Java vs JavaScript- everything you need to know in 2023

By / May 11, 2023

While Java and Javascript sound similar, they are different programming languages. We’ll explore all of the differences and similarities between Java and Javascript. And will make you an informed decision between java vs javascript

The main differences-

Here is a table that summarizes some of the main differences between Java and JavaScript:

parameterJavaJavaScript
SyntaxStatically-typed, object-orientedDynamically-typed, prototype-based
ExecutionCompiledInterpreted
Object-Oriented ProgrammingPure OOPSupports OOP concepts
TypingStatically-typedDynamically-typed
UsageStandalone applications, Android appsWeb applications, web pages
PopularityVery popularMost popular scripting language for the web
HistoryDeveloped by Sun Microsystems in the mid-1990sDeveloped by Netscape in the mid-1990s

Java

Java is a programming language. Developers use Java to develop applications for laptops, data centers, game consoles, scientific supercomputers, smartwatches, and other devices.

Java is the world’s third most popular programming language, after Python and C – according to the TIOBE index, which evaluates programming language popularity. Read more about Java. Read more about Java.

Javascript

Scripting languages like JavaScript allow you to add complex features to your web pages – for example, showing timely content updates, interactive maps, animated graphics, scrolling video jukeboxes, etc..

It is also known as the third layer of common web technologies, two of which are (HTML and CSS) which we have covered in much more detail in other parts of the Learning Area. Read more about Javascript. Read more about javascript.

Java usage:

The Java programming language can be used to build a variety of different solutions, some of which can be found below.

Javascript usage:

Javascript is often used for dynamic web pages and mobile applications. With Javascript frameworks like node.js, react.js, etc, it can also be used as a serverside rendering. Following are some of the applications of Javascript.

How do they work?

Java is an Object Oriented Programming language, everything is an object in Java.

Java is both a compiled and interpreted language since its source code is first compiled into binary byte-code. A Java Virtual Machine (JVM) interprets this byte code. It is platform-independent.

Javascript also works on the OOPs concept. But javascript’s object is limited to working on just browsers. The javascript objects also follow the concepts of inheritance, polymorphism, and encapsulation compatibility.

Back-end Development–

Java can be used for building the back end. Nonetheless, it’s not the main purpose of this language, but developers often utilize it as there are tools Apache, JBoss, and WebSphere that help when it comes to executing it in server-side programming.

Javascript is not much compatible when it comes to executing javascript in server-side or back-end programming. However, javascript has a trump card too. That is node.js. By using node.js, javascript can be utilized for back-ends as well. Honestly, javascript’s back-end handling capability is not that much powerful as java.

Front-End Development:

Java is not very popular for building front-ends. This language is commonly known as a back-end language.

Learn javascript if your intentions are to develop (SPAs) Single page applications or you want to start your career as a front-end developer. Javascript has frameworks for this purpose, such as jQuery, AngularJS, BackboneJS, and ReactJS.

Examples of codes:

Java

public class Main {
  public static void main(String[] args) {
    System.out.println("Hello World");
  }
}

Javascript

Javascript syntax works in both ways, either declared variables or non-declared variables. It has a set of syntaxes, “declare variables,” “assign values,” and “compute values.” And javascript codes are worked with HTML and CSS classes.

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
    <body>
        <h1>My First Web Page</h1>
            <p>My First Paragraph</p>
            <p id="demo"></p>
        <script>
            document.getElementById("demo").innerHTML = 5 + 6;
        </script>
    </body>
</html>

When should you learn javascript?

Java is a better choice for Developing big apps.

Java can develop any type of mobile app, as the most popular Android development IDE “android studio” is fully compatible with java. However, you’ll need some frameworks to take steps ahead. One of them is the Kotlin framework.

java vs javascript: To develop enterprise web-based software.

Java has introduced a sub-version called java (EE). Thousands of developers are learning this java framework to develop enterprise-level of apps. So, building apps should not the purpose of learning javascript.

Java vs Javascript for Developing Strong back-end & REST APIs

Java can easily create a back-end, REST APIs, as it works based on the concept of OOP. It allows developers to convert the front-end (java-based classes) with the back end. It is like two-way binding. The possibilities are infinite, so you should learn java instead of javascript.

Java vs Javascript for General Desktop Software development.

You should prefer learning java for developing general desktop and web apps. Well, many other languages fit better out of the box. Python, Ruby, and many more. Just remember that javascript is not really effective at building software programs.

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