Welcome to the GA family, Java Short Course.
Looking to learn Java? And fast? You’re in luck—we’ve launched a brand new Java Short Course.
We also offer a JavaScript Short Course, and you might find yourself wondering, what’s the difference? Yeah. We feel that. It’s confusing. Whose brilliant idea was it to give two very different coding languages such similar names?
To help you understand if you’re more of a Java or a JavaScript kind of techie, we’re breaking down each of these coding languages—from their backstories to their similarities and differences. Let’s kick it off with a little history lesson…
Java and JavaScript, a brief history
Blame the ’90s tech marketing bros. Java was born in 1995, cooked up by Sun Microsystems as a “write once, run anywhere” language for serious business—think big servers, enterprise apps, and later, Android.
Meanwhile, Netscape needed a way to make webpages do more than just sit there, so they slapped together (in literally 10 days) a lightweight, browser-friendly scripting language to add interactivity to webpages. Originally called LiveScript, it got rebranded to JavaScript in 1995 because—get this—Java was trendy, and someone thought riding that wave was a genius move. Spoiler: it wasn’t.
The two languages have about as much in common as coffee and an espresso martini—same word in the name, totally different purpose. And yet, decades later, people are still confused. So here we are.
Java vs. JavaScript: Differences & similarities
While Java and JavaScript definitely do have some similarities, they’re actually quite different. And we thought, instead of giving you another paragraph to read, we’d show the differences in a Venn diagram. Check it out:
Did that make sense? Still confused? Don’t worry, if you still need help deciding which to learn, keep reading.
But first…
Before you get too excited about learning Java or JavaScript—which is understandable—it’s important to note that it’s essential to have an understanding of basic coding syntax under your belt before diving into a full-on coding course.
Check out a free coding class or two, or dive deeper in our beginner-friendly coding workshops to get comfortable with the basics. We promise, you’ll thank us later.
So, why learn Java?
If you’re wondering whether Java is worth learning, let’s cut to the chase: yes—especially if you’re eyeing a career in backend development, enterprise software, or Android app creation.
Java has been around since the ‘90s, and it’s still one of the most in-demand programming languages in the world. According to Stack Overflow’s most recent Developer Survey, Java consistently ranks among the top programming languages used by developers globally. Plus, big-name companies like Google, Netflix, and Amazon rely on it for their backend systems. Translation? Learning Java can make your resume stand out—and lucky for you, we’ve got a brand new Java Short Course to help you get there.
So, is Java the right programming language for you? Let’s break it down:
- If you want to build Android apps, Java is a must. It’s the foundation of Android development, meaning every app you use on your phone? Probably touched by Java.
- If you’re into backend development, Java powers some of the world’s biggest websites and financial systems. Banks, e-commerce giants, and Fortune 500 companies all need Java pros.
- If you like job security, Java isn’t going anywhere. It’s used in millions of applications, and businesses constantly need skilled Java developers to maintain and improve them.
Java is a powerhouse language, and adding it to your skill set makes you more marketable, whether you’re breaking into tech or leveling up your career. And with our Java Short Course, you’ll get hands-on experience that can help you land that next big opportunity. Why wait? Get coding.
Why learn JavaScript?
If you’ve ever clicked a button on a website and something happened—a pop-up, a color change, a cat GIF appearing out of nowhere—JavaScript was behind it.
It’s everywhere—seriously, Stack Overflow has ranked JavaScript as the most commonly used programming language for over a decade. It’s not just for making websites look good (that’s CSS’s job)—it’s what makes them do things—from interactive forms to entire web applications. And the best part? JavaScript isn’t just for front-end development anymore. Thanks to Node.js, you can use it on the backend, too, meaning you can build entire applications with one language.
So, yeah, if you want a tech skill that’s flexible, in-demand, and not going anywhere anytime soon, JavaScript is the move—and our JavaScript Short Course was made to help you get started.
Is JavaScript right for you? Let’s find out:
- If you want to build websites, JavaScript is non-negotiable. It’s the language that makes pages interactive, and every major browser supports it.
- If you’re into full-stack development, JavaScript lets you do both front-end and backend work, making you a more versatile (and hireable) developer.
- If you like job security, JavaScript isn’t just “in demand”—it’s everywhere. It’s the most commonly used language by developers for over a decade, and companies of all sizes need people who can write it.
If you want a career in tech, JavaScript is a must-know skill. And with our JavaScript Short Course, you’ll learn how to write clean, functional code that employers are actually looking for—plus you’ll get the portfolio to show off your skills. Ready to make the internet do cool things? Start here.
The bottom line
We can’t decide which language is best for you—but we can tell you that no matter who you are or what you do, coding skills will set you apart in today’s competitive job market (read: maybe both languages are best for you?).
Get started with our Java Short Course, or JavaScript Short Course, today. Or, if you need to talk about it instead of reading about it (because, same), give our Admissions team your info and someone will be in touch shortly. We’re here to support your success no matter what direction you choose to go.