The Great Computer Language Shootout has a bunch of programs written in a bunch of languages by proponents of those languages. Those programs are then compared on a bunch of criteria.

Looking at those benchmarks, I want to point something out - Perl and Java are nearly comparable.

• If CPU alone is looked at, Java is slightly ahead (14.44 vs. 11.21).
• RAM - Perl is slightly ahead (12.48 vs. 9.23).
• LOC, Perl smacks Java around (31.09 vs. 21.10).
• CPU + RAM - Equal (Perl 23.68 vs. Java 23.67).
• All 3? Perl (54.77 vs. 44.77). (Without using golfing techniques, mind you!)

In other words, use the one you like and stop this stupid holy war.