Javascript or Java?

[benbow]

Javascript or Java?

I've been learning Python recently in order to use API and produce some of my own projects. However, I am interested in security vulnerabilities and hacking using some of these scripting languages in order to gain a better understanding.

What would you advise, Javascrpt or Java? - In general. No specifics.

Also, best methods or next best direct to take this with: learning, developing and scripting? I.e. materials or learning tutorials available?

Thanks.

[flowjob]

flamed in 3...2...1... ?

Java != Javascipt (not even close!)
Java is no scripting language, and generally not usable for "hacking" (except maybe deques .jar code injection thingy).
One should prefer low-level compiled languages for that kind of stuff...
But  you should first understand what "hacking" and "cracking" is, before you even think about that stuff. And then learn a programming language more suitable for stuff like that

[voodoo]

If this is your first programming language, I would recommend learning Java.  It is a super simple language to learn for beginners and will introduce you to a lot of key concepts.  One can never have too many programming languages under their belt.  However, flowjob is correct in saying Java "is generally not usable for hacking."  Eventually you will want to learn some low level languages.

[proxx]

One must not forget that java is used a lot to pwn systems, so not useful would be a massive understatement.
The bytecode is a great advantage when it comes to AV's etc.
Also in memory detection can be difficult.

[aezra]

Not to sound particularly mean, but do you know what you're talking about?

Look at what flowjob said.  Javascript and Java are completely different languages.  Not at all the same.  I think the only reason they have similar names is because of some business agreement or something.

Javascript is used to execute client-side code on websites.  This is what enables a website to have a certain amount of interactivity (i.e. drop-down menus, analysis of user-provided data, etc.).  It can be used to perform "JavaScript injections," in which the attacker modifies elements of the DOM to change crucial values embedded into a website (look it up).  As far as I know, that's about all you can do with it hack-wise.

Java, on the other hand, really has no hacking applications.  It's primarily used to power software.  It runs in the Java Virtual Machine, which means that the executable file it generates can be accessed on multiple platforms.  Regardless, if you're interested in programming in general, I'd highly recommend learning Java, as it's becoming increasingly popular in the world of computers.

[EmilKXZ]

Do not forget the "hackish" NodeJS.

It's not client side. Javascript is becoming the lingua franca for development. I am actually coding some sort of website with it, using ExpressJS.

[alpaca]

Javascript is used to write client-side scripts and is an important language to know if you are interested in security vulnerabilities and hacking, especially web-security.

BOOKS/RESOURCES:
a) Eloquent Javascript
b) Modern Javascript
c) Javascript: The Definitive Guide

[techb]

I am going to say javascript for the req. If you know python then moving to javascript would be easier. Plus it is all web crap, so you can do a lot with it. Not saying you can't with java, but javascript is used ALOT online and could be used to your will. Hell, with my locked down modem/router I have from my ISP is super simple to hack and change stuff with in javascript; like changing the SSID or wpa key and shit that is "supposed" to be locked down.

On the other hand Java is more of a compiled-ish language than anything scripted. I looks and plays more on the theory of C++ than anything loosely typed like python or javascript and will get you into coding more to-the-metal languages. Java is nothing but OOP so you will learn that as well, good practices in that area and better learning for actual production code on the local x64/x86 level. Yeah portable java is there and even Android uses it, but with HTML5 mobile is going the way of scripting.

TL;DR:

Web based stuff, Javascript.

Gen. Computing, Java.

Either is okay for hacking, cause hacking isn't about breaking shit and pwning servers and PCs. If you don't REALLY know what hacking is, then read more and make an educated decision.