TypeScript vs. JavaScript: Which One is Better?

It is common to misunderstand between TypeScript and JavaScript for being similar. Although a part of it is true, there are significant differences between them. This tutorial on TypeScript vs. JavaScript will give you a clear picture of the two languages.

Now that you know what’s in store for you, continue reading.

What is JavaScript?

JavaScript is a powerful open-source, client-side scripting language. It is mainly used to improve a user's interaction with a web page. In other words, you can use this programming language to make your website more vibrant and engaging. JavaScript is also commonly utilized in the production of games and mobile applications. Some key features of JavaScript include excellent speed, cross-browser compatibility, and simple semantics, allowing a seamless developer experience.

JavaScript

What is TypeScript?

TypeScript.

TypeScript is a superset of JavaScript and is an object-oriented programming language. In simple terms, it is just JavaScript with other impressive additional features. All codes in TypeScript ultimately get compiled to JavaScript.

Some key features include -

TypeScript supports all JavaScript libraries and frameworks. Angular, a JavaScript framework used to build single-page applications is entirely written in TypeScript.
With an increase in code complexity, JavaScript had to fulfill the requirements of OOP; hence that lead to the introduction of TypeScript.
TypeScript helps with quicker code development, thus improving performance.

Advantages of TypeScript Over JavaScript

There are a few improvements with TypeScript that give it an upper hand over JavaScript. Here is the list of advantages of TypeScript over JavaScript.

Only at the time of development does TypeScript bring out compilation issues. This reduces the chances of mistakes occurring at runtime.
A property of TypeScript is that it is strongly typed or enables static typing. Static typing allows type correctness to be checked at compilation time. In JavaScript, this isn't possible.
TypeScript is nothing but JavaScript and some additional features i.e. ES6 features. Some of these features are -

Interfaces
Generics
Namespaces
Null checking
Access Modifiers

TypeScript supports IntelliSense which provides active hints as the code is added.

Surely, by now you have gathered the differences between the two. The coming section explains the differences in a tabular format for better understanding.

TypeScript vs. JavaScript

TypeScript	JavaScript
It is an object-oriented language	It is a client-side scripting language
Supports strongly typed or static typing feature	Doesn't support strongly typed or static typing
It highlights errors at the time of development	It highlights errors at runtime
Converted into JavaScript and then runs on browsers	Runs directly on browsers
Supports prototyping	Doesn’t support prototyping
Supports modules and generics to define data	Does not support modules and generics

Hope that helped you get a better understanding of the two languages.

Which One to Choose?

You must be wondering which one to choose? What are other developers around the world using?

TypeScript_vs_JavaScript

Well, according to Google trends, growth in TypeScript has plateaued in the last 12 months, while JavaScript still has a large user base.

If you are experienced and work on minor projects, then JavaScript is ideal. But if you prefer compile-time type checking and working with a new library/framework or on an extensive project with multiple developers, then TypeScript would be a better option.

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Next Steps

We hope that this article on TypeScript vs. JavaScript clarified the differences and similarities between the two languages. Course certification will be useful if you want to study these programming languages and possibly pursue a job as a developer.

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