TypeScript vs JavaScript – Building Better Web Pages & Applications

Amidst the web developers, this unending battle of JavaScript vs TypeScript has always been prevalent in the industry. Both are front-end web development languages for building websites or web apps.

JavaScript, launched in 1995, is very comfortably used in developing web pages and web apps. For example, It’s also used for frameworks like frontend (TezJS, React) and backend (Node.Js & Deno). However, the actual problem arises when creating large and complex web apps. JavaScript is not a suitable choice for such situations. Hence, TypeScript was launched in 2012 to enhance JavaScript development.

This blog will answer the following questions in your mind:

• Which language is better, TypeScript vs JavaScript?
• Should you migrate the web app built in JavaScript to TypeScript?
• Which language has more benefits – TypeScript or JavaScript?

What is TypeScript?

TypeScript is a free, open-source, high-level language for developing complex web pages or app elements. As a strict syntactical superset of JavaScript, the TypeScript language has gained rapid traction in the web development market. By the same token, TypeScript is used as client-side and server-side language technology in web browsers.

It’s one of the most popular languages and one of the fastest-growing.

Being its superset, TypeScript has gained an edge over JavaScript. It extends over the plain JavaScript code, improving the developer’s experience. The TypeScript playground also helps in building and managing large-scale JavaScript projects.

Is TypeScript the SAME as JavaScript?

Not really! TypeScript is a Microsoft product-specific programming language developed, while JavaScript is an application-based programming language for the web. TypeScript is a software application framework developed for web developers. JavaScript is a server-side programming language which helps to create interactive web pages.

Here are the three components of TypeScript:

What is JavaScript?

JavaScript (JS) is one of the most prominent languages on the World Wide Web. It is used to create and design dynamic web pages. And it is a full scripting language or programming language that allows the developer to implement various elements on the web page or website.

It is considered one of the top frontend technologies and beginner user-friendly. It is relatively easy to learn other languages besides this one. Coders with no or less coding experience can also learn JavaScript.

When you see a menu dropping down on your web browsers (tab or screen), extra elements added to a page, changing colors on a page, a text editor, etc., you see the effects and functions of JavaScript coding.

Features of TypeScript

• TypeScript is just JavaScript – It starts with JS and ends with JS. TypeScript picks the basic building blocks from JS. Hence, a coder must necessarily know only JS to use TypeScript. Additionally, every .js file can be renamed to .ts and compiled with other TypeScript files.
• Supports multiple other JS libraries – A compiled TypeScript can be consumed from any JS code. A TypeScript-generated JS can reuse existing JS frameworks, libraries, and tools.
• TypeScript code is portable – It can run on all environments, browser tab, devices, operating systems, etc.

Features of JavaScript Code

• Dynamic Typing – JavaScript is a dynamically typed language in which the variable types are determined at runtime. This allows for greater flexibility in coding but can also lead to errors if not managed properly.
• Event-driven Programming – JavaScript responds to various events such as mouse clicks, key presses, and page loads. This is why it is an apt choice to build interactive web apps.
• Garbage Collection – This is a unique feature of JavaScript. It automatically frees up memory that is no longer being used, preventing memory leaks and ensuring the smooth running of the application.
• Asynchronous Programming – In JavaScript, a programmer can execute the code without blocking the main thread.
• Widely Used & Known – Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, smart TVs, etc., all use JavaScript as a client-side programming language. This constitutes about 98% of all the websites on the web.

How TypeScript Fills the Gaps of JavaScript?

Studies have shown that TypeScript and JavaScript are the second and third most popular languages among developers.

The entire existence of TypeScript lies in addressing the core deficiencies of the JavaScript language. For these reasons, it is the second-most loved and popular language. Moreover, TypeScript has a solid edge over JavaScript on many levels. So, what accounts for its popularity or what sets it apart from its existing competition?

• TypeScript supports js libraries.
• It uses Data Binding methods, whereas JavaScript has no such concept.
• TS also allows developers to use all the JavaScript libraries and elements easily.
• An autocomplete functional editor in the TypeScipt enables the developers to discover any spelling errors or issues in creating classes.
• Languages like Angular, Aurelia, Ember, Glimmer, Ionic, and NativeScript support TypeScript to quite an extent. This increases its chances of future stability and reliability for users.
• TypeScript shows the type errors at compile time on the web server rather than run time. No such facility is available in JavaScript. This is where TypeScript shines out!

Differences Between TypeScript vs JavaScript

This example of tabular format differences will help you discover how TypeScript differs from JavaScript?

Now that you know the difference between TypeScript and JavaScript, let us quickly explore the benefits of both at length.

Advantages of TypeScript over JavaScript

Why use JavaScript when TypeScript has the edge over it in the following aspects?

• TypeScript Compilation – A JavaScript-based language is an interpreted language which means the developer has to check whether the TypeScript program is working as intended.
• Microsoft Owns – Since the tech giant Microsoft owns it, continuous development and maintenance exist.
• Flexible – Not only runs on JavaScript engine but all browsers. It can be easily called from an existing JavaScript code.
• Good Syntax – The syntax of TypeScript is closer to the backend frameworks like Scala and Java.

Advantages of JavaScript Over TypeScript

Why use TypeScript when JavaScript is a more reliable option in certain cases?

• Simplicity – JavaScript has fewer rules and concepts to master; hence, it is an easy-to-learn language compared to TypeScript.
• Wider Adoption & Support – JavaScript has been in the industry longer. This means that there are more resources, libraries, frameworks, etc. Adding more to this, the developers can get quick support from the community.
• Runtime Speed! Vroooom! – JavaScript is faster than TypeScript during runtime because TypeScript adds overhead to the code, thus slowing the speed down.
• Compatible – JavaScript is compatible with all browsers and platforms.

See Also: How to Hire JavaScript Developers

Which Language Should you Use for Designing Web Pages – TypeScript vs JavaScript?

The choice between JavaScript and TypeScript depends on your specific needs and preferences. Here are some factors to consider:

• If you are building a small project or a prototype, JavaScript may be the best choice as it is easier to learn, and also JavaScript requires less setup.
• If you are working with an existing JavaScript codebase, you can gradually introduce TypeScript to make your code more reliable and maintainable. (Migration)
• If you are building a large and complex project, TypeScript can make your code more reliable and maintainable, saving time and effort in the long run.
• If you are working with a team, TypeScript can help reduce communication errors and make collaborating easier on a codebase.

Ending the Battle TypeScript vs JavaScript

Whichever you choose between JavaScript vs TypeScript for your web page or next project is completely your choice. At the end of the day, your business objectives and technical expertise will help you decide which is a better choice for you.

Confused about which to pick, TypeScript vs JavaScript, for your project? Join hands with Excellent Webworld, the best website development company, to nail your project and take it to the desired heights.

FAQs