» JavaScript versus Java

Started by fire on 05/04/05:

The advanced programmer and web developer is well aware of the difference between JavaScript and Java. If you are beginning your studies in this area, you will want to read this article to find out the main differences and similarities between Java and JavaScript.
First of all, let us start by saying what JavaScript is. JavaScript is a scripting language from Netscape. JavaScript is used for client and server applications and works as a program embedded in a web page that is executed by the Web client. There are two types of JavaScript: Navigator JavaScript, and LiveWire JavaScript.
JavaScript and Java are very similar in some functions but are also very different in other aspects. JavaScript can use some Java expressions, because JavaScript supports them. On the other hand, while Java is a system of classes built by declarations, JavaScript is based on a runtime system working with numeric, string and Boolean values.
Java was built with fast execution in mind, by the Sun Microsystems brand. It is effective and safe, due to its object oriented capabilities and it can be used to create mini applications, usually called applets. In addition, a big number of factors make Java programming a far more complex endeavor than JavaScript operating.
JavaScript depends on scripting languages like HyperTalk and dBASE, which are languages with an easy syntax and require minimal conditions for creating JavaScript objects. JavaScript does not create applets but it creates a huge number of interactive objects. JavaScript programming is much simpler because its vocabulary is smaller and if you know HTML you will have no difficulties in JavaScript programming. All you will need for JavaScript programming is a simple text editor, like WordPad, and a browser that supports JavaScript (Microsoft Internet Explorer 5 or a more recent version of this browser).
Having a Java enabled browser does not allow you to see JavaScript objects and vice-versa. They are different languages and need different browser specifications.
The main difference between those two languages is that Java can stand alone on its performance while JavaScript needs an HTML document to function. Basically Java is a language that creates objects capable to function on their own while JavaScript runs a text that is put inside a browser that reads and executes its orders.
Some people think that Java and JavaScript are competitors, but, in fact they are supplements. Used together they make a powerful winning team.