Exploring the Best Nashorn Alternatives for JavaScript on the JVM

Nashorn, a JavaScript engine for the Java Virtual Machine, has been a go-to for many developers needing to run JavaScript scripts within their Java applications or from the command line. It seamlessly integrates Java APIs and classes directly into scripts, offering flexibility. However, with the evolving landscape of programming languages and the deprecation of Nashorn in recent Java versions, developers are increasingly seeking robust and efficient Nashorn alternatives. This guide explores some of the top contenders that offer similar, and often enhanced, capabilities for your scripting needs on the JVM and beyond.

Top Nashorn Alternatives

Whether you're looking for a direct JavaScript replacement, a language with strong JVM integration, or a platform for building scalable network applications, these alternatives offer diverse solutions to fit your development requirements.

Node.js

Node.js is a powerful platform built on Chrome's V8 JavaScript runtime, designed for easily building fast, scalable network applications. As a Nashorn alternative, it excels in server-side web development and provides a robust runtime environment using an event-driven, non-blocking I/O model. It is Free, Open Source, and available across multiple platforms including Mac, Windows, Linux, Chrome OS, and BSD. Its extensive ecosystem and active community make it a strong choice for any JavaScript-centric development.

Scala

Scala is a modern multi-paradigm programming language that runs on the Java Virtual Machine (JVM). It is designed to express common programming patterns in a concise and elegant way, offering strong support for both object-oriented and functional programming. As a Nashorn alternative, Scala provides a compiled language with a robust type system, making it suitable for large-scale applications where type safety and performance are crucial. It is Free, Open Source, and available on Mac, Windows, Linux, and BSD.

Groovy

Groovy is an agile and dynamic language specifically designed for the Java Virtual Machine (JVM). It offers seamless integration with existing Java code and libraries, making it an excellent Nashorn alternative for developers who want a more expressive and flexible scripting language. Groovy supports object-oriented programming, can be used as both a compiled language and an interpreter, and is Free, Open Source, and available on Mac, Windows, and Linux.

jRuby

JRuby is a 100% Java implementation of the Ruby programming language, running directly on the Java Virtual Machine (JVM). For those who appreciate Ruby's elegance and productivity but need JVM integration, JRuby serves as a compelling Nashorn alternative. It offers powerful scripting capabilities, object-oriented features, and can leverage the vast Java ecosystem. JRuby is Free, Open Source, and compatible with Mac, Windows, and Linux operating systems.

Choosing the right Nashorn alternative depends on your specific project requirements, preferred programming paradigms, and the existing technology stack. Each of these options brings unique strengths to the table, from robust server-side JavaScript to highly integrated JVM languages. We encourage you to explore each alternative to find the best fit for your development needs.