Java vs JavaScript: How Do They Differ?

Java and JavaScript are two of the most extensively used programming languages. It is impossible not to stumble across the terms even if you have even a passing interest in coding. The terms, however, cause confusion among newcomers.

Some individuals feel that Java is essentially a simplified version of JavaScript. Despite certain similarities, these two languages function in very different ways. We’ll look at the difference between Java and JavaScript (Java vs JavaScript) in this guide, but before that, let’s know a little more about our contenders.

What is Java?

Java is an object-oriented programming language that runs on the Java Virtual Machine (JVM), which allows you to write platform-independent programs. Java is used for both client-side and server-side programming, but it is primarily utilized in server-side programming in online applications.

JVM is a machine that converts bytecode into machine code. Byte-code is an intermediate code created by translating source code. Unlike machine code, this code runs exclusively on the JVM and is interpreted by the many computers that Java programs run on, such as Linux, macOS, and Windows.

Advantages of Java

• Java’s compilation and interpretation portability features allow it to be written once and run anywhere. All you have to do is write the source code, which will be transformed into bytecode on the JVM and interpreted on any system or OS.
• Multi-threading is supported by Java. It signifies that Java can handle multiple jobs at the same time. A thread is a unit of a process in Java, and it is possible to run numerous threads at once.
• Java is one of the most secure platforms for designing and executing applications due to its capabilities.

What is JavaScript?

Except for the name, JavaScript has nothing to do with Java. The languages Java and JavaScript are not interchangeable. JavaScript, unlike Java, is a lightweight web scripting language. The popular scripting language is used to make HTML-based web pages more interactive and dynamic.

At the same time, you may use JS to provide validation to an HTML page. JavaScript is usually referred to as a “browser” programming language. JavaScript breathes life into otherwise lifeless and stagnant web pages.

Along with HTML (HyperText Markup Language, which is used to construct the layout of a web page) and CSS (Cascading Style Sheets), JS powers the web. JavaScript is used to offer dynamic elements to web pages and apps, such as interactive forms, auto updates, text suggestions, animation, slideshows, and so on.

Advantages of JavaScript

• JavaScript has a galore of powerful web frameworks. A web framework is a set of predefined codes that programmers use while developing applications, websites, and web apps.
• JS allows you to rapidly develop code due to its execution directly in the browser. It minimizes support from the server for even the basic and simple calculations that increase efficiency and save time.
• JavaScript is primarily used for client-side development and runs inside the browser. It gives more control to the browser ensuring a lesser load on the server, increasing the efficiency of writing, implementing the code, and using it for validation and user inputs.

Java vs JavaScript: A Detailed Comparison

There are many grounds on which the two popular programming languages differ. Let’s understand each one by one:

1) Typing Discipline

Because Java is a strongly typed language, the variable must be declared before it may be used. On the contrary, JavaScript is a weakly typed language. Hence, variables can be declared anywhere they’re needed.

2) Language Type

Java is both interpreted and compiled. It is a programming language that converts the source code into bytecode. JVM is responsible for executing it. The JavaScript interpreter is built into every browser and allows you to run JavaScript code.

3) Developer

Sun Microsystems’ James Gosling created the Java programming language. Netscape created JavaScript, which was originally named LiveScript.

4) Datatype Definition

In Java, data types must be defined. JavaScript, on the contrary, doesn’t necessitate defining data types.

5) Role in Web Development

Java is used for developing the backend. Although JS was initially developed for building the frontend, it can now also be used for developing the backend using NodeJS.

6) IDEs and Code Editors

Java IDEs include Eclipse, NetBeans, and IntelliJ IDEA, to name a few. Some of them are completely free, while others are reasonably priced for the value they bring. Like Java, all of these programs run on a variety of platforms.

JS is supported by most text editors and the aforementioned IDEs. Preferred JavaScript text editors are Notepad++ for Windows, Sublime Text for Linux, and Brackets for macOS. Many of these tools provide a way for you to host your JavaScript application.

7) Object Creation

After declaring a class in Java, the language creates objects. JavaScript objects that are prototype-based create objects from a single prototype object.

8) Code Clarity

All of Java’s variables are encapsulated in a single type. When you declare an object or create a variable of a set primitive type, that variable is locked into its identity. You won’t be able to run your code until the problem is fixed if there are any mismatches.

JavaScript allows for dynamic typing. Variables, data structures, objects, functions, and arrays can all be defined in one line, exactly where they are required. This produces some shaky-looking code, but it allows everything to be put in place at once.

9) Concurrency

Multithreading in Java allows for and assures concurrency, making the program run more quickly and efficiently. JS does not handle concurrency or several events at the same time.

10) Error Detection

Compilable languages, such as Java, check the code of a complete project while optimizing and converting scribbles into byte code that the Java Virtual Machine can then read. It detects a significant percentage of syntactical errors and alerts developers at build time.

JavaScript and other interpreted languages read and interpret the source code in real-time. Because interpreters have grown so quick and aggressive, the performance lag from interpretation is barely perceptible.

11) Security

Java was created with the primary objective of ensuring the security of source code. It also comes with a slew of features to back it up.

JavaScript’s source code isn’t especially secure because it’s visible to everyone as plain text. Programmers must write functions to maintain stringent security.

Java vs JavaScript: In a Nutshell

Conclusion

In this blog, you came across two of the most powerful languages used in software development but in different ways.

Java’s powerful typing and compilation capabilities will free you up to focus on developing excellent coding habits, while a mostly auto-configured development environment will get you writing, testing, running, and, most importantly, delivering your code quickly.

Experience with JavaScript, on the other hand, is mandatory when you venture into web development, but it’s better to start your career as a software developer with a solid foundation in object-oriented programming.

Neetika Khandelwal

An enthusiastic computer science engineer with experience working in Java applications. Skilled in C++, basics of Machine Learning, solving real-world problems, and passionate about learning new technologies. I also develop technical content to share knowledge and provide learning content.