TypeScript and JavaScript are both prominent languages in web development, but they have various differences. JavaScript is a widely used programming language for web projects, moreover, it is versatile and hugely supported. If we talk about Typescript, it is a superset of JavaScript. It adds static typing and additional advanced features, making it ideal for larger applications.
In this blog, you will learn the main JavaScript and TypeScript difference, exploring their features, advantages, and various types. Get to know which language is the correct option for your business scale and requirements by reading the highlighted difference between JavaScript and TypeScript.
What is JavaScript?
JavaScript is counted as among the popular programming languages firmly used for developing websites and web applications. It is a flexible language that allows developers to add dynamic elements and features to the website. All major browsers support the JavaScript language and are useful for both server-side and client-side scripting.
It offers aspects for controlling and manipulating web page content, interacting with servers, and handling events. JavaScript is popular for its simplicity, flexibility, and extensive adoption, building it as the backbone of modern web applications.
Different Types of JavaScript
Here we have highlighted the top five kinds of JavaScript which include:
1. String:
Possibly, a String is a sequence of characters. The Strings can be split, trimmed, joined, interpolated, and concentrated. They are written using backticks, quotes, and apostrophes (`, “, ‘).
2. Undefined:
Undefined is the essential data type in JavaScript among others. It showcases a value or variable where no value has been assigned or precisely set to “undefined”.
3. Symbol:
In JavaScript, the “symbol” type serves as a fundamental data type employed to generate distinct identifiers.
Symbols possess immutability and uniqueness, ensuring that every symbol created through the Symbol() function is guaranteed to be one-of-a-kind.
4. Boolean:
There are two Boolean values i.e.; TRUE and FALSE. The operators that are producing Boolean values are as follows:
- ! (“not”)
- && (“and also”)
- || (“or else”)
5. BigInt:
BigInt is a numeric data type in JavaScript that enables the representation and manipulation of arbitrarily large integers.
Its purpose is to manage numbers that exceed the limitations of the standard Number data type in JavaScript, which is restricted to 64-bit floating-point precision.
What is TypeScript?
In addition to being an open-source language, TypeScript is also maintained by Microsoft. The JavaScript code is also counted as valid since TypeScript is a typed superset of JavaScript. However, TypeScript adds static typing to JavaScript, allowing developers to define and enforce types for variables, function parameters, return values, and more.
By introducing static types, TypeScript helps catch errors and provides enhanced tooling support, such as autocompletion, code navigation, and refactoring tools. It also improves code readability and maintainability by providing clear type annotations and documentation within the codebase.
Overall, TypeScript aims to enhance JavaScript development by providing optional static typing, improved tooling, and language features that enable better code organization and scalability.
Different Types of TypeScript
Below we have highlighted some different TypeScript type for you. So, without any further ado let’s jump on to its various kinds:
1. Any and Unknown:
Any is a type name such as anything that you wish, that covers unknown in its type-safe system. It provides the flexibility to assign a JavaScript variable at any point, disregarding the constraints of the type system.
2. Void:
The programmers used void when there is no value added. Basically, it is utilized as the return type for a function that doesn't generally yield any output.
3. Union and Intersection Types:
These types empower users to define their own custom types based on their logic. Union types enable you to specify that a variable can have one of several basic types.
Intersection types, on the other hand, allow you to combine multiple basic types into a single type.
4. Never:
The return type "Never" is utilized for situations that should never occur, such as functions that explicitly throw exceptions. It indicates that the function will never produce a return value.
Prominent Difference Between TypeScript and JavaScript
1. Static Typing vs. Dynamic Typing:
One of the key distinctions between TypeScript and JavaScript lies in their approach to typing. JavaScript employs dynamic typing, allowing variables to hold values of any type without explicit declarations. On the other hand, TypeScript introduces static typing, enabling developers to explicitly define types for variables, function parameters, and return values. This enhanced type system enhances overall type safety and aids in the identification of errors during the development phase.
2. Tooling and Development Experience:
TypeScript provides more advanced tooling support and a better developer experience when compared to JavaScript. Developers leveraging TypeScript can take advantage of features such as autocompletion, code navigation, and refactoring tools, which significantly boost productivity and simplify code maintenance.
Static typing in TypeScript further improves code documentation and self-discovery, making it simpler for developers to comprehend and work with existing codebases.
3. Scalability and Large-Scale Applications:
TypeScript truly excels in the realm of developing large-scale applications. Its static typing capabilities are particularly valuable, as they allow for early detection of potential issues, simplifying the management and refactoring of intricate codebases.
The robust type system in TypeScript facilitates seamless collaboration among developers, minimizes the occurrence of bugs, and elevates the overall quality of the code. For enterprise-level projects, TypeScript proves to be an exceptional choice.
4. Compatibility and Migration:
A notable benefit of TypeScript is its compatibility with JavaScript. Developers can gradually migrate existing JavaScript codebases to TypeScript by gradually introducing type annotations. This incremental approach enables them to take advantage of TypeScript's features while still leveraging their existing JavaScript libraries and frameworks. This flexibility allows for a smooth transition and adoption of TypeScript without the need for a complete rewrite of the codebase.
5. Ecosystem and Community:
Both JavaScript and TypeScript enjoy vibrant communities and expansive ecosystems. JavaScript, being a well-established language, entails a wide array of libraries, frameworks, and resources. However, TypeScript's popularity has been surging rapidly, garnering substantial community backing. Numerous widely-used JavaScript libraries and frameworks have embraced TypeScript typings, simplifying the integration of TypeScript into projects.
6. Language Features:
TypeScript is a subset of JavaScript, which means that it ensures that any legitimate JavaScript code is equally acceptable as TypeScript code. Nonetheless, TypeScript extends JavaScript by incorporating a multitude of robust functionalities, including interfaces, classes, modules, and inheritance. By incorporating these features, TypeScript fosters improved organization, reusability, and maintainability of code, particularly within extensive codebases.
Below is the table representation of the key difference between JavaScript and TypeScript:
Advantages and Benefits of JavaScript: Why Choose JavaScript
JavaScript is a widely adopted programming language and has versatile features. It empowers the dynamic behavior of web applications and websites. Below are some main advantages of choosing JavaScript:
- JavaScript is a widely used programming language with a vast community of developers and coders. This concludes numerous libraries, resources, frameworks, and support available to help you in the development process.
- The JavaScript language has a classy ecosystem that includes a plethora of frameworks and libraries such as Vue.js, Angular, and React. Hire React JS Developer or other framework developers to get your project started. By using these tools, it becomes easier to handle application states, develop interactive user interfaces, and manage extensive data operations.
- This programming language enables hasty development because of its interpreted nature and dynamic typing. Programmers and coders can swiftly iterate and prototype suggestions, which results in faster time-to-market for websites and web applications.
- JavaScript programming language runs on the server side as well as on the client side, which makes it suitable for developing full-stack applications.
- JavaScript language consists of a learning curve, mainly for beginners in coding and programming. The syntax that is provided by JavaScript is like the other high-level languages, which makes it approachable for developers who are from different domains.
Advantages and Benefits of TypeScript: Why Choose TypeScript
TypeScript's numerous advantages and benefits over JavaScript have led to its remarkable rise in popularity among developers. If you're contemplating your next project, here are several compelling factors that make a strong case for considering TypeScript programming language:
- By incorporating static typing into JavaScript, TypeScript empowers you to explicitly declare types for variables, function parameters, and return values. This feature enhances code clarity and enables better error detection and prevention.
- Through the utilization of aspects such as classes, modules, and interfaces, TypeScript empowers you to structure your code into modular and reusable components.
- Static typing and its structured approach significantly improve code comprehension, readability, and maintainability. By enforcing clear type definitions, TypeScript aids developers in better understanding codebases, facilitating easier code reading and long-term maintenance.
- TypeScript provides exceptional tooling and support within Integrated Development Environments (IDEs), offering a range of features such as code completion, type checking, and refactoring.
- This robust tooling ecosystem enhances developer productivity by enabling early error detection, facilitating efficient code navigation, and leveraging intelligent code suggestions. As a result, developers can work more effectively and take full advantage of the advanced capabilities provided by TypeScript.
- TypeScript imposes stricter coding standards, which significantly reduces the probability of bugs and inconsistencies, particularly in larger codebases. By enforcing type checking and providing compile-time error detection, TypeScript helps identify potential issues early in the development process.
Wrapping Up
Where JavaScript is the existing language for web development. Additionally, TypeScript provides features and benefits that it is a preeminent language, mainly for extensive teams and projects. Moreover, to choose between JavaScript and TypeScript it depends on the main requirements and goals related to your project. We know the usability of choosing the appropriate language and technology to meet your project requirements.
Connect with our expert team of developers, programmers, and web engineers and get the best solutions for your project. Contact us now and let’s get your project started!
Frequently Asked Questions
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Unlike JavaScript, TypeScript is a superset of JavaScript that is statically typed, whereas JavaScript is dynamically typed.
JavaScript is best for small-scale applications, while TypeScript excels in larger projects. The main advantage of TypeScript lies in its support for static typing and interfaces, enhancing code robustness and structure enforcement. Additionally, TypeScript offers built-in prototyping capabilities, allowing for more efficient code reuse, which JavaScript lacks.
TypeScript holds a significant advantage over JavaScript in terms of its enhanced tooling and seamless integration with various technologies. With an array of powerful tools, including an integrated development environment (IDE) and comprehensive text editor support, TypeScript streamlines the process of code development and debugging, providing developers with a more efficient and effective coding experience.
About Author
Riddhi Shah
Riddhi is a Digital Marketing Executive at Vidhema Technologies. With expertise in marketing, social media, and design, she also possesses adept skills in writing blogs and articles for different niches. Riddhi has a qualitative and innovative approach to her work.