Are Java and JavaScript the same?
For many non-tech people and beginners, Java and JavaScript are the same product. After all, they share the name "Java."
However, the name may be the only similarity between the two.
Both are programming languages, and none is better than the other as programmers use both Java and JavaScript in various tasks. Both programming languages are written, assembled, and executed differently, and they have a world of difference when it comes to what each can do.
So, what do the two rems refer to, and how are they different from each other?
What is JavaScript
Around the 1990s, Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator were the only web browsers available for the general public. A developer known as Brendan Eich at Netscape Inc developed a language in 10 days to instruct the computer on what to do upon receiving input from the user.
The programming language was named "LiveScript," and it was integrated into the Navigator. As such, a plug-in was not required, and the code didn't have to be compiled as the browser was only interpreting the user's commands.
At around the same time, another programming language known as "Java" was gaining popularity, but it required a separate plug-in to function. Netscape seized the opportunity and named their programming language "JavaScript." The renamed programming language was unavoidable during the early days of the internet.
JavaScript is a programming language that enables you to create interactive web pages. The scripting language follows the rules of the client-side programming. This means it runs on the user's web browser without any resources from the web browser. Read these online JavaScript course reviews or find out what the best way to learn JavaScript is.
You can use JavaScript with other technologies such as XML, REST APIs, and more. Nowadays, the JavaScript programming language uses other technologies such as Node js.
What is Java?
Java is a language that was invented by James Gosling and developed by Sun Microsystems. Unlike JavaScript that took around ten days to develop, Java took about four years.
The creation of Java started in 1991 when a group of Sun Microsystems engineers, known as the Green Team, worked tirelessly to develop Java.
The first version of the Java language was released in 1995, and since then, other newer versions of the language have been released.
Today, several programs running on the internet are run by Java. It has also developed most of the web applications that we use today, making our lives easier and more fun.
Java is an object-oriented programming language, multi-platform, and network-centric. Java is also used as a computing platform.
After Sun Microsystem released it in 1995, oracle Corporation later acquired it. Today, Java is owned by Java Corporation.
Similarities Between Java and JavaScript
If you are looking at web app development whether back end development or front end development, there are similarities between Java and JavaScript to consider. Such similarities include:
Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)
Both Java and Javascript need a developer to code objects and their relationship in the context of each other.
The programming gives both Java and JavaScript access to technologies such as encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism.
Front-end Development
Both Java and JavaScript programming languages can be used in front-end web development. For instance, you can embed JavaScript directly into HTML, which is implemented as a library or a framework.
On the other hand, you can use Java as a Java applet.
Back-end Development
You can also use both languages on the server-side programming.
For a long time, Java has been used to back up end technologies such as JBoss, Apache, and WebSphere.
Node.js acts as the launchpad for JavaScript powered servers.
Differences Between Java and JavaScript
JavaScript is an object-oriented scripting language that you can use to create HTML pages and have interactive effects within a web page. You can also use the Java programming language to develop apps and programs. The apps and programs developed by Java will be executed in a JVM (Java Virtual Machine). JVM allows you to run the same programs on different platforms, devices, or systems.
The two languages are written, assembled, and executed differently. They have a world of differences in terms of what each can do.
Additionally, Java is widely used in the IT and programming industry. You can use Java in various places, including developing Android apps, credit card programming, creating desktop applications and web enterprise applications, etc. On the other hand, you can use JavaScript to make web pages more interactive. You can use it as an alternative to Flash. Regardless, programmers and developers argue that JavaScript offers more functionality and it is more popular than Flash.
Plus, you can use JavaScript to carry out tasks such as adding animation to HTML.
When comparing the two languages in terms of what each can do, you’ll realize that Java can be used in all server-side development processes. You can use it to create client-side programs and also for server-side development.
JavaScript comes in handy in developing client-side scripts for functions such as validation and interactivity.
Other key differences of Java Vs. JavaScript includes:
• Java is a strongly typed language, whereas JavaScript is a weakly typed language.
• With Java programming language, you create code once and then run it on any computing platform. On the other hand, JavaScript is a cross-platform scripting language.
• You compile Java on the server before executing it on the client while the client interprets JavaScript language.
• Java is a static programming language, while JavaScript is dynamic.
• Java comes with a file extension ".java" while JavaScript has the file extension ".js".
• JavaScript language is all text, while Java must be compiled.
• Both programming languages require various plug-ins.
• JavaScript language is run on a browser, while Java is used to create applications that can run both on a browser or a virtual machine.
For a beginner in the programming world, understanding both Java and JavaScript is a big plus. Experienced coders will tell you that learning both Java and JavaScript is a wise strategy.
If you have experience with both languages, you’ll be more advantaged compared to somebody with the knowledge of one language skill.
Do I Need Java for JavaScript?
Yes, you need Java for JavaScript.
Java is used in developing web applications from scratch to the final result. On the other hand, JavaScript is used in making web pages more interactive. As such, you need Java to create the webpage first before you can make it more interactive using JavaScript.
Also, Java uses JRE (Java Runtime Environment), while JavaScript codes can only run on a browser. Therefore, all you need to run the JavaScript is a browser that is updated and running on the latest version.
A modern browser handles its updates automatically, which means you don't need a setup to run JavaScript.
So, should you learn Java before learning JavaScript?
The two languages are very different in terms of their capabilities. Thus, you should learn what you need.
However, if you want to learn both languages, it will be best to start with Java since it is more complex, object-oriented, and requires compiling data.
While Java is a programming language, JavaScript is a scripting language. It is not complex as it doesn't involve compiling data.
Should I Use Java or JavaScript Programming Language for My Next Project?
The choice between Java Vs. JavaScript boils down to what you want to achieve and what you want to create.
If you wish to develop a web application from scratch or program a credit card, you should go for Java.
If you want to make an existing page more intuitive or add animations to an HTML, use JavaScript.
Java is a general-purpose programming language that you can use to create anything you want, while JavaScript is a web technology.
You should consider going for Java if the project involves Android apps, enterprise software, Big Data Analytics, scientific computing, etc.
Additionally, you should use JavaScript for single-page applications, front-end technologies such as Backbone.js, etc.
Hourly Rates for JavaScript and Java Developers
If you wish to hire a Java or JavaScript developer, you should find out beforehand how much they charge so that you can budget appropriately.
Knowing the rates is also essential for new programmers. It helps them know how much they should charge for a project depending on various factors.
The hourly rate for dedicated developers depends on their seniority level, project complexity, geographical location, the complexity of the workspace, and the programming language to use.
Java and JavaScript developers' hourly rates are similar as they both range between $61 to $80.
If you wish to hire software developers for JavaScript or Java, the average hourly rates can vary significantly depending on location. For instance, a junior software developer in the United States may charge more than a senior developer in Europe.
Getting a programming certification is not mandatory, but having one helps you stand out.
Some of the certifications you can go for as a JavaScript developer include:
• The JavaScript Developer Certificate: It is a beginner level certification offered at W3Schools. You pay $95 for the certification, and it has a 75% passing percentage.
• Certified JavaScript Developer: It is an intermediate and advanced level certification offered at the International JavaScript Institute (IJSI). It shows that the developer is well-versed in JavaScript areas such as JavaScript fundamentals, JavaScript arrays, JS in a web browser, etc
Conclusion
Are Java and JavaScript the same? From our detailed comparison of the two languages, we can conclude that the two are not the same. At the very basic, Java is a general-purpose programming language that you can use to create anything. JavaScript is a scripting language and essential in making web pages interactive. JavaScript is all text, while Java code must be compiled.
