex and error-prone compared to Go or Java, making it harder to maintain consistent performance across different programs.

Foundation and Development

If you are an internet tech company looking to hire entry-level developers who can quickly produce robust parallel code, migrating to Go could be a strategic move. Go's simplicity in parallel programming makes it easier for new developers to get up to speed, reducing the risk of performance issues due to inexperienced coders.

Compiling to Machine Code

A key aspect of Go is its ability to compile directly to machine code. While Java requires a JVM to transform JVM bytecode into machine code, Go's native compilation results in smaller and faster binaries. This direct compilation capability is particularly beneficial for start-ups and applications that require quick execution and minimal overhead.

Integration with C code

One of the strengths of Go is its ease of integrating with C code through the cgo tool. Cgo allows you to call C functions from Go, which is beneficial for leveraging existing C libraries and improving performance in certain scenarios.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Go offers unique advantages in terms of compilation speed, portability, and ease of integration with C code, many of its perceived capabilities can be matched with Java and C when necessary. The limitations of one language can often be overcome with the right tools and practices in others.

Ultimately, the choice of language depends on the specific requirements of your project. Go, C, and Java each have their strengths, and the best choice is often determined by the specific needs and constraints of your application.