In this article we will answer the question ” Whats the difference between JavaScript and TypeScript “. We will start with a brief look at both of these programming languages separately:
JavaScript
JavaScript is a programming language that enables you to create dynamically updating content such as interactive maps, animated 3D graphics and basically control any media on a webpage. It is typically used in web development along side HTML and CSS. The core client-side JavaScript language allows you to store and use values inside variables, operate on text strings and run code in response to events occurring on a webpage for example when someone clicks on a button, some JavaScript code is run in response for a programmed reaction. Most Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) use JavaScript to enable external functionality like Google Maps and Google ads on a webpage.
Quick JavaScript Run-down:
- Dynamic Language: JavaScript is a dynamically-typed language, which means you don’t need to declare variable types explicitly.
- Interpreted: It is interpreted directly by browsers or JavaScript engines.
- Flexible, but Error-Prone: While it’s easy to write, it can lead to more errors during runtime due to its dynamic nature.
- Widely Used: JavaScript powers web applications, front-end development, and server-side scripting.
TypeScript
TypeScript is a superset of JavaScript that adds syntax and allows developers to add types. TypeScript code is converted to JavaScript which makes it able to run anywhere JavaScript can run by using Node.js or Deno. TypeScript allows specifying the types of data being passed around within the code, and has the ability to report errors when the types don’t match. A common way to use TypeScript is to use the official TypeScript compiler, which transpiles TypeScript code into JavaScript. Some popular code editors, such as Visual Studio Code, have built-in TypeScript support and can show errors as you write code.
Quick TypeScript Run-down:
- Static Language with Type Definitions: TypeScript adds static typing to JavaScript. You explicitly define types for variables, functions, and other constructs.
- Trans-compiled: TypeScript compiles to JavaScript (ES5 or ES6), making it compatible with existing JavaScript codebases.
- Enhanced Error Checking: TypeScript catches errors during development, reducing bugs in production.
- Predictable Code Execution: Type annotations help you understand how your code will run.
- Popular for Large Projects: TypeScript shines in large-scale applications and enterprise-level development.
The difference between JavaScript and TypeScript
- While both languages are pretty similar, the main difference is that JavaScript is a dynamically typed language while Typescript is a statically typed language.
- JavaScript is a scripting language used to make webpages interactive, while Typescript is an extended version of JavaScript which requires a compiler.
- Typescript supports prototyping, while JavaScript does not.
- Typescript makes use of Types and interfaces to explain the data you are working with, while JavaScript does not.
- TypeScript is generally suited for larger projects while JavaScript is a great choice for smaller projects.
Advantages of TypeScript vs JavaScript
- TypeScript identifies compilation errors during development, reducing the chances of runtime errors, JavaScript does not have this functionality.
- Typescript is essentially JavaScript with extra features baked in, making it superior by default.
Disadvantages of TypeScript
- Learning typescript is more challenging than learning JavaScript
- When .ts compilation happens, Typescript requires an extra step, which can be an inconvenience
- Defining types and interfacing can be a chore when setting up, making it feel stiff and inflexible.
Conclusion
In summary, while JavaScript remains the bedrock of web development, TypeScript offers enhanced safety, predictability, and scalability. Choose wisely based on your project’s requirements.
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