What's the real difference between class and job?

[miqokini]

I know that classes are what we have now and jobs will be available (unlocked by respective classes) in the future, but what are the differences between them?

Isn't a class already essentially a job, and a job pretty much a class? I hope I am making sense here...

[Zahak]

SE says classes are going to be ideal for soloing and jobs being ideal for partying!

http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/t...form-Blueprint

"
Armoury System
Classes
Actions will undergo major revisions, along with both the underlying mechanics and conditions.

By major revisions, not only do we mean the tweaking of effects and potency of existing actions - we will work from the ground up to redesign and reassign actions based on clearly identified class roles.

We will also make a number of changes as part of our reexamination of how actions are equipped and the character requirements for doing so. First, actions learned by each class will be set to the action bar by default when playing as that class. Also, we will be making some actions settable on any class, while other "class-defining" actions obtained at higher ranks will be usable only by that class.
Jobs

The job system - that series-defining trademark - will be implemented in FINAL FANTASY XIV (details such as specific jobs TBA). Quests to unlock each job will become available once you have reached a certain rank in the corresponding class.
Rather than being advanced versions of classes, we would like players to think of jobs as specialized playing styles optimized for partying. While playing as a particular job will render you unable to equip certain actions of other classes, you will be compensated with access to exclusive actions, which can be acquired through quests.

In practice, players will find the existing classes effective when playing solo or in certain party setups. Jobs, however, will shine in party situations where specific skill sets are demanded. Now, you didn’t hear this from me, but there are also rumors circulating that quests for obtaining job-exclusive equipment are also in the pipes.
We at the development team are currently hard at work on the job system, and expect to have details to share with you soon."

[TheVedis]

classes are meant for solo play/small parties
jobs will make you a specific role

think of this, as a gladiator, i can equip a ton of random abilities from other jobs making me well rounded
now i equip paladin, i can no longer use mage heals, i cant use archer damage boosters, but in return, i gain a ton of tank helping abilities


every job will make you a specific role and give you unique abilities to that job to compensate for what you lose

[miqokini]

Cool. Makes sense now. Thanks, guys.

Sounds like quite the daunting task that SE is taking on. I hope they can pull it off without making certain jobs/classes obsolete/overpowered.

[Sonic_the_Hedgehog]

Well, a class a meeting of students for instruction and a job is a specific task done as part of the routine of one's occupation.



j/k

[TessaJalloh]

Sonic the Smartass.

though, strangely, there is logic in what he says. =o

[Sonic_the_Hedgehog]

Sonic the Smartass.

/10chara