Java is something most computer users have heard of. Many web sites will not work properly if a JRE (Java Runtime Environment) is not installed on your system.

Most people have also heard of JavaScript. Unfortunately, many people think the two are the same thing. The similar names cause a lot of confusion. There are also some similarities in syntax, and they are both programming languages. However, there are also key differences.

JavaScript is a scripting language used to add elements to web sites.The whole story can be found at http://www.readwriteweb.com/hack/2011/09/google-confirms-hints-dropped.php It is interpreted by the web browser and is integrated entirely within HTML. It is a very straightforward language that is easy to learn. JavaScript is visible when the source code of the web site is viewed. The only purpose of JavaScript is to enhance websites.

Java, on the other hand, is an independent programming language. Although the most common use is for web site enhancement, Java is also used to create software that can run on any operating system. Because Java compiles an intermediate code that is then interpreted by software on the client machine, Java programs can run on PCs, Macs and Linux machines equally well, although they are often slower than native programs. Java programs imbedded in web sites are called Java applets.

In general, too, Java is more secure. JavaScript is often used for malicious purposes such as browser hijacking but it is also the easiest and quickest way to provide enhanced features on web sites such as drop down menus.