Java vs JavaScript: Which Programming Language is Most Useful for College Students?

Programming languages such as Python, Java, C#, JavaScript, and many more are in high demand

Technology has taken a front seat in economic and societal development. Enterprises are trying hard to seek skilled programmers and engineers who can efficiently leverage these technologies and deliver seamless and accurate software solutions. Programming languages such as Python, Java, C#, JavaScript, and many more are in high demand from developers and programmers for the smooth functioning of applications and websites. There are approximately 700 programming languages in the world. Programming and application development have been extremely helpful in scaling up business performances. At present, many students want to learn a programming language but selecting one from numerous options can be overwhelming. Are you looking for programming languages for college students? Analytics Insight presents a thorough comparison between Java vs JavaScript. Both the programming languages have similar names, but that's where the kinship stops. It's important to know the differences between these two popular programming languages.

What is the difference between Java and JavaScript?

When considering Java vs JavaScript, you will notice a few key differences. Java is a compiled language, meaning that you write code, then run it through a compiler and create bytecode. The bytecode will then run in a Java Virtual Machine (JVM), which is likely the software you have on your computer. JavaScript is an interpreted language. It doesn't get compiled but is interpreted as the script runs. It's commonly used to create interactive websites. You're reading this right now on a page running JavaScript.

Java

Java is one of the best programming languages that is mostly associated with client-server applications, which are used by large businesses around the world. Java is designed to be a loosely connected programming language, indicating that any application written in Java can run on any platform that is supported by Java. Also, Java has many features such as dynamic coding, multiple security features, platform-independent characteristics, network-centric designing, etc. that make it quite versatile.

JavaScript

JavaScript is one of the most popular programming languages for building interactive websites. Even if you haven't got your heart set on a tech career, being proficient in this language will enable you to build websites from scratch—a pretty useful skill to have in today's job market! The language is extensively used in website and mobile application development. It is one of the best programming languages for college students. 

Java vs JavaScript: Learning Process

Java isn't the easiest programming language to learn, but the good news is that it is one of the easiest. Its object-oriented structure requires more lines of code than some of the simpler languages, like Python. However, its inherently structured syntax provides major benefits to writing elegant programs that can run anywhere.

On the other hand, JavaScript has a reputation for being an easy-to-learn, lightweight language. It attracts beginners to web development as the syntax feels natural, similar to writing in English.

Java vs JavaScript: Resources

Several resources can tell you more about Java, how it works, and how to use it. The best one to start with is probably the Java website from Oracle. You can download everything needed to write Java software and access tutorials here. There, you'll also find Java Magazine, a helpful blog for those who want to go in-depth on Java technology.

JavaScript's many frameworks, libraries, and run-time environments are helpful resources for web developers. They include:

Node.js—a runtime environment that lets developers run JavaScript programs outside of the browser.

jQuery—a library that makes it easy to manipulate HTML elements and add interaction to websites.

Angular—a robust framework for web applications

React—another framework for web apps that can also be used for mobile apps

Vue—a framework for building all sorts of web applications. The helpful explainer video on the Vue.js homepage explains its key advantages