What is Javascript & Why It Is Important?

JavaScript is the programming language that today runs everything from web applications to mobile applications and servers. Supports object-oriented, imperative, and functional styles. It is an implementation of the ECMAScript language. Its popularity has skyrocketed over the past few years, overtaking languages like Java and PHP. The name “JavaScript” is a trademark registered by Oracle in the United States.

Application

Typically, JavaScript builders are used as a built-in language for programmatic access to application objects. It is most widely used in browsers as a scripting language for adding interactivity to web pages.

Today, every browser supports it, making JavaScript the language of the Internet.

Specifics

The language has the following architectural features:

• dynamic typing
• weak typification
• automatic memory management, prototype programming
• functions as first-class objects

JavaScript has been influenced by many languages, and was designed with the goal of making the language similar to Java, but easy to use by non-programmers. JavaScript is independent, as it does not belong to any company or organization, which is exactly different from other languages that are also in web development.

The Difference Between JavaScript and Java

Appointment

Java is a fairly versatile language. It is most popular for mobile and desktop development, but it is also widely used for backend, data processing, and game creation.

If you’re interested in web development, consider JavaScript. It was primarily intended for this direction, in particular the front end, although now it is also popular in the backend. Other areas of use are game development and mobile applications.

Execution Environment

A kind of slogan that reflects the purpose of creating Java – “Write once, run anywhere.” It’s a platform-agnostic language, and it’s not just about operating systems — it should also be about different devices. The main thing is that the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) must be installed on them – a special environment in which the code runs.

No virtual machines are required for JavaScript to run — the code runs directly in the browser. An exception is the Node.js framework – it is used for programming the server part.

Let’s move from technical details to other aspects. How many people use each language? According to data, Java has 9.6 million developers, while JavaScript has a record 16.4 million, more than any other language.

In 2022, among the most used programming languages, JavaScript took 65.36%, and Java 33.27%.

Teaching

Both languages are considered relatively easy to learn, at least at a basic level. They are high-quality, have detailed documentation, and have many resources and communities where you can find support. To some extent, JavaScript may seem easier at first because of less strict rules, but at a deeper level, every language has its own complexities.

As you can see, Java and JavaScript are completely different languages. So if you’ve been thinking about adding new technology to your skill set, now you know what to choose depending on the area you’re interested in developing. 

Definition With Directions

First, you need to understand what you need JS for.

JavaScript is a native language, a base, and libraries and frameworks are all that are already “imposed” on top. The “JavaScript” programming language is client-side and is executed on the browser side. Roughly speaking, all the load falls on the user’s PC, and not on the server, as would be the case with PHP.

Javascript has a Number of Frameworks, Libraries, and Other Tools

• jQuery is an additional library that can facilitate work with XHR queries and selectors.
• Node.js is a server-side variation of JS.
• Gulp – automation of work (for example, drafting a project).
• Webpack replaces Gulp and many other tools. This is a module assembler that allows you to assemble all js files into the required number of packages, as well as make sure that the order of the assembled files is correct.
• Angular/Vue/React – choose one tool from the three listed. The rest – as necessary.

There is no perfect sequence. It all depends on what you do and what you are focused on: front-end or full-stack. You can learn JavaScript by making your own plan.

Conclusion

The JavaScript programming language allows you to implement solutions related to complex web applications. It helps to make the site pages more interactive and processes the actions of site users. It is an object-oriented client-side language supported by applications that work with site design. JavaScript became even more popular among developers when AJAX technology appeared, which led to a new stage in site development.