Knowing The Difference: TypeScript vs. JavaScript

If you are not a developer, chances are you have never heard of terms like TypeScript or JavaScript. Or maybe you have heard these terms thrown around at the office or networking events. But you never really understood the differences between the two. Sound familiar?

In this article, we’ll dive into the differences between TypeScript and JavaScript. We’ll also discuss the benefits of both TypeScript and JavaScript, plus we’ll give you some examples of different TypeScript frameworks that we use at Taazaa.

TypeScript vs. JavaScript

How is TypeScript different from JavaScript? TypeScript and JavaScript share many similarities. TypeScript is not a separate language, but an extension of JavaScript with additional features. With the increased popularity of TypeScript, we can consider it an enhanced version of JavaScript. Although TypeScript is not a separate programming language from JavaScript, there is still a learning curve.

What is JavaScript?

JavaScript is a lightweight, interpreted programming language created by Brendan Eich in 1995. It is considered one of the core technologies of the web, along with HTML and CSS, and is supported by all major browsers. JavaScript is also the most well-known programming language for HTML and web-based applications.

What is TypeScript?

TypeScript is an open-source programming language developed by Microsoft in 2012, which builds on JavaScript by offering optional static typing and class-based object-oriented programming. TypeScript is a superset of JavaScript, which means that any valid JavaScript code is also valid TypeScript code.

Key differences between TypeScript and JavaScript

The key difference between TypeScript vs. JavaScript is that JavaScript is a dynamic language, while TypeScript offers strict static typing as an option but will also allow dynamic typing. TypeScript code is safer, with a caveat being that it is slightly trickier to write, resulting in more errors in early development stages.

Using dynamic typing in JavaScript means that variables can be reassigned to values of any type at any time, providing flexibility and optimizing for speed. This can sometimes lead to unintended errors later on. With TypeScript, you would be writing more code; however, static-typed languages prevent errors before they happen.

Additional differences between TypeScript vs. JavaScript:

• TypeScript is an object-oriented programming language, whereas JavaScript is a prototype-based programming language.
• TypeScript comes with many functionalities, like code editors and integrated development environments (IDE), whereas JavaScript has limited built-in tooling functionality.
• TypeScript is an open-source language to build large-scale web applications, whereas JavaScript is a server-side programming language.
• TypeScript supports multiple types and interfaces to represent data, whereas JavaScript doesn’t support concepts such as interfaces.

What are the benefits of TypeScript?

There are many benefits of TypeScript. For one, TypeScript adds static type checking. This catches errors and enforces types of variables and parameters around functions during compilation. TypeScript is great when building a complex application for larger codebases and teams where type safety is critical.

• Readability – This is critical when you have a large team working together on the same project. Team members are able to easily understand the original design intent.
• Catch errors early – This allows programmers to save time on fixing logic flaws rather than finding and eliminating errors.
• Optional static typing – TypeScript adds static typing as an option. When developers make mistakes with types, the compiler lets them know before going into the production phase. This leads to code that is less likely to have mistakes in the future and runs faster.
• Object-oriented programming (OOP) – This is where the developer creates a system of objects and classes. Although modern JavaScript supports classes, TypeScript makes more use of OOP features.
• Fast refactoring – Refactoring or upgrading the program without changing its behavior keeps the codebase stable.

TypeScript Frameworks

There are many TypeScript frameworks out there. Which is best often comes down to personal preference.

NestJS is one of the fastest-growing frameworks within the NodeJS ecosystem. There is also Express, which utilizes TypeScript for efficient and scalable APIs.

Many development tools and frameworks are built with TypeScript, offering a reliable foundation capable of handling large-scale applications.

What are the benefits of JavaScript?

JavaScript is the most widely adopted of the two languages simply because it has been around longer than TypeScript. JavaScript experts have compiled abundant libraries, frameworks, and learning resources for other developers. Popular frameworks like React, Angular, and Vue are all built on top of JavaScript. JavaScript is perfect for rapid prototyping and small projects where type safety is less critical in the beginning stages. Many developers are already proficient in JavaScript, so there is less of a learning curve.

• Speed – JavaScript allows partial processing of web pages on the user’s computer without requests to the server. This saves time and reduces the load on the server.
• Simplicity – Solving a simple problem in a few minutes is possible. For complex tasks, there are options for creative solutions that can be adapted easily.
• Low learning curve – Learning JavaScript may seem complicated for beginners, but most have quickly adapted to its syntax and logic.
• Server load – The overall demand placed on servers is lower, making it possible for some applications to function without the use of a server at all.
• Extended functionality – By generating JavaScript code snippets for third-party add-ons, developers can enhance functionality.

The Importance of Knowing the Difference: TypeScript vs. JavaScript

While JavaScript provides dynamic flexibility, TypeScript offers static types for code while retaining JavaScript dynamic typing. In modern development projects, both languages are often used together. For this reason, software developers should try out both languages to see which best suits their needs.

Choosing the right language and understanding the importance of knowing the difference between the two can significantly impact the success of any custom software development project.

If you need help with your software development project, contact the experts at Taazaa today. Having a custom software company on your side can set you apart from the competition, ensuring a solid foundation for all your front-end, back-end, or full-stack development needs.