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JavaScript and Java are both programming languages that serve different purposes. Keep reading to learn more about how they work.
We’ve also included course options if you’re interested in acquiring knowledge or enhancing your current JavaScript or Java skill set. Check out our recommendations, which include a course description and price point to help you find the best fit.
Best Java Script and Java Courses
- The Complete JavaScript Course 2020: Build Real Projects! by Udemy
- Programming for the Web with JavaScript by edX
- Advanced JavaScript by Udemy
- Java Basics by Team Treehouse
- Java In-Depth: Become a Complete Java Engineer! by Udemy
- Advanced Data Structures in Java by Coursera
JavaScript
JavaScript was unveiled to the world by Netscape in 1995. Its initial name was Mocha, then LiveScript, before Netscape settled on JavaScript.
It’s used as a scripting language by most of the websites found online. The programming language works in conjunction with CSS and HTML.
Java
Java was introduced in 1991. Unlike JavaScript, Java requires the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) for implementation. It’s a general-purpose language typically run on servers. Java is also the go-to programming language for most Android mobile apps.
The Big Difference Between JavaScript and Java
JavaScript and Java have a few things in common. They can both be used for front- and back-end development. Also, developers must use object-oriented programming when coding using JavaScript and Java.
However, there are some significant differences. For starters, JavaScript is primarily leveraged for web technology. But you can use Java to construct just about anything, like enterprise software, hardware and Android apps.
A closer look at some other variations:
| Key Variance | JavaScript | Java |
|---|---|---|
| Type of Programming Language | Interpreted scripting language that can be understood by a browser in its original format | Compiled programming language that must be converted into bytecode and run on the JVM |
| Inheritance | Prototype-based, which means objects must be assigned as prototypes with constructor functions to establish a hierarchy | Class-based, which is a top-down approach |
| Concurrency | Uses a single thread of execution in the event loop, which is referred to as Node Clustering | Uses several threads to perform a variety of tasks at once |
| Type Checking | Dynamic type checking, which doesn’t require the developer to specify the variable type Key benefit of this approach is that programmers can work more efficiently and utilize less memory | Static type checking, which requires the developer to specify and check the type of variable when it’s compiled Key benefit of this approach is that errors are easily identifiable in the beginning stages of development |
Best JavaScript Courses
New to JavaScript and want to learn the fundamentals from the ground up? Or maybe you already have experience with the programming language and want to level up your skills. Either way, these courses are worth considering.
1. Best for Aspiring Web Developers
Are you an aspiring web developer with an interest in learning JavaScript? This course is for you.
The Complete JavaScript Course 2020: Build Real Projects! by Udemy
- Who it's for: Beginners
- Price: $18.99
Do you dream of becoming an advanced JavaScript developer? Consider this Udemy bestseller to help you learn the basics and establish a solid foundation for growth.
The Complete JavaScript Course 2020: Build Real Projects! consists of 28 hours of on-demand video lessons and 11 articles. You’ll have plenty of supplementary material to help you grasp the key concepts introduced as you work through the material.
The course is led by full-stack web developer and designer Jonas Schmedtmann. He holds a master’s degree in engineering and has worked in the field for over 12 years.
2. Best for Mid-Career Programmers
Are you an intermediate level JavaScript programmer looking for foundational knowledge? Consider this course.
Programming for the Web with JavaScript by edX
- Who it's for: Intermediate students
- Price: Free
Programming for the Web with JavaScript is an intermediate level course offering from the University of Pennsylvania. It’s also a component of the Computer Science Essentials for Software Development professional certificate program.
You’ll gain invaluable insight into web development through JavaScript as you work through the lessons.
The course is co-instructed by Chris Murphy, associate professor of practice in engineering and applied science, and Swapneel Sheth, senior lecturer in computer and information science.
It’s divided into 4 weeks of instruction on the following topics:
- Web Programming Basics
- Using JavaScript to Create Dynamic Web Pages
- Client-Side Frameworks for Developing Modular Web Page Components
- Building Scalable Web Apps with Server-Side JavaScript
Register for free or upgrade your enrollment to receive a Verified Certificate for only $99.
Have basic computer programming and core data structures knowledge before you sign up.
3. Best for Experienced Web Developers
Are you an experienced developer and well versed in JavaScript? Consider this course.
Advanced JavaScript by Udemy
- Who it's for: Advanced students
- Price: $20.99
Advanced JavaScript is ideal for experienced program developers who want to sharpen their skills to work more efficiently or land a promotion. It’s facilitated by experienced programmer Asim Hussain.
The objective of this course is to help you with refresher lessons on a host of core concepts like equality, scopes, variables, destructuring, looping, object orientation, asynchronous programming and more.
Register today and unlock 6.5 hours of on-demand video and 2 articles.
You should be familiar with JavaScript (ES5) when you enroll.
Best Java Courses
Whether you’re just getting started with Java or want to build your skill set, you’ll find these courses useful.
1. Best for Java Novices
Are you brand new at coding and looking for a great Java course? Consider Java Novices.
Java Basics
- Who it's for: Beginners
- Price: Included with the monthly membership
You can gain a foundational knowledge of Java in a little over 1.5 hours, with this introductory course from Treehouse. It teaches the basics of writing programs in the Java programming language.
You will also learn how to use the console to interact with users, store and name data with basic data types and apply conditionals and looping to control program flow.
Instructor Craig Dennis delivers course material through 3 modules:
- Getting Started with Java
- Using Your New Tools
- Perfecting the Prototype
Each module is divided into steps to facilitate your comprehension of the material.
Give the course a test drive today with a free 7-day trial.
2. Best for Aspiring Java Engineers
Aspiring Java engineer with experience? Consider this course to become an expert.
Java In-Depth: Become a Complete Java Engineer!
- Who it's for: Intermediate students
- Price: $21.99
Java In-Depth: Become a Complete Java Engineer! offers a refresher on the basics of Java and introduces more advanced concepts. The class is designed to morph you into a professional Java engineer who has what it takes to excel in the field.
A seat in this course includes full lifetime access to 349 video lectures jam-packed into 63 hours of on-demand video. You’ll also receive 18 articles, 283 downloadable resources and 15 coding exercises to supplement your learning.
Instructor Dheeru Mundluru is an experienced software engineer and educator.
3. Best for Experienced Programmers
Are you a Java expert looking to learn even more? Consider this Coursera course.
Advanced Data Structures in Java by UC San Diego
- Who it's for: Advanced students
- Price: Free
Offered by UC San Diego, this advanced course dives into ways data structures are used to work with structured real-world data. It is a component of the Object Oriented Java Programming: Data Structures and Beyond Specialization.
It is comprised of the following modules:
- Introduction to the Course
- Introduction to Graphs
- Class Design and Simple Graph Search
- Finding Shortest Paths in Weighted Graphs
- Route Planning and NP-Hard Graph Problems
- End of Course Project Extension
Each module includes video lessons, reading and quizzes. You will also complete a project to demonstrate your proficiency in the material and apply your knowledge in a practice setting.
The class is co-facilitated by Leo Porter and Christine Alvarado, associate professors, and Mia Minnes, assistant professor.
Expect to spend 20 hours working through the material.
Get Started with a JavaScript or Java Course Today
Still trying to nail down the differences between JavaScript vs Java? Or trying to get better at each one? Choose one of our selected JavaScript or Java courses if you’re interested in boosting your knowledge of programming languages to excel in the classroom or in your career. Our courses are taught by experienced professionals and can help you master the essentials.
Southern New Hampshire University Online
SNHU Online Offers:
- Flexible schedules
- Affordable tuition
- Online tutoring
- Access to electronic research materials
- Specialized academic advising
- Supportive online community