What is the difference between JavaScript and Java? Is JavaScript the same as Java? Is JavaScript related to Java? One of the most popular programming languages on the web JavaScript and Java are different languages. Despite its name, JavaScript is different from Java technology. So, let’s clear things up and overview Java and JavaScript difference.

JavaScript vs Java difference

JavaScript is not Java

The prefix Java causes the common misunderstanding of that JavaScript is a version of Java. The Script suggests that JavaScript is a scripting language.

JavaScript was developed at Netscape. Java was developed at Sun Microsystems. The JavaScript was originally called Mocha and LiveScript. Java was originally called Oak.

Syntax of JavaScript was influenced by programming language C. Java language syntax takes its roots from C and C++. Although both have syntax similarities, JavaScript is not Java.

The principles within JavaScript are taken from the Self and Scheme programming languages. It is a multi-paradigm language, supporting object-oriented, imperative, and functional programming.

JavaScript gets many naming conventions from Java, but still these are two different languages of different semantics.

JavaScript vs Java

JavaScript is an interpreted computer programming language implemented as part of web browsers. Java is a general-purpose, class-based, object-oriented computer programming language.

Javascript is used for front-end web development while Java can only be used as a back-end language. JavaScript is a scripting language and programming code that can be inserted into HTML and executed by all modern web browsers. Java doesn’t need a web browser to compile and execute like Javascript. Java creates applications that run in a virtual machine or browser while JavaScript runs only in a web browser. Java code needs to be compiled while JavaScript code is all in text. JavaScript and Java use different plug-ins. Turning off Java will not turn off JavaScript.

Java and JavaScript difference

JavaScript is dynamic. JavaScript is weakly typed. Java has static typing. Java is strongly typed. Java is loaded from compiled bytecode. JavaScript is loaded as human-readable source code. Java is class-based; JavaScript is prototype-based.

The thing is that the web developer cannot make a web app using just Javascript. It requires HTML and CSS and it works inside the web browser. But, using Java the web developer can build a web application. Java is a powerful programming language that can be used to create a variety of websites.

JavaScript is not Java.