How the languages Java and JavaScript appeared
Java. The history of Java begins in 1995. It took five years to create it. Back then, it was still called Oak and Green, and was a follower of C and C++. But Java was notable for its simple and secure programming.

The American company Sun Microsystems, under the direction of James Gosling, created the Java language to simplify the work of programmers. The language allowed you to write code once, and use it wherever you could. There is no need to compile files for different platforms, just create a jar file – an archive that contains part of the program. Java is supported by the system – the program works. This universality of the language is the reason for its popularity.

JavaScript. In the same year, Netscape Communications created the JavaScript language. At that time, they began to create a more dynamic and functional language for browsers – HTML had many limitations. It took only ten days to create JavaScript, and it was based on the Java syntax. That was the end of all the similarities between Java and JavaScript.

Features of Java
Java is an object-oriented language whose code can be used everywhere. There is an opinion that the language is obsolete, but useful and functional updates are still coming out for it.

Here are its main characteristics:

Object-oriented language. The process is built by objects, which combine the data and the actions performed by the object. Such languages are easier to write code in by eliminating superfluous elements – you won’t be doing extra work.
Compiled and interpreted code. The language is designed with conditions to translate the source code into byte code that can be used in any machine. Then, through an interpreter, the code is executed by the JVM virtual machine.
Security. The language prevents the threat of virus infection and resource misuse, and automatically collects garbage.
Independent, portable platform. It’s easy to port from one device to another.
It is based on C syntax, which means that it can support functions written in C and C++.
It has a built-in multithreading mechanism. It allows a program to execute two or more threads of actions simultaneously. This speeds up the application, because one part of it performs one task, and the other part performs the second task.
Dynamism. The language is developing, it’s easy to improve it and add new functions to it.
A large set of ready-made APIs. It’s possible to use ready-made classes, functions and procedures.
What can be done in Java

Features of JavaScript
JavaScript is first and foremost about simplicity. Whereas in Java code is compiled and interpreted, in JavaScript it is only interpreted. All work is done without the help of a virtual machine – the browser receives the code written in JavaScript and immediately executes it. Where other languages are powerless, it can be used without restriction.

Here are the main differences between Java and Javascript:

Easy to learn and implement. Syntax and logic are easy to get used to and action mapping adds motivation to the work.
Full integration with HTML and CSS. Supported by all popular browsers by default.
Client-side scripting language. Use the browser to execute code, no need to interact with the server.
Large ecosystem. There are many off-the-shelf solutions in the public domain.
Works on events. When assigned events occur, the established code is run.

Mobile, desktop and web applications are written in JavaScript. Some frameworks allow to write mobile applications without any additional languages, with just Javascript

Let’s compare Java and JavaScript
To determine between these languages the most usable, let’s compare both according to the three most important parameters for programming languages: popularity, ease of learning and abstraction. Without all of these criteria, neither language can survive long enough.

Popularity
Popularity for programming languages is an important aspect, because the more supporters, the more the language develops. A lot of information appears on the Internet, universal solutions are created and regular updates are developed.

By ease of learning and use
First of all, a programming language should be easy to use. But very often beginners pay attention to the simplicity of studying, because they need something to start with.

By abstraction capabilities
Abstraction is a powerful tool of object-oriented languages. It has allowed people to build large systems, without which we wouldn’t be where we are today with the Internet. Abstraction allows us to separate data that is important for solving a problem from data that is currently irrelevant. That is, this property allows us to ignore less important details when programming.

What language to choose for learning
We have understood the features and differences between languages. It remains to decide – what language to learn. The entire choice comes down to several factors: performance requirements, speed of execution and scope.

When to learn Java
If you want to develop complex software for business or research, server systems or an application for Android – choose Java.

When to learn JavaScript
The JavaScript language is suitable for everyday tasks like validating data or processing forms. It’s convenient and quick to create a web application.