One of the most common misconceptions that non-technical people tend to have is that Java and JavaScript are closely related to one another.

The reality of the matter is that the word “Java” is the primary common denominator between these two programming languages. Aside from this single commonality, there actually isn’t really much in common between the two. Neither one of these languages is better than the other, per se. Rather, each has its own unique set of pros and cons and each can be used by developers to accomplish a myriad of different tasks.

Java and JavaScript differ in the way that they are written, in their methods of assembly, and in their styles of execution. Consequently, these two languages vary drastically in their capabilities.

To start, Java tends to be utilized across a vast range of platforms.

Android applications, credit card encoding, computer applications, and web enterprise applications make up some of the most common ones. Java is more likely to be used for server-side development. It is essentially more of a general-purpose programming language that can be used to create almost anything.

JavaScript, on the other hand, is more of a web technology whose primary purpose is to make website pages more interactive.

One of the ways in which it can be used is as an alternative to Flash. People who have used both JavaScript and Flash actually tend to lean towards JavaScript, saying that it is more popular and that it boasts more functionality. JavaScript can even be utilized to create animation in HTML. Lastly, JavaScript tends to be more suited for formulating client-side scripts for tasks such as validation and interactivity.

There are a few more ways in which these two languages contrast each other. Firstly, it is a requirement for Java code to be compiled, whereas JavaScript code is all-text. Secondly, each of these languages requires its own unique set of plug-ins. Thirdly, JavaScript code can only be run on a browser, whereas Java is used to produce applications that can run in either a virtual machine or a browser. Lastly, Java is an OOP (object-oriented programming) language, whereas JavaScript is a strict OOP scripting language.

Java:

• Used across a wide range of platforms
• Used to create Android apps, credit card encoding, and computer & web enterprise applications
• More likely to be used for server-side development
• More of a general-purpose language
• Code must be compiled
• Can run in either a virtual machine or a browser
• Is an OOP (object-oriented programming) language

Javascript:

• Primary purpose is for making web pages more interactive
• Can be used as an alternative to Flash
• Can be used to create animation in HTML
• More suited for client side-scripts (validation & interactivity)
• Code is all-text
• Can only be run on a browser
• Is a strict OOP (object-oriented programming) scripting language

In spite of all the differences between these two languages, there are some similarities, as well.

Both are object-oriented programming languages, which basically means that they require users to code objects and their relationships within the framework of one another. As a result, both languages gain access to tools like inheritance, encapsulation, and polymorphism. Java and JavaScript can also both be used for front-end and back-end development.

To conclude, the wisest move for students would be to take the time to learn and master both of these languages. Getting a handle on both languages early on may end up paying off handsomely in the long run. The one reality that we can almost certainly acknowledge is that knowing both languages will make a person more attractive to employers and increase the likelihood of landing a lucrative job on the market.

Interested in learning more about Java, but unsure regarding where you should start? Check out our Java Course.

Interested in learning more about JavaScript, but unsure regarding where you should start? Check out our Full Stack Web Development Course.

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