TypeScript vs JavaScript: The Ultimate Programming Language War

TypeScript vs. JavaScript sounds like two rivals fighting the battle to win the programming world. The internet is full of TypeScript vs. JavaScript articles, but do you even know that they both are widely used by developers equally based on their requirements?

Sure, there are shortcomings of both the languages just like any other language would have, but there are sets of advantages of both of them too! The difference between TypeScript and JavaScript and which is better can only be determined by the scope of the project and the team working on it.

While we continue to argue and prove which one is better, TypeScript or JavaScript, we agree that both are scripting languages. They are considered programming languages too, but not in the strict sense.

Although, developers sometimes treat programming languages as scripting languages because they act as a mediator between design and the hard code and support the actual program running smoothly.

Scripting languages act as a mediator between the actual code and the webpage. They usually get interpreted runtime rather than compiled like any programming language would.

Now, let’s see what the buzz is all about. Let’s understand the individual properties of both TypeScript and JavaScript and then jump to the final face-off, i.e., TypeScript vs JavaScript!

Definition of TypeScript

TypeScript is a programming language that is a strict syntactical superset of JavaScript. It is included as a first-class programming language in Microsoft Visual Studio 2013 and later in C# and other Microsoft languages.

TypeScript provides various types and features such as namespaces, inheritance, unions, interfaces, classes, variables, comments, functions, expressions, and modules.

Features of TypeScript

TypeScript offers various basic types like any other scripting language. They are Number, Array, Boolean, String, and many more.

It also provides a set of unique types of its own such as, Void, Any & Unknown, Never, Intersection, Union Types, and the list goes on!

Here are some of the most distinctive features that TypeScript eases out the programmers with:

• TypeScript provides compatibility with all versions of JavaScript. It can also compile the code of JavaScript written on versions ES7 and ES5. It helps in code portability and hence makes the transition smoother.
• TypeScript also supports Object-oriented features such as classes, inheritance, etc.
• Integrated Development Environment (IDE) is fully-featured and functional for developers.
• Static Typing is another feature that helps programmers detect known errors before compilation. This feature makes the developer declare the variable type so that code ambiguity can be minimized later.
• Language features of TypeScript, such as namespaces, interfaces, generics, etc., are pretty helpful.

As you read above, TypeScript is an enhanced version of JavaScript; the codes written with JavaScript are syntactically valid TypeScript. Although, the TypeScript compiler cannot process all kinds of codes written in JavaScript.

Definition of JavaScript

JavaScript is a programming language that enables users to create dynamic and interactive web pages. It is an integral technology of the World Wide Web.

Features of JavaScript

Similar to TypeScript, JavaScript also offers distinctive types such as JSDoc, Arrow functions, default parameters, property shorthand, etc. Their features, as described below, are considered the USPs of JavaScript.

• JavaScript is a platform-independent programming language. It works well on all kinds of platforms; Linux, Windows, Macintosh, and others.
• JavaScript offers a great time-saving feature in the form of Validating Users’ Input. It validates the value entered by the users and sends data to the server.
• JavaScript enables developers for Dynamic Typing. It simply means that variables are defined based on their value. One doesn’t need to explicitly declare the type of those variables, and JavaScript would understand the class based on the stored value.
• Async Functions are supported in JavaScript. JavaScript can process asynchronous requests parallelly, which leads the system and programmer to save ample time.
• JavaScript provides a built-in Library with many useful functions; it can also detect users’ browser types and operating systems for analysis.

JavaScript is lightweight and one of the most popular programming languages globally, used by a whopping 97% of the websites as a client-side programming language!

TypeScript vs JavaScript in a Nutshell

TypeScript vs JavaScript: Final Thoughts

Reading the above details of both the languages, it is pretty evident that they have their pros and cons.

While one gives you the freedom to not specify your variable type, the other would help you with its language features.

With JavaScript, you can be a part of a vast community using it for years; with TypeScript, you can use advanced functions that save time!

The ambiguity in choosing between TypeScript vs JavaScript is as real as crypto. However, the project’s scope and other technical specifications will influence the ultimate decision.

While TypeScript has garnered massive love at a shorter time since its launch, we can’t forget why JavaScript has been ruling since 1995! So, decide wisely, programmatically, and logically!