Java and JavaScript, despite the similarity in their names, are quite different. Java is a statically typed, class-based, object-oriented programming language that is designed to run with minimal dependencies across a wide range of computing platforms. It is typically used for large-scale enterprise applications, Android apps, and server-side scripting. JavaScript, on the other hand, is a dynamically typed, prototype-based, scripting language primarily used for enhancing interactivity and providing rich web content on the client-side. This includes activities such as form submission/validation, interactivity like sliders/carousels, games, and fetching/updating content dynamically. Key differences: 1. Typing: Java uses static typing (types checked before run-time) where JavaScript uses dynamic typing (types checked at run-time). 2. Running Environment: Java needs the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) to run, whereas JavaScript runs in the web browser. 3. Syntax: Java's syntax is influenced by C/C++, it uses classes and objects heavily. JavaScript's syntax is closer to C, and it uses prototypes instead of classes for inheritance. 4. Use Cases: Java is commonly used for building enterprise-scale applications, while JavaScript is used for scripting on websites and web applications. Remember, despite their names, they are not related languages but meant for entirely different purposes.