Java vs JavaScript may seem like a heavyweight clash for the ages, but it is far from that. While both languages serve important roles in the IT sector, there are significant distinctions between them, notably in their intended use, spelling, and grammar.

Learning JavaScript, for instance, is ideal for those opting to work as front-end developers. However, if you’re thinking about pursuing a career as a back-end developer, then you should concentrate on learning Java. This is probably the simplest distinction between the two, but let’s explore more in the following.

What is Java?

Java is a software platform and object-oriented programming language. When Sun Microsystems and its head programmer, James Gosling, had an idea they thought would revolutionize the information technology industry in 1991, they got to work. Eventually released in 1995, after four years of development, Java was a game-changer for the World Wide Web.

DevOps, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, big data, continuous integration, analytics, mobile, chatbots, and social media are all areas where Java now excels. Java was essential in the development of the modern internet.

What is JavaScript?

JavaScript (JS) is an object-oriented programming language that may be used to provide advanced functionality to web browsers and other applications. Netscape programmer Brandon Eich built it during the Microsoft-Netscape browser conflict. It took engineers four years to design Java, while Eich created JavaScript in only 10 days in September 1995.

Along with HTML and CSS, JavaScript has been a cornerstone of web development technology from the start. JavaScript allows you to add dynamic elements and behaviors to your website, just as CSS and HTML do for its structure and presentation. Javascript allows web designers to provide users with limitless interactivity with material on a website.

What Are Their Similarities?

Java and JavaScript are both IT technologies. So, they do share some similarities. 

Syntax Similarities

Java and JavaScript have a common syntactic feature known as the curly brace, which requires you to enclose your code in a set of brackets. In both languages, statements are halted by a semicolon.

Browser Support

It is possible to use both Java and JavaScript in a web browser. JavaScript is the go-to language for web development since it is supported by almost all current browsers. On the other hand, Java applets may be used in browsers, but they aren’t ideal due to compatibility and security issues.

Compatibility with Servers

Servers can run both Java and JavaScript. Web application servers like JBoss, Apache Tomcat, and WebSphere all rely heavily on Java due to the language’s speed, security, and reliability. Node.js is widely used because it offers a suitable environment for creating servers that can run JavaScript.

Support For Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)

Both Java and JavaScript are multi-paradigm languages, which means they can accommodate a wide variety of approaches to software development. Programming with objects is a feature of both Java and JavaScript.

How Do They Differ?

Purpose

Java is mainly used for all server-side development. However, JavaScript is geared more toward client-side scriptings, such as JS validation and interactive features.

Compiled vs Interpreted

Before distributing a Java application to end users, the server must compile the source code. As an interpreted scripting language, JavaScript employs an interpreter that can handle source code at runtime, resulting in fewer coding constraints.

Static Typing vs Dynamic Typing

Java has static while JavaScript has dynamic typing. Variables in statically typed languages can’t be utilized before their datatypes are defined. In contrast, dynamically typed languages let you create and initialize variables without worrying about what type they’ll be.

Strongly Typed vs Weakly Typed

While Java is a strongly typed language, JavaScript is not. In a strongly typed language, the programmer is responsible for managing all typecasts. Weak typing enables programmers to work with values of varying types without resorting to typecasting.

Class-Based vs Prototype-Based

As a class-based language, Java relies on classes to describe its variables, operations, and other aspects of its code. The first JavaScript properties, however, are defined by a template. After an object is created with JavaScript, it is still possible to modify its properties.

Multi-Threaded vs Single-Threaded

Because it is multi-threaded, Java allows for tasks to be handled by multiple sections of a program running at the same time. JavaScript is single-threaded, but it allows for asynchronous function calls, which opens the door for concurrency.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know what makes Java and JavaScript different, you can decide which one you would like to furger explore. Front-end development, user experience, interface design, and Node.js-based jobs are all viable career paths for those with JavaScript experience. Jobs in cloud engineering, big data, and back-end engineering are all within reach if you brush up on your Java skills.