Java vs. JavaScript for Hiring Managers

Java vs JavaScript: we explain the differences and which programming language might be used for what. Find out more in our blog article!

This blog post was written for IT recruiters, IT sourcers, and hiring managers. In my experience, many experts in the recruitment industry still don't know the difference between Java vs JavaScript. I believe that IT recruitment is a very special part of the recruitment industry. It is, at least for me. That is why I try to do my best to move this merging of HR and IT professions to the highest level possible.

Today I am trying to clearly explain the difference between Java vs JavaScript. But before I begin, allow me to tell you a story.

I was in the office of a competing recruitment firm, having a meeting with the company's CEO. One of the recruiters approached me while I was waiting because he recognized me from my LinkedIn profile picture.

"Balazs, can you help me?" he asked.
"Sure."
"I'm looking for a Java developer; could you tell me how well this candidate fits in your opinion?"

I took a look at the profile. The recruiter presented me with the resume of a JavaScript developer, much to my surprise. The candidate had never used Java...

Why do they believe the candidate is a good fit for the position? Because they didn't understand the difference between Java vs JavaScript. In fact, I'm pretty sure he had no idea what either of them were.

It's time to clear the air. Let's look at the main differences between Java vs JavaScript!

What is Java?

Java is a popular programming language. I won't bore you with its history or main features, which can be found in plenty of other articles on the Internet. Long story short, the main uses of Java are enterprise applications, mobile apps, and server-side development (backend development). Of course, Java can also be used in many other areas, such as game development, IoT, and so on.

Aside from the use case, it's important to remember that the foundation of Java is that the code the developer writes can run on any platform (for more information, look up Java Virtual Machine).

If you want to learn more about Java, continue reading:

a. Java Frameworks

b. Java IDEs/text editors

c. Salary of a Senior Java Developer

d. Java GUI Frameworks

What Is JavaScript?

JavaScript is another popular programming language that is mostly used for dynamic website development. What does it have to do with Java? Nothing, except that for the first time, it was called LiveScript, and then, riding the popularity of Java, it became JavaScript.

JavaScript can be embedded directly into HTML code. By now, JavaScript has long gone beyond talking about it as a frontend programming language. Read my blog post about backend (!) technologies.

The biggest advantage of JavaScript is that it can run in all browsers. Many people don't even know, but before JavaScript appeared in almost every front-end development, many other languages or frameworks were also popular (e.g. JSP).

You can train yourself in JavaScript by reading my post about JavaScript Interview Questions and Answers.

Java vs JavaScript: The differences

Despite their names, that are similar, Java and JavaScript are fundamentally different programming languages with distinct use cases and conventions. This section, will highlight the major differences between the two languages.

Syntax and Programming Paradigms

Usage and Application

Java is commonly used in building enterprise-level applications, Android development, and server-side programming, while JavaScript is primarily used for client-side web development and creating interactive user interfaces. Additionally, JavaScript can also be used for server-side programming.

Misconceptions

Due to their similar names, there is often confusion about the similarities between Java and JavaScript. However, the two languages have very different syntax and conventions and are used for distinct purposes. It is important to recognize these differences in order to choose the appropriate language for a given project.

Tip for Hiring Managers

It is always worth looking at the entire job description and the full technology stack. From there, you will easily know what programming language knowledge is required and what frameworks and tools your candidate must know.

I've included icons for the most important, major frameworks. Along with them, it is worth knowing the programming languages. So you will immediately recognize that, e.g., a Spring developer is actually a Java developer who uses the Spring framework.

See clearly in the Java vs JavaScript topic!

Use Cases of Java

Java can be used in a wide variety of projects. It has a long history, is known by many programmers, and is a very versatile programming language. Let's see what it is mainly used for:

a. Enterprise applications: A lot of enterprise software is written in Java. Java is robust and scalable, making it ideal for creating large enterprise applications.
b. Android App Development: Java is the official programming language for Android app development.

c. Server-side programming: Java's ability to handle multiple requests simultaneously and its support for multi-threaded processing make it a popular choice for server-side programming. Java-based frameworks such as Spring and Hibernate further simplify server-side development.

Java is also widely used in finance, healthcare, and education domains. Due to its versatility and flexibility, it is one of the most popular languages for developers working on various projects.

Use Cases Of JavaScript

JavaScript is an indispensable player in modern web development. It can be used to create interactive and dynamic websites. It basically started as a front-end programming language, but now we can also develop in JavaScript on the backend side.

a. Client-Side Web Development: JavaScript is widely used to develop dynamic and responsive websites. It is used to create responsive web designs that adapt to different screen sizes, allowing users to access web content from any device.

b. Server-Side Development with Node.js: Node.js is a popular runtime environment that allows developers to use JavaScript on the server side. Due to its capabilities for rapid development and deployment, startups and small businesses favor it.

c. Desktop and Mobile Application Development: JavaScript is not limited to web development. Developers can use frameworks like Electron and React Native to create desktop and mobile apps using JavaScript.

In conclusion, JavaScript is a fantastic programming language that can be used to build various applications.

Pros And Cons Of Java And JavaScript

As with any programming language, Java and JavaScript have their respective strengths and weaknesses. Below, we discuss the pros and cons of both languages to help you make an informed decision based on your project requirements:

Pros of Java

a. Platform independence: Java is designed to run on any platform without requiring specific hardware or software configurations.

b. Scalability: Java is highly scalable, making it a popular language for developing enterprise-level applications.

c. Robustness: Java is known for its reliability and robustness, with built-in error handling and memory management features.

Cons of Java

a. It takes a lot of time and energy to learn.
b. Relatively complex syntax compared to other modern languages. (e.g., Python)
c. Nowadays, it is less suitable for front-end web development

Pros of JavaScript

a. Client-side scripting: JavaScript is widely used for developing dynamic, interactive user interfaces on the client side of web applications.

b. Easy to learn: Due to its simple syntax and widespread adoption, JavaScript is considered one of the easiest programming languages to learn and use.

c. Versatility: JavaScript is a versatile language, with its use cases ranging from front-end web development to server-side programming with Node.js.

Cons of JavaScript

a. Browser compatibility issues

b. Memory management can be challenging

c. Less suited for large-scale applications

The choice of programming language between Java vs JavaScript depends on the specific use case and project requirements. Consider factors such as platform compatibility, scalability, and type of application before making a decision.

Summary

In conclusion, understanding the differences between Java vs JavaScript is essential for recruiters and hiring managers. Without understanding, the IT department cannot find the software developer they seek

While Java is primarily used for building enterprise applications and Android development, JavaScript is the language for creating interactive web interfaces and web applications.

Both languages have their strengths and weaknesses, and choosing the right language depends on the project requirements and goals. Factors such as performance, scalability, and support are key factors to consider when making this decision. But you, as an HR professional, will have nothing to do with these.

It will be much more crucial if you can identify the frameworks (which framework relates to which programming language) and interpret the expertise, tools, and so on that are truly required for the role.

We encourage aspiring developers to learn Java and JavaScript, as they offer unique and complementary skills necessary for the modern software industry. For example, Angular+Java full-stack developer jobs are in high demand these days. Furthermore, keeping up with new developments and updates in both languages is vital for maintaining competence in the industry.

I hope this post has given you useful information on the differences between Java and JavaScript. You must understand the difference between the two as a recruiter or hiring manager.

If you still require assistance, please let me know, and I will assist you with interpreting the job description or in finding the next Java or JavaScript developers for you, your company, or your project.

Thank you for reading my blog post about Java vs JavaScript programming languages. I hope you like it. See you on LinkedIn or in an online meeting!

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