When discussing the language of web development, Javascript is often the first language that comes to mind. It’s been around since 1995 and has since become the de facto programming language of Web development. In recent years, Javascript has been complemented by a newer cousin, Typescript, which is a typed superset of Javascript. When trying to decide between Javascript and Typescript, it’s important to have a good understanding of the features and differences between each language.

Overview Of Javascript

Javascript is an interpreted computer programming language that conforms to the ECMAScript specification. It is multi-paradigm, meaning it supports object-oriented, imperative, and functional programming styles. It is deployed primarily in web browsers, but can also be used in server-side applications with the use of platforms like Node.js. Javascript is commonly used for web page scripting and is typically the 3rd most popular language on GitHub.

Javascript is a powerful language that can be used to create interactive web pages, build mobile applications, and create games. It is also used to create dynamic web content, such as animated graphics, interactive forms, and auto-complete search boxes. Javascript is a versatile language that can be used to create a wide variety of applications, from simple web pages to complex web applications.

What Is Typescript?

Typescript, created and developed by Microsoft, is an open-source programming language that is a superset of Javascript. This means that Typescript contains all features of Javascript and more. Any valid Javascript code is also valid Typescript code. It was designed as a way to add optional type checking and type stability to Javascript, allowing developers to catch common errors without having to manually test the code. Typescript essentially will allow developers to catch errors in the development stage, rather than waiting for errors to arise in production.

Typescript is a great tool for developers who are looking to create large-scale applications. It allows for the use of object-oriented programming, which can help to make code more organized and easier to read. Additionally, Typescript can be used to create applications for both the web and mobile platforms. This makes it a great choice for developers who are looking to create applications that can be used across multiple platforms.

Advantages Of Typescript

The addition of optional type checking taken from conventional class-based object-oriented languages like Java, C#, and C++ has made Typescript popular with many developers. This ensures that code runs a lot smoother and ultimately saves a lot of time for developers. Additionally, Typescript has increased IDE support for better coding experiences such as with IntelliSense. Also, the have been a few enhancements to Typescript such as variables that never change their values, which boosts security by making programs more predictable.

Typescript also offers a number of other advantages, such as the ability to use existing JavaScript libraries without any modifications, as well as the ability to use the same code for both the client and server side. This makes it easier to develop and maintain applications, as well as reducing the amount of code that needs to be written. Furthermore, Typescript is open source, meaning that it is free to use and modify, making it an attractive option for developers.

Disadvantages Of Typescript

Despite its advantages, Typescript is not perfect. One of the biggest disadvantages to using it is that it can introduce some complexities into the codebase. Unlike class-based object-oriented languages like Java and C#, Typescript requires developers to learn new concepts such as types, interfaces, and modules. Additionally, not all browsers or servers support Typescript yet, so developers using it must use transpilation (the process of converting code from one language to another) for code to be executed in some cases.

Another disadvantage of Typescript is that it can be difficult to debug. Since Typescript is a superset of JavaScript, it can be difficult to identify the source of errors in the code. Additionally, Typescript can be more difficult to learn than other languages, as it requires a deeper understanding of the language and its features. Finally, Typescript can be slower than other languages, as it requires more time to compile and execute code.

Comparing Javascript And Typescript Features

At its core, Javascript and Typescript are built upon the same foundations. They are both ECMAScript languages and can both be used to write web applications. They both share features like support for modules, arrow functions, asynchronous programming, and promises. However, the most significant difference between them is the addition of optional type checking in Typescript which allows for easier debugging and provides better code organization.

Typescript also offers a number of additional features that are not available in Javascript, such as classes, interfaces, and generics. These features allow for more complex and powerful programming, and can be used to create more robust applications. Additionally, Typescript has a much larger library of available packages and libraries than Javascript, which can be used to quickly and easily add functionality to an application.

Syntax Differences Between Javascript And Typescript

The syntax of Typescript also differs from standard Javascript syntax. While most Javascript commands can be used in Typescript without issue, there are some commands that require slightly different syntaxes when used in Typescript such as let and const instead of var. Additionally, developers need to use the keyword “function” when defining a function in Typescript instead of using an arrow (=>) like Javascript does.

Type Annotations In Typescript

The addition of Type Annotation to Typescript is one of its major advantages over Javascript. Type Annotations allow developers to specify the data types they expect certain variables to have and also allow them to set certain conditions on values (like ensuring a number is within a certain range).

Type Inference In Typescript

Typescript also has another advantages over Javascript with its feature of Type Inference. With Type Inference developers can specify the data type they expect certain variables without having to manually add Type Annotations to each variable. This feature removes a lot of manual labor from development.

Javascript Vs Typescript Performance Comparison

In terms of pure performance, it is difficult to make comparisons between Javascript and Typescript since both are ultimately converted into machine code before execution. However, studies have shown that in some cases, applications written in Typescript may run faster due to the added optimization that comes with optional type checking. Additionally, since Type Annotation prevents some potential common errors from happening in production these applications may also be more stable all around.

Exporting And Importing Modules In Javascript And Typescript

Modules are essential when developing larger software systems as they help parse out pieces of code into easy-to-manage chunks. Javacscript and Typescript both have mechanisms for exporting and importing modules which allow developers to share pieces of their code with others. In both languages, exporting modules uses the keyword “export” while importing modules use the keyword “import”.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Typescript is a popular new alternative to Javascript that has made leaps and bounds in terms of development workflow and organization. With the addition of optional typechecking, type annotations, and type inference, it makes development a lot easier for app developers who may have come from class-based object-oriented languages like Java or C#. Of course, this does add some complexities compared to standard Javascript but those complexities can often be forgiven for the benefits that come with developing in Typescript.