Java

Java is a general purpose programming language. One of its prime uses is for Web pages and Internet applications but it can be also be used for other applications not involving the Internet. Java programming code must be compiled and interpreted before your computer browser can understand it.

JavaScript on the other hand (not to be confused with Java) can be interpreted directly by your browser and there’s no need for compiling by the programmer. JavaScript was developed by Netscape and Sun and is much easier to learn. Java however is a lot more powerful for large applications.