Java vs. JavaScript: What's the Difference?

People often mix up Java and JavaScript because they are both popular computer languages with names that sound alike. A lot of features about them are the same, but there are also substantial disparities.

In this post, we'll look at these two languages in more depth while comparing their features to help you decide which one is best for your upcoming software development project.

Java Overview

The object-oriented computer language Java is very powerful. There are a lot of people who use this language to make Java web apps and other tools. Java also works on a lot of different systems, like computers, servers, Android and iOS phones, and more.

Important Features of Java

1. Classes

In Java, classes let you make objects that have data and actions tied to them. As an example, the class of a person might have two data fields: identity and birthdate. It might also have ways to find out how old someone is right now or change their name to all capital letters.

2. Javadoc Comments

Javadoc Comments are a particular sort of Java comment that can give you extra details regarding the class and its techniques, like the parameters they take, what values they return, or if they create an exception.

3. Data Types

In Java, there are many types of data, such as strings and numbers, but also boolean, byte (a small integer), char (single characters), long (larger integers), and many more.

4. Operators

Different operators can be used to change expressions in Java. As an example, multiplying (*) or dividing (/).

JavaScript Overview

A programming language called JavaScript was made to add more interest and character to web pages. It has also been used to make other kinds of software, like games for fun, animations, simple tools, and JavaScript apps. With a browser add-on called "JavaScript engine," JavaScript can run on a lot of different systems, such as computers, servers, and mobile phones.

Important Features Of JavaScript

1. Statements Looping

You can run a set of directions over and over with JS statements like for, while, and can.

2. Functions

Like Java's methods, JavaScript functions let you break up code into parts that can be used again and again. Calling a current function from a computer page is a lot like calling any other script. This means that scripts can be used on different websites.

3. Objects and Classes

It's kind of like Java's class-based programming in that JavaScript can make objects of specific classes.

4. Events Handling

Form controls like input fields, radio buttons, and checkboxes can be provided with events to react when the user clicks on them. For example, a form with text areas might already have an "OK" button that the user can click to start the process.

Java vs JavaScript: Key Differences

Language-wise, Java is different from JavaScript because JavaScript is an OOP script language and JavaScript is an OOP language.

Find out more regarding how Java and JavaScript are different in the table as follows.

Parameter	Java	Javascript
Developed By	Java is an Object-Oriented programming language created by James Gosling at Sun Microsystems.	JavaScript, first named LiveScript, was created by Netscape.
Syntax	In Java, data types must be explicitly stated.	JavaScript data types do not require explicit declaration.
Extension	The file extension is ".Java".	The file extension is ".js".
Advantages	Extensively utilized.	Exceptional libraries.
Code type	Object-oriented. Applets comprise object classes that utilize inheritance.	It is based on objects. The code use built-in, extendable objects without utilizing any classes or inheritance.
Language Type	Java is a class-based, object-oriented programming language.	JavaScript is a prototype-based scripting language.
Companies Using	Airbnb, Netflix, Google, and so on.	Microsoft, PayPal, Uber, and so on.
Process	Compiled on the server prior to operation on the client.	Executed by the client through interpretation rather than compilation.
Type of language	Static	Dynamic
Requirements	The Java Development Kit (JDK) is needed to develop and run a Java program.	JavaScript necessitates only a text editor for code development.

Let's look at their differences in more depth now:

Even though they are similar in some important ways, Java and JavaScript are not the same in everything. Because Java is a strongly typed language, a parameter has to be defined before it can be used in the application. Because JavaScript is a weakly typed language, a parameter can be defined anywhere it is utilized.

While Java is known for its object-oriented programming, JavaScript is more specifically known as an object-based scripting language. Java objects are based on classes, which means that programmers can't make an application without creating a class. In JavaScript, objects are based on prototypes.

Interpreting and compiling are both parts of the assembly procedure in Java. The Java Virtual Machine (JVM) runs the computer language and turns source code into bytecodes. All web browsers have a JavaScript engine that lets it run the JavaScript code. Prior to the client can run a Java program, it must first be built on the server. It is the client, not the compiler, that interprets JavaScript code.

Java is a type of object-oriented programming language that lets you make applets out of object classes that are passed down through inheritance. You don't need to use classes or inheritances with JavaScript because it is an object-based language that employs built-in objects that can be extended.

In Java, you have to define data types, but not in JavaScript. Additionally, JavaScript is dynamic, whereas Java is static.

The fact that Java has excellent libraries, is commonly utilized, and comes with great tools are some of its most important features. JavaScript is great because it can be used on both the front end and the back end, it's all over, and it has a great base.

From Airbnb and Uber to Google, PayPal, Tesla, Instagram, Twitter, NASA, Spotify, and Minecraft, Java is used by a plethora of companies in their projects. Among the most well-known websites that make use of JavaScript are Coursera, Reddit, and eBay.

Conclusion

JavaScript is a simple, versatile language that works great for adding interactive parts to websites. Java, on the contrary, is a powerful and versatile language that works well for large-scale, complicated apps. Each language has its own pros and cons, and the developer's skills as well as the demands and needs of the project will decide which one to use.