Hearing Java and JavaScript, many people confuse the two or think they are the same because the word "Java" is present in both. Even though the history of these two languages intersected back in the 1990s, the two have more differences than similarities. Our goal is to highlight the differences between these programming languages and use cases.

Java and JavaScript

JavaScript was first invented around 1990 when Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator were the most popular web browsers. The language created by Brendan Eich aimed to instruct a computer to interact with the user when receiving the user input.

On the contrary, Java, which was also gaining popularity, required a separate plug-in to work correctly. The official release of Java was scheduled for 1995, while the Java-based programming made day-to-day Internet interaction much more manageable and accessible for millions of users.

Similarities and differences

First of all, these two languages work with object-oriented programming, requiring developers to introduce objects and their relationships to each other. Secondly, both languages can be used in front-end development, although JavaScript works directly with HTML as a framework or a library. Thirdly, Java and JavaScript can be utilized for back-end with server-side applications.

Now, what about the differences?

  • Typed formats. Java is a strongly typed one, so variables must be declared first to use the program. In contrast, JavaScript is a weakly typed counterpart, with more relaxed syntax and rules.

  • Standalone nature. Java is a standalone programming language that can work independently, while JavaScript needs to be integrated with HTML for proper execution.

  • Learning curve. Because of the typed language format and other syntax differences, JavaScript has a gradual learning curve, while Java is one of the most complex languages to learn for newcomers.

  • Object types. Java is a class-based programming language that creates objects after defining a class. JavaScript, in turn, has prototype-based objects. It means that JavaScript creates objects based on a single prototype object.

  • Concurrency. Java is an efficient language because it ensures concurrency using multi-threading, making programs run faster. Unfortunately, JavaScript has no such functionality and cannot run multiple events concurrently.

  • Running requirements. When working with Java, you need an entire Java Development Kit to be working with programs. In contrast, JavaScript needs just a text editor to write the code.

  • Use cases. Java is currently used in various areas, e.g., mobile applications, cloud-based solutions, big data technologies, and the Internet of Things. On the contrary, JavaScript is mainly used for front-end development. However, JavaScript, alongside Node.JS, can also be used for building web and server applications.

Now, let's review some of the important advantages of Java and JavaScript, followed by reviewing the distinctions in code.

Benefits of Java and JavaScript

Here's what makes Java a much-wanted language that is still in wide use today:

  1. Portability enables writing the source code whenever you like but running it on any operating system or machine. Portability is a go-to advantage of Java, which makes it so appealing for vast infrastructure-based solutions.

  2. Multi-threading is an approach that entails the performance of multiple events simultaneously. Thus, it's no surprise that Java is superior in tackling multiple threads simultaneously without losing performance.

  3. Security concerns of Java are handled by the multi-factored definition of classes. It means that such measures minimize the options for unauthorized accesses or data breaches.

In contrast, JavaScript also has three strong sides we can capitalize on, which are:

  1. Frameworks are surely a benefit of JavaScript, which ensures that this programming language is diverse and can cope with flexible tasks. The most popular JavaScript frameworks are Angular, React, and Vue.

  2. Speed of JavaScript is ensured since tasks are executed directly in a browser, minimizing the server-side use. Such an infrastructure solution saves time and resources, even for the most demanding tasks.

  3. Client-side development increases code efficiency, code implementation, and its use for user inputs.

Which is easier/better?

There is no definitive answer to which language is better since Java and JavaScript have countless use cases and practical applications. That's why you should make your mind based on your programming goals and intentions.

For browser work, JavaScript is a better option thanks to its frameworks and usability in working with HTML and CSS. While you can do server-side tasks with Node.JS, Java is naturally a better version for such tasks. That's why you should always pick a language depending on its use cases and functionality.

When it comes to what's easier to learn, JavaScript seems to be more manageable for newcomers. Java has a steep learning curve, which can be somewhat complicated for newbies in development.

For the most part, because JavaScript uses a weakly typed format, the code you see is easier to read and understand. But because Java is object-based and class-based, its functionality is far-reaching for desktop, mobile, web, and cloud applications. It means it's only a matter of a learning curve when picking the right programming language from these two.

Syntax comparison

Even though Java and JavaScript are too different to show how the code is different, giving you a basic glimpse might be helpful. Let's print a single sentence using JavaScript and Java to better understand how they are different.

JavaScript:

import lodash from "lodash";
 
class GFG {
 main(args) {
   console.log('This is a basic Javascript example');
    }
}

Java:

import java.io.*;
 
class GFG {
    public static void main(String[] args)
    {
        System.out.println(
            "This is a basic Java example");
    }
}

While the example of JavaScript is easy to understand and learn, the latter with Java is a bit different since you have to import Java first. Because the syntaxes of Java and JavaScript are different, you now see how distinctive these languages are.

Market demand

According to Berkeley Bootcamp data on the most in-demand programming languages in 2022, JavaScript is a clear leader. In Stack Overflow's 2020 Developer Survey, JavaScript stands out as the most commonly-used programming language globally, with 70% of developers using it. In the same rating, Java was firmly holding the #5 spot for two years in a row.

While this data is taken from a developer's survey, it shows a clear picture of what language is the most in-demand and popular right now. From this standpoint, JavaScript is undoubtedly a leader concerning the market demand for 2022. As web development projects grow in size and numbers, it's no surprise that JavaScript will be leading such ratings in the following years.

Salary comparison

When it comes to salary, it heavily depends on the developer's expertise, as with any programming language. Speaking of the hourly rates, one can expect an average hourly rate of $41-60, similar for both programming languages. Please note such hourly salary ranges are applicable for the US market and can vary in European and Asian markets.

As for the full-time salaries, the average salary for JavaScript developers is $105,744 yearly, while Java devs can expect to get $104,663. As you can see, there is virtually no major difference salary-wise.

Conclusion

Now, when you know the significant differences between JavaScript and Java, you might wonder what's the most suitable pick for you. But because there is no single answer to that, you should know what programming tasks you have in your mind.

If light-weight front-end development is something you're interested in, JavaScript is your to-go option. In contrast, Java is a better pick for multi-threading work and exceptional portability, working with multiple operating systems and computers.