Java Script Vs. TypeScript

JavaScript is a programming language that lets you create dynamically updated content, control multimedia, animate images, and much more. While TypeScript is a strict syntactical superset of JS that compiles to plain JavaScript. So, the question is, which one is perfect for your next web application?

That depends on a few factors. JavaScript may be the better choice if you're just starting with programming. It's easier to learn than TypeScript, and more information and resources are available for JavaScript than for TypeScript.

In contrast, if you're looking for better performance and scalability, TypeScript may be the way to go. It can assist you in catching errors early on and writing cleaner code. And since TypeScript is becoming more popular, there's likely to be more information and resources available for it in the future.

Let's go through the basic insights of JavaScript and TypeScript to comprehend which one to choose - TS vs JS.

What is TypeScript?

TypeScript is an open-source programming language introduced by Microsoft back in 2012. From 2012 to 2022, it has become the first choice for almost 34.83% of web developers globally.

It is a typed superset of JS that compiles to plain JavaScript. It adds syntax on top of the JS to let developers add the data types within the code to improve its ability to catch errors.

TS is designed for large and complicated application development and transcompiles to JavaScript. One can use the TS to develop JavaScript applications for client-side or server-side execution.

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Pros and cons of TypeScript

Let's walk through the pros and cons of TypeScript for its broader understanding to choose the best for your web development.

On the plus side:

• TypeScript is a typed language that can help reduce development errors.
• It also offers classes, interfaces, and modules, which can provide more structure and organization to code.
• TypeScript can be compiled into plain JavaScript, making it compatible with any browser or host.

However, there are some drawbacks to using TypeScript, such as:

• It can be more difficult to read and understand than plain JavaScript.
• Older web browsers or hosts may not support some TypeScript features.
• TS is a compile-to language; there may be potential performance issues when running compiled TypeScript code on web applications.

Advantages of using TypeScript

There are several advantages of using TypeScript over JavaScript for web development, such as:

• TypeScript is a typed language that can check for errors in your code at compile time. That ultimately saves you time and effort in debugging.
• TS is an object-oriented language, making writing well-organized and maintainable code easier.
• Finally, TypeScript has better support for tools and libraries than JavaScript, which can make development faster and easier.

In conclusion, TypeScript is a powerful tool that can let you improve the quality of your code and make development faster and easier. If you are looking for a typed language that offers better support for tools and libraries, then TypeScript is the right choice for you.

What is JavaScript?

JavaScript is a versatile scripting language used for front-end and back-end web development. It is an interpreted language that does not require a compiler to execute. Furthermore, it is supported by all major browsers and allows for creation of dynamic and interactive web applications.

As of 2022, JavaScript was the most popular language for web application development globally, with almost 65.36% of developers using it as their first choice.

It is a prototype-based language, meaning that objects can inherit methods and properties from other objects. That makes it easy to create reusable code modules.

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The pros and cons of JavaScript

JavaScript has been around for a while and is one of the world's most used programming languages. Millions of developers use it because of its versatile features. However, there're also some drawbacks to using JavaScript. Let's look at a few notable pros and cons of JS,

Pros of using JavaScript:

• JavaScript is easy to learn.
• It is a very popular and old language compared to TypeScript. So it's easier to find learning resources for JavaScript.
• It is compatible with all major web browsers.
• JavaScript is a universal language; you can create desktop, mobile, and web applications with JS.
• It has a large community of developers who can help you if you get stuck.

Cons of using JavaScript:

• Some people find JavaScript syntax confusing.
• The language can be quirky and unpredictable at times.
• It is slower than some other languages like C++.

The benefits of using JavaScript

JavaScript is a versatile scripting language that runs on most web browsers. One can use JS to create interactive websites and web applications.

Some key benefits of using JavaScript include:

• JavaScript is easy for beginners and has a wide range of online tutorials and resources.
• It is a relatively lightweight scripting language and can create fast and responsive web applications.
• JavaScript is versatile and can create various applications, from simple websites to complex web-based applications.

Also read: Dive into Javascript deeper with an explanation of Object.Prototype and classes

Difference between TypeScript and JavaScript

After thoroughly discussing JavaScript, TypeScript and its pros and cons, it's time to put light on TypeScript vs JS comparison. We have enlisted the key differences between TS and JS to assist you in picking the best-suited language for web development.

• TS is a typed superset of JS that compiles to plain JS. In Contrast, JavaScript is a dynamic language that doesn't support types. This difference allows TypeScript to offer features such as static type-checking, while JavaScript cannot.
• TS code must be compiled, while JS code is interpreted at runtime. Finally, because TypeScript is a superset of JavaScript, all the JavaScript code is also valid TypeScript code.
• TypeScript supports classes, interfaces, and modules, while JavaScript does not. It enables coders to organize and reuse the code in TS easily.
• TypeScript has an optional type system, while JavaScript does not. It enables TypeScript to offer static type-checking, which can help find bugs early in the development process.
• TypeScript code must be compiled, while JavaScript code is interpreted at runtime. This difference can impact performance and debug.

TypeScript – the future of web application development 2023

Why, in our opinion, it's better to choose TypeScript for web applications? When picking a programming language for web development, there are many factors to consider. One of the crucial ones is whether the language is easy to learn and use. Another critical factor is how well the language works with existing code and libraries.

JavaScript has been the standard for web development for many years. However, TypeScript is a newer language that has recently gained popularity. So, TypeScript or JavaScript, which one should you pick for your next web project?

There are several reasons why Typescript may be a better choice than JavaScript for web development, such as:

• TypeScript is a superset of JavaScript, which includes all of the features of JavaScript and more. That makes it easier to learn for those who are already familiar with JavaScript syntax.
• TypeScript provides stronger type-checking than JavaScript. It can prevent errors in your code and make it easier to catch bugs before they cause problems in your application.
• One major benefit of TypeScript is its adaptability with JS libraries and frameworks. You can use TS with existing JavaScript libraries and frameworks without any issues. That means you can start using TypeScript in your project without having to rewrite any existing code.
• TypeScript is constantly being improved by Microsoft and the community of developers who use it. That means frequently getting new features and updates, making it an up-to-date and evolving language.

With its continuously evolving potential, these incredible benefits of TypeScript over JavaScript make TS the first choice for today's developers. One can see the booming potential of TS language over JS, making it the future of web application development in 2023.

TypeScript or JavaScript in 2023? Final words

TypeScript is a new web development technology with improved features compared to JavaScript. Microsoft and an active TS community are continuously working to evolve this incredible free-source language. While JavaScript is an old, tried, and tested web development technology with a comprehensive online source of learning materials.

You may not find the one-size-fits-all answer to the question of which programming language is best for web development in 2023. However, if you are starting with learning to code or looking to build a more complex web application, TypeScript may be the better option. While JavaScript has been around longer and has a broader range of support, TypeScript is gaining popularity due to its typed nature and ability to scale.

Whichever language you choose, take time to learn the basics and practice coding before building your next web app. Our team can be a great partner if you're looking for consultation or assistance in developing a modern-day web application or picking up the best-suited coding language for your project. Interested? Get in touch!