Java vs. Javascript

Let's see if I can make sense of all this for you. First of all, there is a difference. Beginning with Java...it was developed by Sun Microsystems to be used for TV set-top video on demand applications. Java is a full-blown, server-side, programming language. A Java applet is a program written in Java language that runs within a web browser. One main difficulty with Java is, that like any other programming language, Java programs must be compiled with a Java complier. This compiler takes your source file and turns it into a Java class file. This class file resides on your server and is referenced by the <applet> tag.  Java programs or applets are downloaded as separate files to your browser alongside your HTML document.

Javascript, on the other hand, is a client-side scripting language. Notice, I said scripting not programming? It allows web authors and developers the ability to create dynamic design features without burdening the server. Javascript began at Netscape and was originally called LiveScript. It was designed to interact with Java applets without having to interact with servers or perform CGI (Common Gateway Interface) scripting.  It resides within HTML documents.

To program in Java, you would benefit from experience in C and C++.   Javascripting is much simpler and a knowledge of HTML will serve you well.  Used together, Java and Javascript provide a powerful new approach to web design.

For more information, or to just fool around, try  Javagoodies   for some really neat stuff on Javascripts.  And for the latest in Java try Gamelan   Don't forget the tutorial on the class webpage, too.  For Java or for  Javascript
  Here are a couple more javascripts for you to use:
A scrolling status bar
A mega-search script
A simple javascript menu

The Javascript at the top of the page allows you to enter rotating text that are actual links when clicked. Feel free to copy the source code for this page. The javascript is by Leif King at Vanderbuilt University.