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C# or JavaScript - Which is better?

The C# versus JavaScript debate is rife in the tech industry. However, the discussion is quite interesting because comparing C# and JavaScript is like comparing apples and oranges. While both are programming languages, they generally have different functions. Regardless, we have attempted to lay this debate to rest finally. This article will discuss the differences between C# and JavaScript and how to pick when you have both options on the cards.

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What is C#?

C# was born due to Microsoft's endeavors to release a particular version of the Javascript language. Following a lengthy legal battle with Sun Microsystems, Microsoft took the initiative of creating a language – that language was C#. C# was authored by Anders Hejlsberg, a Danish software engineer who had initially designed the Turbo Pascal. Microsoft released C# in multiple phases, with the first version in 2000 and the final version in 2002. Since then, C# has taken the world by storm, proliferating to become one of the most popular software languages worldwide. Notably, the earlier versions of C# were quite similar to Java language, but C# has gone on to implement additional features and give it the buoyancy to remain separate as a new language. Here are some facts about C# that you may find interesting.

C# is a general-purpose language that has a wide array of functions. It is also platform agnostic and can work perfectly on any operating system supporting the .NET runtime. The latest version of C# - C# 10.0 – debuted in November 2021 and has been used in numerous projects and libraries.

What is JavaScript?

Unlike what many believe, JavaScript has no relation to Java. JavaScript is an entirely different programming language separate from the Java platform. It has been suggested that Netscape Inc., JavaScript's creators, only chose the name because Java was the most programming language at the time. JavaScript is an interpreted scripting language primarily developed to bring interactive elements to the web. Like CSS and HTML, JavaScript is currently one of the most popular technologies deployed on the web. According to reports, JavaScript is being used by about 98 percent of the 1.8 billion websites in the world. Some companies using JavaScript include PayPal, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.

Differences Between JavaScript and C#

As stated earlier, JavaScript and C# are entirely different languages. The differences between both languages outweigh the similarities. Some of the differences between JavaScript and C# include:

1
Platform Independence versus Platform Dependence

JavaScript is platform independent or platform agnostic. You can write the script (or code) once and run it on multiple platforms and browsers. This platform independence also enables a functionality called code reusability. Essentially, code can be developed once and used multiple times because the code is compatible with numerous platforms. However, C# is not traditionally as platform-independent as Java. C# will run on Windows and Mac OS-X but is restricted from running on Linux. Although Microsoft has introduced the .NET Core (.NET5+) to enable C# to be more platform-independent, it remains primarily limited to Windows. In this case, it can efficiently run on any machine without requiring code modification (depending on the runtime environment and its .NET framework).

2
Compilation versus Interpretation

JavaScript is an interpreted language, while C# is a compiled language. This means that C# will only have to be compiled in advance. C# is compiled into an intermediate language for execution on different systems. The intermediate language is further converted to machine code on the target system for execution by the CPU. JavaScript must be interpreted and compiled into machine code. Due to this discrepancy, JavaScript generally runs slower than C# at the execution point. Also, since C# runs faster, it is ideal for highly complex and technical projects like Artificial Intelligence and space deployments.

3
Language Syntax

Java is infamously known for its verbosity compared to C#. However, Java has been continuously praised for its simplicity and readability. Unlike C#, Java lacks built-in properties, and you may have to use traditional methods (getter and settle) to gain access to the class field. Although Java has no delegate constructs like its C#, users’ interfaces and callback methods are effective. Conversely, C# is complex to read but more concise; it highlights errors and built-in events supports. In many instances, C# is perfect when a user desires to query databases using a SQL-like syntax within C#.

4
Type

C# is statically typed. This means that developers often have to specify the exact data type that each variable in the code belongs to. In this case, type-checking occurs at the compilation point, and the variables assigned cannot be changed. This strictness is so that type issues can be discovered and flagged for errors. However, JavaScript operates on a completely different wavelength. JavaScript is a dynamically typed language, meaning developers do not have to state the specific data type for each variable. Type checking occurs at runtime, and the C# language detects the data type of a variable during this process. Also, unlike what applies to C# (a statically compiled language), data types of declared variables can be altered

JavaScript or C#: Which Should You Choose?

If you want clarification on whether to choose JavaScript or C# for your project, it will largely depend on the nature and requirements of your project. JavaScript was developed specifically to add interactivity to web development. Interestingly, C# can also be used for backend web development. Other instances where both languages may collide include Web Services Integration, Scripting and Automation, Desktop Applications, and Web API. In these projects, the wording can complement or replace the other – depending on project requirements and expertise in the language. Regardless, it is essential to understand that the choice of a programming language is highly contextual. C# could be your best bet if your project involves complex requests. However, if you are a developer trying to decide whether to learn JavaScript or C#, one thing to note is that JavaScript is much easier to understand. Thus, JavaScript is your best bet to build your competence quickly.

Conclusion
JavaScript and C# are two of the most popular programming languages today. While their functionalities differ, both languages provide maximum value to their users.

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