29.5 - Calling Java from JavaScript
Enroll to start learning
You’ve not yet enrolled in this course. Please enroll for free to listen to audio lessons, classroom podcasts and take practice test.
Interactive Audio Lesson
Listen to a student-teacher conversation explaining the topic in a relatable way.
Introduction to Nashorn and Java Integration
🔒 Unlock Audio Lesson
Sign up and enroll to listen to this audio lesson
Today, we’re going to explore how JavaScript, via Nashorn, can call Java methods. This is a powerful feature! Anyone knows why we might want to combine these two languages?
Maybe to use Java's libraries in JavaScript code?
Exactly, it lets us leverage Java's libraries! Now, let’s dive into an example using the `Java.type()` method. This allows us to utilize Java classes.
How does that actually work?
Great question! For instance, we could create a `File` object in JavaScript. Let's see this code: `var File = Java.type('java.io.File'); var file = new File('test.txt');`
And we can just use the file as if we were in Java?
Exactly! You can access its methods directly from JavaScript. This integration offers remarkable flexibility in application development.
So what’s the output of that code?
If you call `print(file.getAbsolutePath());`, it will display the absolute path of the created file.
In summary, Nashorn is a powerful bridge, allowing powerful integration between Java and JavaScript through simple method calls.
Exploring the Example Further
🔒 Unlock Audio Lesson
Sign up and enroll to listen to this audio lesson
Continuing from where we left off, look at the example: `var file = new File('test.txt');`. Why might this be useful in a real-world application?
We could allow users to manage files through a web application!
Exactly! By embedding JavaScript in our Java applications, we can offer user-friendly file management features. What do you think could be a disadvantage of using this approach?
Maybe performance issues due to interpreted code?
Correct! While dynamic scripting adds flexibility, it can have performance trade-offs compared to strictly compiled Java code. Always consider the context!
So, is it only Nashorn we have to worry about with JavaScript?
You're on point! Other engines, like GraalVM, are emerging as alternatives since Nashorn has been deprecated. Keep an eye on these advancements!
Today's lesson showed us how JavaScript can enhance Java’s capabilities, highlighting the integration potential in developing dynamic applications.
Introduction & Overview
Read summaries of the section's main ideas at different levels of detail.
Quick Overview
Standard
The section provides an overview of integrating Java with JavaScript through Nashorn. It explains how to access Java classes and methods directly from JavaScript when working within a Java application, showcasing practical usage through code snippets.
Detailed
Calling Java from JavaScript
In this section, we explore how to invoke Java methods and classes directly from JavaScript using the Nashorn JavaScript engine. This capability allows developers to create dynamic applications where JavaScript can interact with Java seamlessly, leveraging Java's robust functionalities while enjoying the flexibility of scripting.
Key Points:
- Integrating Java and JavaScript: Nashorn allows scripts to access and instantiate Java types, opening up versatile programming opportunities.
- Example Usage: Using
Java.type()method allows you to create Java objects directly within a JavaScript context. For instance, a simple script can create aFileobject from thejava.iopackage:
- This calls the
getAbsolutePath()method on theFileinstance, demonstrating interaction between Java and JavaScript.
The discussions here highlight the significance of Nashorn in bridging these two different programming paradigms, making applications more dynamic and adaptable.
Youtube Videos
Audio Book
Dive deep into the subject with an immersive audiobook experience.
Introduction to Calling Java from JavaScript
Chapter 1 of 2
🔒 Unlock Audio Chapter
Sign up and enroll to access the full audio experience
Chapter Content
Nashorn supports calling Java methods/classes from scripts:
Detailed Explanation
This chunk introduces the core functionality that the Nashorn JavaScript engine provides, allowing scripts written in JavaScript to call Java methods and classes. This capability bridges the two languages, enabling developers to leverage Java's robust features within JavaScript code. The chunk sets the stage for the examples that follow and emphasizes the integration between Java and JavaScript.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine you have a toolbox filled with various tools (Java), and you want to use some of these tools while baking a cake (JavaScript). Nashorn acts like a helpful assistant that brings the required tools to your kitchen whenever you need them while you're baking.
Example of Calling Java Class
Chapter 2 of 2
🔒 Unlock Audio Chapter
Sign up and enroll to access the full audio experience
Chapter Content
engine.eval("var File = Java.type('java.io.File');" + "var file = new File('test.txt');" + "print(file.getAbsolutePath());");
Detailed Explanation
This chunk presents a code snippet that demonstrates how to call a Java class from a JavaScript script using the Nashorn engine. The snippet initializes a new File object from the Java java.io.File class, providing a path for a file named 'test.txt'. It then prints the absolute path of this file. This example illustrates how JavaScript can interact with Java classes, making it possible to manipulate file systems and resources through JavaScript code.
Examples & Analogies
Think of having a remote control car (JavaScript) that can access a garage full of vehicles (Java). When you want to move a specific car (like the File class), you just press a button on the remote (using Java.type), and the car is ready for you to drive it wherever you want.
Key Concepts
-
Nashorn: A JavaScript engine that facilitates interaction between Java and JavaScript.
-
Java.type(): Method in Nashorn for creating Java objects in JavaScript.
-
ScriptEngine: The interface that provides a scripting context.
Examples & Applications
Using Nashorn to create a File object: var File = Java.type('java.io.File'); var file = new File('test.txt');
Printing the absolute path of a file created in JavaScript: print(file.getAbsolutePath());
Memory Aids
Interactive tools to help you remember key concepts
Rhymes
Nashorn's the bridge, it allows you to code, mixing Java with scripts, watch logic explode!
Stories
Imagine a bridge where Java and JavaScript meet. They exchange secrets and code, crafting apps unique and neat.
Memory Tools
JAS - Java And Scripts: Remember Nashorn links them across.
Acronyms
J.A.V.A. - Java and Visualize Active Scripting
Emphasizing dynamic scripts in Java.
Flash Cards
Glossary
- Nashorn
A JavaScript engine included in Java 8 that allows Java code to invoke JavaScript and vice versa.
- Java.type()
A Nashorn function that allows JavaScript to instantiate Java classes.
- ScriptEngine
An interface that Nashorn implements which provides a way to execute scripts within Java applications.
Reference links
Supplementary resources to enhance your learning experience.