Contrary to what the names Java and JavaScript hint at, they are two different programming languages. This article sheds light on the interesting topic of Java vs JavaScript. Every 90’s kid is familiar with Java. If you have ever used Symbian mobiles and played games on them, then you must have seen the logo of Java. Java is one of the most popular programming languages for software development. Often people confuse Java with JavaScript and think that JavaScript is something that is related to Java.
So, let us tell you JavaScript is a totally different programming language that is used to create dynamic webpages, and when it comes to web development, you just can’t ignore JavaScript. It does not matter that you are a front-end developer or a back-end developer, you should have knowledge of JavaScript. Having knowledge of Java also helps. If you want to learn both, then it is very important to know the difference between Java and JavaScript.
Java vs JavaScript
What is Java?
Java is a pure object-oriented, high-level programming language that is used for building software for different operating systems. It runs on JVM (Java Virtual machine) , which makes it a platform-independent programming language. Java works on the principle of “Write Once, Run Anywhere (WORA)”. Java was designed by James Gosling in May 1995.
Why to Use Java?
If you are new to programming and you are thinking of choosing Java as your first programming language, we will say it's not a rational decision. This is because Java is a very complicated programming language. If you want to learn Java, we suggest you first learn the C++ programming language and then move to Java.
The more you get into Java, the more it gets complicated. It’s hard to say that you can learn complete Java in 5 to 6 months. Though Java is a very powerful programming language and can land you a high-paid job, it takes time and effort to learn Java.
Java Helps in Developing:
- Desktop applications
- GUI software
- Android applications
- Scientific applications
- Web applications
What is JavaScript?
JavaScript is a high-level programming language. Specifically, it is a web scripting language. Like Java, it supports the object-oriented programming style. JavaScript was developed by Brendan Eich back on 4 th December 1995. Since then, JavaScript has become essential for websites. Almost every webpage today uses JavaScript for the front-end along with HTML and CSS.
Unlike Java, JavaScript does not need any additional environments to run and execute its code. You can simply run your JS code on your web browser , and almost every web browser supports JavaScript. NodeJS is a JavaScript runtime environment that allows developers to use JavaScript for backend development and also to execute JS code outside the web browser.
If you aspire to gain expertise in modern JavaScript, you can sign up for the course here .
Why Use JavaScript?
It is easy to learn and follows a very simple approach to implementation. Beginners do not need any experience in programming to learn JavaScript . So, if you are a complete beginner, you can go with JavaScript and build your career.
JavaScript Helps in Developing:
- Dynamic web pages
- GUI games
Java vs JavaScript: A Difference Table
| Parameters | Java | JavaScript |
| Language Type | It is a high-level programming language. | It is a high-level scripting language. |
| Developed by | Sun Microsystems, now owned by Oracle. | Netscape on 4th December 1995. |
| Code Execution | Java needs a compiler to execute its code. | It does not need a compiler to execute its code. |
| Platform | Java code runs on JVM (Java Virtual machine) that makes it platform-independent. | JavaScript code can run on a web browser directly. |
| Web development | It is mostly used for back-end development . | JS is mostly used for front-end development. |
| Process | Java supports multithreading. It is a special feature that allows the code to execute in two or more parts for the CPU does not get much load. | JavaScript does not support multithreading. |
| Language translator | In Java, the code is first compiled and then interpreted. | JavaScript is an interpreted programming language. |
| Scope | It has a block-based scope. | It has a function-based scope and an object-based context. |
| Security | Java provides code security. Thus, the user cannot see your code. | In JavaScript, there is no security. Anyone can see your code. |
| File extension | .java | .js |
| Used for | Software development | Web front-end development |
What Should a Beginner Choose Java or JavaScript?
Before choosing any programming language , you should know why you want to learn this programming language. But if you are a complete beginner and have no idea about programming languages and you have to choose either from Java or JavaScript, you must go for JavaScript.
Conclusion
Both the languages belong to different fields. While Java helps to develop applications for different platforms, JavaScript is the backbone of websites. Now you know how Java and JavaScript are different from each other. Both programming languages have their pro and cons, and both are used for different purposes.
If you ask us what programming language should I learn, we will say JavaScript. It is easy to learn, and you will find it very interesting when you write your own JavaScript code. On the other hand, Java is very hard to learn, but it is worth it. Both languages are very old and have a vast community across the world that is ready to help you when you are stuck with any problem.
People are also reading:
- CSS vs JavaScript
- Coding vs Programming
- System software vs Application Software
- Java vs Kotlin
- C++ and C#
- HTML vs CSS
- Features of Java
- What is Java?
- Core Java Interview Questions and Answers
- Java Operators
Leave a Comment on this Post