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.
As a JavaScript developer, my skillset is fine-tuned towards web development, creating interactive elements for websites, and enhancing user interfaces. I am well-versed with HTML, CSS, and of course, JavaScript. My playground is the browser ecosystem, and my tools are frameworks and libraries like React, Angular, Vue.js, Node.js, and more.
On the contrary, if I were a Java developer, my domain would be more vast - enterprise applications, mobile applications, embedded systems, web servers and application servers, games, and much more. Java developers utilize tools like Spring, Hibernate, Apache Maven, JUnit, Jenkins, to name a few.
As recruiters and hiring managers, it's crucial to understand the specific needs of a role and match those with the skill set of the professionals you reach out to. When you mix Java with JavaScript, you dilute the pool of candidates, waste your time and ours, and miss out on the talented individuals who could have been a perfect fit for your role.
So, please, when you're looking to fill a Java role, reach out to Java developers. And when you need a JavaScript developer, I'll be here, ready to talk about how I can help enhance your website's user experience and interactivity. However, if you’re looking for a Java developer, I’d probably not be your best candidate.
Let's embrace the nuances and the richness of the different languages and platforms. It would be a monumental step in the right direction for recruiters and hiring managers to understand the distinct, unique roles in the tech industry and the specific skills they require. Let's work together to make the recruitment process more efficient, targeted, and successful.
Best Regards,
A Dedicated JavaScript Developer
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Top comments (8)
Although yeah, Recruiter should know the difference, what you have written up is a bit unique to you. JavaScript can be used for a lot more than frontend frameworks, and virtually all of the same sorts of applications that Java can. Server side run times, desktop applications, native mobile apps, etc.
Also a car and a carpet are much more different than Java and JavaScript. In a comparison like that, they would probably at least both be vehicles, like a car and a tractor or something. Not as witty, I suppose. But it’s called JavaScript, because some of the lower level syntax was inspired by Java, and the general aspect of portability. With Java code running on a virtual machine that is itself portable between operating systems. JavaScript runs in a JavaScript VM interpreter, that is portable across browsers and operating systems.
This portability aspect of their runtimes is one of the most defining things about these two languages, and they fundamentally have that in common. Although over the years, the syntax and applications have continued to diverge, they are so named because of their similarities.
Not all sorts of applications, which can be done in Java, can be done in JavaScript. Anything, which is computationally intensive or needs to handle significant load, will be too slow to be usable.
Now with WASM, it’s trivial to implement computationally, expensive code. 3-D physics simulations, and apps like figma, video editors, etc.
although, many computationally expensive things that JavaScript can’t do – are out of the scope of discussion here. Sinse the context is that of things that both Java and JavaScript can both do, primarily being a Web server or general server-side runtime
Sorry, WASM, while in deed quite powerful solution, not even close to "general purpose".
WASM is also not JS. You usually compile from C++ or Rust or something. JS won't work because it's not typed.
And yes, WASM is pretty general. It's quite similar to JVM actually. Just can't or shouldn't write an OS or something with it, pretty much everyone else will work great.
In my current project we're using WASM, and I'm very well aware of its abilities. There is no sense in comparing it to the JVM because they are too different and created for different purposes.
What I'm primarily trying to convey is my frustration with recruiters who, without putting in much effort, search for the keyword "Java" and end up targeting JavaScript developers like myself. They flood my email and LinkedIn inboxes with job offers that have no relevance to my professional interests or skills. The process of job hunting is already a taxing endeavor, and these irrelevant offers only add to the noise, making it even more overwhelming. Not to mention the constant barrage of phone calls I receive each day regarding Java positions, which is another layer of nuisance that I have to manage.
It makes me a cranky dev :P With that said I love your input and yes you are right javascript is so much more than what I listed.
There's another big difference. Java hasn't really changed in 2 decades, while JavaScript and it's ecosystem is constantly evolving 😜