Clarifying the Java-JavaScript Conundrum: A Letter to Recruiters and Hiring Managers

Photo by Eric Prouzet on Unsplash

Dear Recruiters and Hiring Managers,

In the multifaceted realm of software development, I believe it’s critical to understand the differences between seemingly similar fields. A software developer is not just a software developer. A web designer is not a web developer. A data scientist is not a data analyst. And most importantly, for the sake of this discussion, a JavaScript developer is not a Java developer.

Yes, that’s right. I am not a Java developer. I am a JavaScript developer. A distinction that seems lost on many. I’m reaching out to clarify this confusion that has led to many misplaced inquiries and misplaced opportunities.

First, let’s dig into the root of the problem — confusion between Java and JavaScript. Just because they share the name “Java,” doesn’t mean they are the same. Despite sharing some nomenclature, Java and JavaScript are as different as car and carpet. They serve distinct purposes, follow different programming paradigms, and are used for diverse use-cases. While Java is a general-purpose programming language widely used for building enterprise-scale applications, JavaScript is primarily a client-side scripting language used for enhancing web interactivity and user experience.