It is a common misconception amongst many that JavaScript is another acronym or a similar program to Java, given the similarity in their name. However, the fact is that there is a significant amount of difference between JavaScript and java.
Java and JavaScript Differences
About Java:
Java was earlier known as OAK, developed by James Gosling at Sun Microsystems and released in the year 1995.
Java is primarily a class-based “object-oriented programming language” or OOP as it is commonly known. Much of the syntax of this language are different derivatives of C and C++.
It has a virtual machine platform that makes it possible for you to create compiled programs that can smoothly function on any platform. Java operates on the principle of ‘Write Once, Run Anywhere’ (WORA). It means that it allows application developers to compile Java code that runs on all the platforms that support Java without having to recompile the code.
For Example, A Java program written and compiled on UNIX can run on Mac, Microsoft Windows or UNIX machine without making any modifications to the source code.
Another significant feature of Java is its automatic garbage collector meant to manage memory in the object lifecycle. Once there are no more references to the object, the memory automatically gets freed by the garbage collector.
About JavaScript :
The earlier name of JavaScript was ECMAScript, and Brendan Eich developed it at Netscape.
JavaScript (JS) is a lightweight “object-oriented scripting language” used basically to create interactive web pages.
JavaScript is often also known as browser language since; it allows insertion of dynamic text into HTML.
A powerful and dynamic scripting language, JavaScript runs on client-side web applications and is used to program the behavior of web pages on the occurrence of an event. The basic syntax of JavaScript is purposely kept similar to C++ and Java, to support new concepts needed to learn this language.
Few of the dynamic capabilities of JavaScript include:
- Dynamic script creation
- Variable parameter lists
- Run-time object construction
- Function variables
- Source code recovery
- Object Introspection
Significant Features
Here are few other significant features that distinguish Java from JavaScript:
| JAVA | JAVASCRIPT |
| Java applications can run in any browser or virtual machine. | JavaScript code being developed for browser only can run only on browser. |
| This is a standalone language. | This integrates with HTML content and thus contained within a web page. |
| Java’s approach to concurrency is thread based. | JavaScript’s approach to concurrency is event based. |
| Java code is compiled. | JavaScript is interpreted. |
| Java utilizes more memory. | JavaScript utilizes less memory and thus preferred for web pages. |
| Java is a static, compiled high-level language. | JavaScript is dynamic and text-based language. |
| File extension is ‘.Java’. | File extension is ‘.js’. |
| Java Objects are class-based and thus, programs cannot be made without creating class. | Objects of JavaScript are prototype based. |
| Java code needs to be compiled and allows full functionality to the programmer. | JavaScript code allows only limited number of features and commands. |
| A strongly typed language in which variable is checked at compile-time. | A weakly typed language that has much relaxed rules and syntax. |
| Scope in Java is block-based. | Scope in JavaScript is function-based. |
Types of Applications That Run on Java
1. Web Applications:
Owing to the high security and easy programming capability offered by Java language, numerous government applications for education, insurance, health, and more are based on Java. The language is also popularly used for eCommerce web applications.
2. Mobile Applications:
Most apps on the popular mobile operating system Android are scripted in Java language using Android Software Development Kit (SDK).
3. Desktop GUI Applications:
Java helps in GUI development through various means including – Swing, Abstract Windowing Toolkit (AWT) and JavaFX.
4. Scientific Applications:
Java is the preferred choice for most developers for applications that involve mathematical operations and scientific calculations.
Types of Applications That Run on JavaScript
Many web applications make use of JavaScript like Facebook, Gmail, Twitter, YouTube, etc. JavaScript helps in applications like:
- Display time and data
- Open and close new frames/windows
- Display dialogue boxes and popup windows
- Build responsive forms
- Build a dynamic drop-down menu
- Display clock
The latest generation of JavaScript, the most popular programming language, is ECMAScript6 or ES6 as it is popularly known. Some of the best ES6 features for JavaScript developers to use include:
- Destructuring Assignment
- Default Parameters
- Multi-Line Strings
- Arrow Functions
- Template Literals
