Over the years, JavaScript has been the most used scripting language for a variety of web development projects. Then what was the need to develop TypeScript? Is TypeScript better than JavaScript? What’s the difference between the two? In this article, we’re going to attempt to answer all these questions and more.
So, what are we waiting for? Let's dive in.
JavaScript is an object-oriented, memory-lightweight programming language that is widely used in web development and highly supports cross-platform development. It is mostly used on the client side of a dynamic page. With JavaScript, when a web page loads, the scripts that are contained within it are automatically executed. The script doesn't require any special compilations to execute because it is offered as simple text. JS is relatively quick because of this functionality.
As JavaScript is so prevalent nowadays, it might be hard for developers to function without it. By looking at the fields of application for JavaScript listed below, it is possible to comprehend the necessity for it and its significance of it.
The introduction of JavaScript opens the door to a completely new realm of interactive web pages. We are all aware that static material is shown on pages using HTML, and that web page customization is accomplished using CSS. However, JavaScript contributes to the interactive nature of these pages.
Here are some ways in which JavaScript contributes to the development of a web page-
Brendan Eich of Netscape Communications Corporation introduced JavaScript in September 1995 under the name Moncha. JavaScript, which further supports Java in browsers, was introduced to the European Computer Manufacturers Association (ECMA) by Netscape in 1996 as the best scripting tool.
JavaScript has the following features:
Developers have two options for integrating JavaScript into HTML pages:
JavaScript is very popular as it can be used in both web apps and browsers. Beyond the web, it can be used more extensively in servers, software, and hardware controllers. The fundamental characteristics determining JavaScript's use are as follows:
Typescript is an open-source, object-oriented scripting language, just like JavaScript. It is one of the supersets of JavaScript that can effortlessly compile to JavaScript with no issues. Running TS through a browser is very different, though. For a JavaScript file to run in the browser, it must first be compiled. However, any device can execute Typescript files, which have the ".ts" extension.
As we've already mentioned, TypeScript is an object-oriented programming language that’s a superset of JavaScript. It has been created to fulfill the inadequacies of JavaScript. Here are some of the reasons why there emerged a need for TypeScript-
So, in addition to JavaScript's characteristics, Typescript also has many additional advantages. Because of all these factors, Typescript is well-liked among programmers.
Under the terms of the Apache 2 license, Typescript was created and is still supported by Microsoft. It was created by Andres Hejlsberg, a programmer, and made available for usage in October 2012.
Microsoft released TypeScript 0.9, a new version of the language, in 2013.
TypeScript 3.4.5, which was released in April 2019, is the most recent stable version.
To learn Typescript, you must first be familiar with JavaScript. The fundamental building elements of a program's structure come from JavaScript. Code written in TypeScript must first be converted to JavaScript before it can be executed because it comes after JavaScript.
Typescript code is contained in files that end in ".ts."
Before converting it to JavaScript, a programmer can create the code in Typescript in a straightforward editor like notepad. The HTML source code is then added, enabling it to be used with any browser.
There are several factors that define what TypeScript is used for:
Let's compare both using several criteria:
Criteria | TypeScript | JavaScript | |
1. | Type | Interpreted high-level programming language. | A strong feature-rich object-oriented compilation language. |
2. | Design & Development | Founded by Anders Hejlsberg, a programmer at Microsoft. | Founded by Brendan Eich of Netscape Communications Corporation, ECMA International. |
3. | Lightweight/Heavyweight | A very lightweight interpreted programming language. | A little heavier than Typescript and created for building business applications. |
4. | Server-side/Client-side | Solely on the client-side deployed. | Deployed on the server-side and client-side. |
5. | File Extension | .ts and .tsx | .js |
6. | Syntax | Includes modules, functions, statements, expressions, and variables. | Every sentence is enclosed with a script tag, which instructs the client to carry out all of the text in between the tags. |
7. | Annotations | The developer must constantly annotate TypeScript code to make the most of its features. | In JavaScript, annotations are not required. |
8. | Compilation Time | Compiling code requires time. | Compiling code is quicker. |
9. | Interface | Through its interface, users can connect to applications. | No means of connecting to another application interface. |
Runtime verification is achievable with vanilla JavaScript. However, this method adds run-time overheads. To prevent these, we employ compile-time checking.
If you've decided to utilize React for your new project but aren't quite comfortable with its API, you may use IntelliSense, a type of definition they provide, to guide you and help you find new interfaces.
Typescript makes sense when numerous developers are working together on a single project. When many APIs can communicate with each other utilizing Typescript's interfaces and access modifiers, it becomes quite useful.
Unlike Typescript, which necessitates a build step before producing the final JavaScript for execution, it has become nearly difficult to design JavaScript apps without building tools.
The smallest projects with the smallest possible code surface area are best suited for JavaScript.
If you already have a trustworthy JavaScript team using test-driven development, switching to Typescript could feel risky.
To use TS's libraries, you must possess their type definitions. A new npm package results from an additional type of definition. By using additional packages, you demonstrate that you are aware of the dangers of using outdated or inaccurate packages.
You will lose out on many of Typescript's advantages if you choose not to import the type definitions. Typed projects do exist, nevertheless, to lessen these hazards. A popular library suggests a better likelihood of being preserved for longer stretches of time.
When you use a framework that does not support TS, like EmberJS, you are constrained and lose out on the advantages of using TS.
JavaScript | TypeScript |
A language for writing scripts that create dynamic web pages. | A JavaScript superset for collaborating on large-scale coding projects. |
Run-time error detection is achievable in interpreted languages. | Compilations allow for the discovery and correction of errors. |
There is no static typing option, weak typing. | Supports strongly typed, dynamic, and static typing. |
Utilized straight on browsers. | JavaScript is converted before being used on browsers. |
Libraries for JS operate by default. | Since JS is a superset, all libraries and code function without modification. |
Supports none of the ES features being compiled. | All ES features are supported by TS. |
Modules, generics, and interfaces are not supported. | Supports modules, generics, and the data definition interface. |
There is no option for functions to have optional parameters. | Optional parameters are possible for functions. |
Strings and numbers are categorized as objects. | Strings and numbers are regarded as interfaces. |
Due to its organized and clear layout, it primarily fits simple web applications. | A robust and logical language. |
Backed by widespread community support, extensive documentation, and assistance in locating solutions to problems. | The community surrounding this language is still growing and not very large. |
It doesn't permit the creation of prototypes. | Support structures for prototypes. |
There is no requirement for a primary scripting language, and learning is quick and easy. | Learning to code requires time and prerequisite knowledge of scripting. |
There is no need for a build setup. | A suitable build environment must be used to define static types. |
We can conclude that JavaScript is very well suited for quick coding tasks. Typescript would be the best option for huge projects that require teamwork and participation.
All things considered, each language has its strengths, weaknesses, and limitations. For the creation of dynamic HTML web pages, JS is employed. Given that it is an interpreted language, it is delivered through a web browser.
Because TypeScript is compiled into JavaScript, it may be used for JavaScript scripts, increasing its popularity and usefulness. Every time Typescript is updated, fresh and better capabilities are added, making it a wonderful choice for any seasoned developer.
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