So, you’re wondering if it is easy to learn JavaScript after Java? Well, generally speaking, it is going to be fairly easy to learn JavaScript after Java. There are a few reasons for this, as well as a few reasons why it will still be difficult to learn JavaScript afterward. In this article, I am going to explain both sides so you know exactly what to expect while learning these two languages.
So without wasting too much time, let’s jump right into it!
Java Is Not A Predecessor of JavaScript
Before we get too far ahead of ourselves, you should be aware that Java and JavaScript are not similar languages. Java is not a predecessor of JavaScript and the two languages do not share many similarities. Well, other than their names. If you are curious about the differences between Java and JavaScript, you can check them out here.
Just wanted to make sure we were all on the same page before jumping in!
Why It Is Easy To Learn JavaScript After Java?
1. It Is Always Easier To Learn A Second Language
First things first, if you already know one programming language well, it is going to be much easier to learn the second one. No matter what language it is. While the differences between Java and JavaScript can be vast, they also share enough similarities in the basics to make it an easier jump between the two. For example, JavaScript is much more similar to Java than a truly functional programming language like Haskell, Mercury, or Clean.
2. JavaScript Has A Ton of Resources
In addition to JavaScript being the second language you learn, there is also a ridiculous amount of great learning material out there. Even free learning material that can make you a professional JavaScript developer in no time.
Given JavaScript’s popularity, you should have no problem learning how to code in the language. Not only will there be a ton of great resources online, but you will also have access to a plethora of solved challenges that you are currently facing online as well.
Thank you, StackOverflow.
If you were trying to learn a less popular language like Standard ML, you might not be quite as lucky.
3. JavaScript Is A Fairly Easy Language To Pick Up
Finally, JavaScript is a fairly easy language to pick up. It is not like you are learning a lower-level programming language. For example, if we are comparing JavaScript to C++, you will be able to learn JavaScript much faster and easier.
The language is dynamically typed and doesn’t enforce the same rules you will see with Java. Making it possible to use techniques such as duck typing. The language also has much less boilerplate code than Java and more of the language is abstracted away in favor of readability.
For that reason, learning JavaScript after Java should be a pretty easy thing to do.
Why It Is Hard To Learn JavaScript After Java
1. New Way of Thinking About Code
There is really only one downside to learning JavaScript after Java. That one issue is changing the way you think about coding. JavaScript has a lot of quirks in the language and while you can program in JavaScript like it is an object-oriented programming language, ultimately it is not.
You will have to understand functional programming and fight the urge to put every piece of code you have into an object. Although, technically speaking pretty much everything in JavaScript is an object. But that’s a deeper conversation than we have time for right now.
The point is that you need to be able to look at your JavaScript code from a different perspective than your Java code. This can be a lot more challenging than if you learned JavaScript first with a fresh mind.
However, this will happen, to some extent, no matter what languages you learn. It certainly is not an excuse to not learn multiple languages!
In the end, learning many languages will only make you a better developer, assuming you aren’t trying to learn them at the same time.
Summary: Is It Easy To Learn JavaScript After Java
So, even though Java and JavaScript are unrelated languages, despite their names, it is fairly easy to learn JavaScript after Java. JavaScript has a ton of resources and is a fairly simple language to learn, especially the basics. The only tricky part is that you will need to learn how to think “the JavaScript way” in order to master the language.
That’s pretty much it! If you are a new programmer just getting started with web development, check out my free resources here.
If you want some other great courses to help you learn, check these out.
Happy coding!
