TypeScript vs JavaScript: What's the Difference?

Typescript is a free-to-use programming language. This means that Typescript is a combination of JavaScript and other characteristics. Typescript is a superset of JavaScript, which means it contains all of the features of JavaScript plus a few more.

JavaScript is an interpreted, lightweight programming language. It's a language for dynamic programming. JavaScript does not support multithreading or multiprocessing. It's used in web development to make HTML pages look better.

In the world of programming, TypeScript (TS) and JavaScript (JS) are two well-known languages, but what are the differences between them, and which use cases are better suited for one over the other?

In this post, we'll compare the two languages, and describe how they’ve related their main differences and their advantages.

Here’s how it is done:

1. What is TypeScript?
2. Why Use TypeScript?
3. TypeScript vs. JavaScript: What's the Difference?
4. When Should You Use TypeScript or JavaScript?
5. Will JavaScript be Replaced by TypeScript?

What is TypeScript?

Microsoft created and maintains TypeScript, an object-oriented programming language. It's a syntactical superset of JavaScript with the addition of optional static typing.

The TypeScript (TS) programming language is a large-scale programming language that compiles JavaScript. TypeScript can be used to create JavaScript applications that run on both the server and the client. The most popular TypeScript programs are also JavaScript programs.

Trans-compilation can be accomplished in a variety of ways. To convert TypeScript to JavaScript, you can use either the default TypeScript Checker or the Babel compiler.

Similar to how C++ header files can define the building of current object files, TypeScript supports JS libraries. Other applications can use the values defined in files just as TypeScript entities with statically typed values.

Third-party header files are available for popular libraries like D3.js, jQuery, and MongoDB. TypeScript headers for Node.js elementary modules are also available, allowing Node.js applications to be written in TypeScript.

TypeScript and JavaScript make up the TypeScript compiler. It's licensed under the Apache License 2.0. Let's look at the foundations of JavaScript before comparing TypeScript to JavaScript.

What is JavaScript?

JavaScript, shortened as JS, is a scripting language that follows the ECMAScript standard. JavaScript is a just-in-time compiled language with a high level of abstraction and multi-pattern support.

There's also dynamic typing, curly bracket syntax, first-class functions, and prototype-based object orientation. One of the most significant technologies on the Internet, along with CSS and HTML, is JavaScript.

JavaScript is a programming language that allows users to interact with web pages and is a necessary component of web applications. The majority of websites use it for client-side web page behavior, and all major web browsers include a dedicated JavaScript engine.

JavaScript is a multi-paradigm programming language that supports imperative, event-driven, and functional programming methods. The application programming interface (API) may calculate dates, text, standard data structures, the Document Object Model (DOM), and regular expressions.

Although JavaScript engines were once only found in web browsers, they are now used on a wide range of servers, most notably via Node.js. JavaScript derivatives include TypeScript, CoffeeScript, Dart, and Kotlin. These are also used in a variety of applications created with frameworks like Cordova and Electron.

Read Best JavaScript Frameworks and Libraries.

Why Use TypeScript?

Typescript is a superset of JavaScript. This means Typescript is a combination of JavaScript and a few more characteristics. Developers will find it easier to work with JavaScript due to the language.

Here are some more instances of what TypeScript is used for:

• Improve IDE Support
  TypeScript development is a significant improvement over JavaScript development. Atom, Sublime, Visual Studio Code, and WebStorm are just a few of the JavaScript IDEs that offer excellent support for both TypeScript and JavaScript.
• Interoperability
  TypeScript is strongly linked to JavaScript. As a result, it has high interoperability capabilities, although it requires some additional work to work with JS libraries in TypeScript.
• Static Typing
  JavaScript is tightly typed, so it doesn't know what kind of variable it's dealing with until it's practically created at runtime. JavaScript now has type support due to TypeScript.
• Strict Null Examination
  In JavaScript software programming, errors, like cannot to read property 'x' of undefined, are common. Since a variable that is unknown to the TypeScript compiler cannot be used, you can avoid most of these errors.
• Supports New ECMAScript
  TypeScript can trans-pile unique ECMAScript criteria to ECMAScript objectives of your choice. As a result, you can use lambda, modules, functions, the spread operator, de-structuring, and classes, which are all features of ES2015 and beyond.
• Type Inference
  The use of type inference in TypeScript makes typing easier and less confusing. Even if you don't use the interface, TypeScript can help you avoid mistakes that could cause runtime issues.

Why Use JavaScript?

JavaScript is in high demand these days, as it is supported by the majority of browsers and web-based applications. In addition to the web, it's utilized in servers, applications, and embedded hardware controllers.

The following are some basic reasons why designing a JavaScript application is preferable:

• Foundational Language
  The event-driven software design style organizes the movement of your code by system events or user events, and JavaScript supports it.
• Fun and Interactive Language
  You'll have immediate access to a complete user interface. JavaScript has a graphical user interface that is both entertaining and simple to use. Early in the learning process, you can construct browser-based scripts to create interactive projects.
• Learning Support
  Each browser has to source code viewing features that allow you to learn from the live coding of others. In addition, JavaScript has the largest and most dynamic library code repository in the ecosystem. Individuals in the JavaScript community are extremely helpful and active in sharing and repurposing one another's code.
• Low Requirements to Start
  Browsers use a programming language called JavaScript. It's a lot simpler to understand, and you can get started right away. Unlike other languages, JavaScript does not require you to install a large number of programs before you can begin using it.
• Rich Interfaces
  To provide a rich interface to your website users, you can use JavaScript to include features like sliders and drag-and-drop components.
• Superior Debugging Tools
  The web browser has a collaborative JavaScript interpreter that allows you to explore and receive immediate feedback, allowing you to learn more quickly.

Read JavaScript Package Managers: NPM Vs YARN Vs PNPM.

TypeScript vs. JavaScript: What's the Difference?

When comparing two programming languages, TypeScript, and JavaScript, we must take into account the following factors:

#1 Learning Curve

TypeScript is a JavaScript superset. You need to have a basic understanding and knowledge of JavaScript before writing TypeScript code. Furthermore, you should be familiar with the OOPS concept.

JavaScript, on the other hand, is a widely used and simple-to-learn scripting language. To construct web applications, many developers use JavaScript with CSS and HTML. HTML, on the other hand, is difficult since it includes event management, web behavior, animations, and scripting.

#2 Developers Community

In a short period, TypeScript grew in popularity and was adopted by a large number of businesses. To learn TypeScript, there are numerous tutorials and instructions available on the Internet. It does, however, have an active and supportive community.

In comparison to TypeScript, however, JavaScript does not have a large community. Many libraries, frameworks, and programming practices are available in JavaScript. As a result, for overall team effectiveness, it's a good idea to know your web development team structure that best meets your business needs.

#3 Performance

The TypeScript was intended to address the limitations of JavaScript for large-scale, sophisticated applications, as we all know. As a result, TypeScript reduces development time and helps developers to be more productive.

The only difference between TypeScript and JavaScript is that TypeScript code is first compiled into JavaScript before being executed.

#4 Syntax

Variable declaration, functional paradigm, and type system are all features of TypeScript that JavaScript lacks. In terms of syntax, it's similar to JScript and .NET, with support for ECMAScript 2015 Standard features including modules, arrow function syntax, and classes.

JavaScript also follows the ECMAScript standard. It is not, however, a typed language like TypeScript. Many structured programming terms from C are used, such as if statements, switch statements, do-while loops, and so on. It supports both functional and imperative programming, as well as event-driven programming.

#5 Frameworks and Tools

Since Microsoft supports TypeScript, it has a slew of popular frameworks and editors. It supports error handling during compilation to eliminate issues at runtime, due to close connection with editors.

On the other hand, there are numerous JavaScript frameworks available on the market to meet the needs of web development projects. It's a huge ecosystem with a large following among programmers. Developers who specialize in ReactJS, VueJS, Angular, and other frameworks may be found rapidly.

#6 Code

For TypeScript:

class Person {
    private name: string;
    constructor(private name: string) {
        this.name = name;
    }
    name() {
        return "My name is " + this.name;
    }
}

For JavaScript:

var Person = (function() {
    function Person(personName) {
        this.name = personName;
    }
    Person.prototype.name = function() {
        return "My name is " + this.name;
    }
    return Person;
})();

When Should You Use TypeScript or JavaScript?

Choose TypeScript when:

• Favor Compile-time Type Checking
  Extending basic JavaScript code is difficult, especially if you prefer error checking at compile time. It is entirely possible to perform run-time type confirmation and compile-time validation using TypeScript.
• Getting to Know a New Framework or Library
  If you're starting a new project using React and aren't familiar with the API, TypeScript is a good place to start because it proposes type definitions. You can use IntelliSense to help you navigate through new interfaces and figure out what they're all about.
• Massive Projects or a Large Number of Developers
  TypeScript is the ideal option if you're working on a large project or if you're working with a team of developers. TypeScript's access modifiers and the interface can help you communicate APIs more effectively.

Choose JavaScript when:

• Additional Dependencies
  You'll need the type definitions for the JS libraries you'll be using in TypeScript. In an extra epm package, there's a new form of definition effect.
• Build Tools Needed
  It is common to practice using JavaScript without the need to build tools.
• Small Assignments
  JavaScript is an excellent choice for small web projects and teams.
• Stable Testing Workflow
  Even with all of TypeScript's features and costs, having a JavaScript team that is already doing test-driven development is preferable to switching to TypeScript.
• Supported Framework
  TypeScript isn't supported by all frameworks. You can construct web applications faster and streamline your software development process by using existing JavaScript libraries and frameworks.

As a result, while deciding between TypeScript and JavaScript, adopting a well-known JavaScript library for your development is preferred because it will be well-maintained in the future.

Read Best JavaScript Chart Libraries.

Will JavaScript be Replaced by TypeScript?

The simplest response to the preceding question is NO!

TypeScript is an entirely separate language from JavaScript, with the exception that it inherits the core nature of JavaScript. As a result, JavaScript cannot and will not be replaced in the future.

JavaScript is a widely used and fundamental technology in the software development business, with a large number of developers using it for both client-side and server-side applications.

TypeScript, on the other hand, is not directly executed in web browsers. It's a JavaScript transcompiler. Since JavaScript runs directly in the browser, it's easy to debug and compile.

Read How to fix JavaScript Errors.

TypeScript is not designed for all types of projects. As a result, both programming languages have advantages and disadvantages, as well as a set of features.

For better business processes and customer experience, you'll need to embrace new technology or framework to keep up with enterprise web development trends.

Conclusion

After reviewing all of the information presented in this article, we can conclude that both languages have advantages and disadvantages.

TypeScript is designed for developers who desire to write understandable, well-organized code. We're not even going to mention what TypeScript has to provide, such as live-bug checking and static typing.

Although JavaScript is not a complete programming language, it can be used in combination with HTML to improve web page quality. You'll also find a lot of seasoned engineers who know how to code in JavaScript.

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