If you are reading this blog, chances are you love React as much as I do. ReactJS is a front-end JavaScript library for building user interfaces for web applications. In my first few projects, these UI components were saved as JavaScript files which were replaced by TypeScript in the subsequent projects. And as you are thinking, I had the same question - why is JavaScript being replaced with TypeScript? What all are the advantages of TypeScript over JavaScript? The curiosity was getting on my nerves and had me do some research around this topic of TypeScript vs JavaScript.
From my initial research through different websites, here I am, penning down the advantages of Typescript over JavaScript from my perspective. But before we take a deep dive into the details, sharing a fun fact about JavaScript - JavaScript and I share the same year of birth, fate, you know! Let us get started now.
Key Difference Between JavaScript and TypeScript programming language
TypeScript is a powerful type system that can be used for large-size projects. Some popular frameworks of the TypeScript programming language are Angular, Bootstrap, React, etc. Unlike JavaScript, TypeScript gives support for modules and interfaces.
Typescript shows the compilation errors, it highlights errors at the time of development. it is a superset of JavaScript with additional features i.e., ES6. It can also compile the TypeScript files into ES3, ES4, and ES5. It allows better development time tool support. It can provide the language other than the standard decorators, async/await. It offers great productivity for developers and is easy to learn and start. TypeScript provides code navigation and bug prevention; Rich IDE is available with autocomplete. Another difference between JavaScript and TypeScript is that TypeScript supports features of prototyping which is a creational design pattern.
JavaScript codes can be easily converted into TypeScript by changing the extension from JavaScript to TypeScript. TypeScript has been increasing in popularity and usage for the last couple of years. Angular, React. and other frontend frameworks are using TypeScript instead of JavaScript.
What is the future of JavaScript in the coming decades
JavaScript will always be the foundation for all you may see or be familiar with within the internet. So, with web development on the rise in early 2022, it is always a better option to learn JavaScript as a basis for most languages. JavaScript can be used to add dynamic functionalities to websites. It is used for both frontend and backend development for applications. As JavaScript has been growing to be one of the most popular and dominant languages among all web developers. Over the years growth of Script shows no sign of slowing down. After the emerging framework wars, React, Angular, Vue are a few among the most prominent frameworks and libraries of JavaScript widely in use while also being popular among all technology stacks for frontend development. Typescript is the superset of JavaScript that can never reduce the importance of JavaScript.
Summary
At the end of all learning about JavaScript and TypeScript from all different tutorials, I feel that if an experienced developer is working for a relatively small project JavaScript is ideal to choose as technology, but if you have knowledge and expertise in TypeScript then it is the most preferable option. TypeScript is a modern and ideal version of JavaScript with more additional features and advantages. TypeScript is a powerful type system among all emerging technologies for large-size projects.
If you have been emerging as a frontend developer over the past few years, you can notice that there are more than enough choices for a developer to choose a technology stack from. Newer frameworks, libraries, and upgrades are popping up very often into the markets. Not only JavaScript, everything will be updated or replaced by other technologies. Change is the only constant and technologies in the fast-changing Digital World cannot be left untouched. Analysis and paralysis are a major headache for both companies and developers to choose the best technology stack for their project. Always be ready to learn as much as you can - it makes you work more professionally and productively.
