Java vs JavaScript

Although their names sound similar, Java and JavaScript are completely different tools with very different uses. Are you ready to find out how they differ and how you can take advantage of each in your projects? Let's clear it up once and for all!

Java and JavaScript are two of the most popular and widely used programming languages in the technology industry. Although their names may make them seem related, they are actually very different in both their origin and purpose. However, they also share some similarities, especially in their widespread adoption and importance in modern software development. In this text, we will explore the key similarities and differences between Java and JavaScript, providing a clear and comprehensive understanding for beginners interested in the subject.

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Similarities between Java and JavaScript

Popularity and Widespread Use:

Both languages are extremely popular and used in a wide variety of applications. Java is ubiquitous in enterprise applications, mobile systems (such as Android) and in the backend of large systems.
JavaScript, on the other hand, is indispensable for frontend web development, where it is used to create interactive experiences in the browser.
Syntax Inspired by C:
- Both Java and JavaScript have a syntax derived from C. This means that they share some basic code writing conventions, such as the use of brackets {} to group code blocks and the use of semicolons (;) to end statements. This makes it easier for programmers who know one language to learn the other.
Object Oriented Programming:
- Both languages allow object-oriented programming (OOP), although in different ways. Java is a purely object-oriented language, where everything is based on classes and objects. JavaScript, on the other hand, is more flexible and supports object-oriented programming, but also functional programming and other paradigms.

Differences between Java and JavaScript

Purpose and Scope of Application:
- Java: It is a general-purpose, object-oriented programming language designed to be portable across different platforms. This means that Java code can run on any device that has a Java Virtual Machine (JVM). Java is commonly used in the development of large-scale enterprise applications, mobile applications (particularly on Android) and complex backend systems.
- JavaScript: Originally developed to make web pages interactive, JavaScript is an interpreted language that runs directly in the user’s browser. Although it has grown to include a wider range of uses (such as the backend with Node.js), its main strength remains in the frontend of web development, creating dynamic and interactive experiences.
Execution and Performance:
- Java: Java is compiled in bytecode, which is executed by the JVM. This compilation process allows it to be faster in execution compared to JavaScript, especially in large and complex applications where performance is critical. Java also handles memory management better through its garbage collector, which helps prevent memory leaks in large applications.
- JavaScript: JavaScript is an interpreted language, meaning that it is executed line-by-line by the browser’s JavaScript engine (or the server’s, in the case of Node.js). Although modern JavaScript engines such as Google’s V8 have significantly improved JavaScript performance, it is still generally slower than Java in high-performance applications. However, its interpreted nature makes it extremely flexible and suitable for dynamic web applications.
Learning Curve:
- Java: It has a steeper learning curve, mainly due to its strict nature and the need to understand concepts such as memory management, concurrency and object-oriented programming in depth. This can make learning Java challenging for beginners, but it also means that once mastered, it provides a solid foundation for programming in other languages.
- JavaScript: JavaScript has a smoother learning curve. Its flexibility and dynamism allow beginners to start creating simple web applications quickly. However, this same flexibility can lead to problems if proper coding discipline is not followed, which can complicate larger, long-term projects.
Use in Industry:
- Java: It is widely used in the development of business applications, such as banking systems, enterprise resource planning (ERP) applications, and telecommunications systems. Companies such as Netflix, Amazon, and Google use Java in their backend infrastructures to handle large volumes of data and processes.
- JavaScript: It is the cornerstone of modern web development. All interactive web applications use JavaScript to handle frontend logic. With the advent of Node.js, JavaScript has also found a place in backend development. Companies like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Uber rely heavily on JavaScript (with frameworks like React.js, Angular, and Node.js) to develop user interfaces and real-time applications.
Development Environments and Ecosystem:
- Java: Java has a robust and mature ecosystem. IDEs such as IntelliJ IDEA and Eclipse are highly optimized for Java development. In addition, there are a vast number of libraries and frameworks available for virtually any need, such as Spring for enterprise application development.
- JavaScript: The JavaScript ecosystem is highly dynamic and constantly evolving. There are a variety of frameworks and libraries available, such as React, Angular, and Vue.js for frontend, and Express.js for backend with Node.js. Code editors such as Visual Studio Code are popular in the JavaScript community because of their flexibility and the large number of extensions available.

Practical examples:

Java in Backend: A notable example is the use of Java at Amazon, where it is used in the backend infrastructure to process millions of transactions daily on its e-commerce platform. Java is chosen here for its ability to handle concurrent tasks and its stability in large-scale systems.
JavaScript in Frontend and Backend: Uber uses JavaScript in both frontend and backend. Its web and mobile app use JavaScript to render interactive interfaces, and Node.js in the backend to handle real-time requests and process geospatial data.

Conclusion

In summary, Java and JavaScript are essential languages in any modern developer’s toolbox. Although they have similarities in their syntax and ability to support object-oriented programming, they differ significantly in their purpose, performance and learning curve. Java is preferred in large-scale backend environments, while JavaScript is the preferred choice for interactive web development.

At Ubiqum Code Academy, we understand the importance of mastering these key technologies for digital transformation. Our practical and customized courses prepare you to apply both languages in real projects, thus improving your professional profile in the competitive technological world. With our “learning by doing” approach, we accompany you in every step of your learning, ensuring that you are ready to face the challenges of modern development.

At Ubiqum we offer you the possibility to train as a full stack web developer with two options:

Full Stack web developer with JavaScript/MERN

Full stack Web developer with JAVA