Java or Python for Building AI Agents: Which One Wins in 2025?
John: Hey everyone, welcome back to the blog! I’m John, your go-to guy for breaking down AI and tech topics in a way that feels like chatting over coffee. Today, we’re diving into a hot debate: Java or Python for building AI agents? With all the buzz in 2025, especially from recent articles like the one on InfoWorld, it’s clear organizations are weighing their options based on existing expertise and system integration. If you’re just starting out or automating workflows, by the way, our deep-dive on Make.com covers features, pricing, and use cases in plain English—it’s a game-changer for streamlining agent builds without the hassle: Make.com (formerly Integromat) — Features, Pricing, Reviews, Use Cases.
Lila: Hi John! As a beginner, I’ve heard Python is the king for AI, but Java keeps popping up in trends. What’s an AI agent anyway? Can you explain it simply?
John: Absolutely, Lila. An AI agent is basically a smart software entity that can perform tasks autonomously, like researching, decision-making, or even interacting with other systems. Think of it as a digital assistant on steroids—handling everything from data analysis to automating business processes. In 2025, with frameworks evolving rapidly, the choice between Java and Python boils down to your needs.
The Basics: Why Compare Java and Python?
Lila: Okay, got it. So why are people debating Java versus Python specifically for these agents? Is one just better?
John: Great question. Python has long been the favorite because it’s easy to learn and has libraries like TensorFlow and PyTorch that make AI development a breeze. But Java is making a strong comeback, especially for enterprise-level stuff. According to a recent Medium article by Rod Johnson, Java can build more robust and extensible agents than Python in some cases, leveraging tools like Embabel for better structure.
Lila: Embabel? That sounds technical. What’s the big difference in how they work?
John: Let’s break it down like this: Python is like a quick sketch—flexible and fast for prototyping. Java is more like building with Lego bricks—structured and scalable for big projects. Python shines in rapid development, but Java offers superior performance and integration with existing systems, which is huge for companies already using Java backends.
Key Features and Strengths
Lila: Features-wise, what does each bring to the table for AI agents?
John: Python’s ecosystem is massive. Libraries like CrewAI make it simple to create multi-agent systems, as highlighted in several 2025 guides. It’s great for beginners because the code is readable and there’s tons of community support.
Lila: And Java?
John: Java excels in performance and security. A benchmark guide from CodeElevation shows Java outperforming Python in scalability tests, especially for high-load AI tasks. Plus, with access to AI libraries via Java bindings, it’s not lagging behind. Trends on X (formerly Twitter) from verified accounts like @azulhq emphasize Java’s edge in enterprise AI, noting its speed and reliability.
- Python Strengths: Easy syntax, vast libraries (e.g., FastAPI for APIs, Streamlit for UIs), ideal for data science and quick iterations.
- Java Strengths: Strong typing for fewer errors, excellent for large-scale deployments, and better multithreading for complex agents.
- Shared Wins: Both support major AI frameworks, but Java integrates seamlessly with tools like Spring Boot for robust backends.
Current Developments and Trends in 2025
Lila: What’s new this year? I see a lot of hype on social media about AI agents.
John: 2025 is all about hybrid approaches. A Geeky Gadgets article points out Python’s evolution with tools like FastAPI and Streamlit for modern AI apps. But Java is surprising people—Prem Chandak’s Medium post shares how building agents in Java led to better results than expected, thanks to its performance in real-world benchmarks.
Lila: Surprising how?
John: In tests, Java handled larger datasets faster without crashing, which is key for agents that run 24/7. Verified X trends from accounts like @javarevisited highlight libraries like Deeplearning4j, making Java a contender in machine learning. Plus, Azul’s blog argues Java could overtake Python due to its access to every major AI library and superior speed.
Challenges and When to Choose Each
Lila: Are there downsides? Like, when should I avoid one?
John: Python can be slower for compute-heavy tasks and less secure in enterprise settings without extra effort. Java’s verbosity might scare beginners—it’s more code for the same result. Choose Python if you’re prototyping or in data-heavy fields; go Java for production-scale agents in regulated industries.
Lila: Makes sense. Any tools that help with this?
John: Definitely. For visualizing your agent workflows, if creating documents or slides feels overwhelming, this step-by-step guide to Gamma shows how you can generate presentations, documents, and even websites in just minutes: Gamma — Create Presentations, Documents & Websites in Minutes. It’s perfect for mapping out your AI projects visually.
Future Potential: What’s Next?
Lila: Looking ahead, which one has more staying power?
John: Both are evolving. Analytics Insight predicts Python will dominate AI libraries, but Java’s performance could make it ideal for edge AI in devices. A DEV Community post on key differences notes Python’s simplicity versus Java’s power—trends suggest a blend, like using Python for scripting within Java apps.
FAQs: Quick Answers to Common Questions
Lila: Before we wrap up, can you tackle some FAQs?
John: Sure!
- Is Python easier for beginners? Yes, its simple syntax gets you building agents faster.
- Does Java perform better? Often yes, per 2025 benchmarks, especially in scalable environments.
- Can I use both? Absolutely—many pros do, integrating Python scripts into Java systems.
John: Reflecting on this, it’s exciting to see Java challenging Python’s dominance in AI agents—it’s all about picking what fits your team’s strengths and scaling needs. In 2025, the real winner is flexibility.
Lila: Totally agree! My takeaway: Start with Python for fun experiments, but consider Java for serious builds. Thanks, John—this cleared up so much!
This article was created based on publicly available, verified sources. References:
- Java or Python for building agents? | InfoWorld
- Build Better Agents in Java than Python: Improving on a Crew AI Example | by Rod Johnson
- Java vs Python 2025: Complete Performance Guide (With Real Benchmark Results) | by Devrim Ozcay
- Python Vs Java: Key Differences in 2025? – DEV Community
- Top Python Trends in 2025 : Tools, Frameworks, and Innovations – Geeky Gadgets
- I Tried Building AI Agents in Java Instead of Python — The Results Surprised Me | by Prem Chandak
- Java vs Python in Machine Learning: 2025 Guide
- Top Python Libraries for AI Engineers in 2025
- 3 Reasons Java Could Overtake Python for AI Development – Azul