TypeScript vs Javascript: The Best Pick for 2024

Yachana Sharma

26 August 2024

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TypeScript vs Javascript: The Best Pick for 2024

TypeScript vs Javascript, don’t know what’s better? Let’s find out with our comprehensive guide and cover their core differences and what’s better for you!

Features

ALL LEVEL

Table of Contents

Description
Core Differences between TypeScript and JavaScript
When to Use TypeScript and JavaScript?
Additional Features of TypeScript
How to Learn JavaScript?
How to Learn TypeScript As a Beginner?
Concluding Thoughts

TypeScript vs Javascript, don’t know what’s better? Let’s find out with our comprehensive guide and cover their core differences and what’s better for you!

Description

JavaScript is a dynamic programming language and has been the basis of web development. Its versatility and widespread adoption have made it a staple in modern web applications. However, as JavaScript projects grow in complexity, developers often face challenges related to code maintainability, scalability, and error handling.

To address these issues, TypeScript emerged as a superset of JavaScript. TypeScript allows compilers to catch potential errors during development rather than at runtime. This enhanced type of safety can significantly improve code quality and reduce the likelihood of bugs.

While JavaScript offers flexibility and runtime dynamism, TypeScript provides a more structured and predictable development experience. In this article, we will discuss the core differences between TypeScript and JavaScript, exploring their respective strengths and weaknesses. Let’s end the debate about which is better - TypeScript or JavaScript.

Core Differences between TypeScript and JavaScript

Although TypeScript is a subset of JavaScript, they vary on different levels. Here are the core differences between JavaScript and TypeScript:

Feature	JavaScript	TypeScript
Typing	JavaScript is a dynamically typed language, so the type of a variable is determined at runtime. This can lead to potential type-related errors that may not be caught until the code is executed.	TypeScript is a statically typed language where the type of a variable is specified at compile time. This allows for early error detection, improved code readability, and better IDE support. It also prevents common programming mistakes and makes code easier to maintain.
Compilation	JavaScript is an interpreted language, so the code is executed directly by the browser without a separate compilation step. This leads to faster development cycles but can also impact performance in certain scenarios.	TypeScript is a compiled language, so the code is first translated into JavaScript before execution. This allows for better performance optimization and can also enable the use of advanced language features that may not be available in JavaScript.
Object-Oriented Programming	JavaScript uses a prototype-based inheritance model, where objects inherit properties and methods from other objects. This approach can be more flexible but can also be less intuitive for developers coming from class-based languages.	TypeScript uses a class-based inheritance model, which is more similar to traditional OOP languages like Java or C++. This can make code more readable and easier to understand, especially for developers with experience in other OOP languages.

Although TypeScript is a subset of JavaScript, they vary on different levels. Here are the core differences between JavaScript and TypeScript:

Feature	JavaScript	TypeScript
Typing	JavaScript is a dynamically typed language, so the type of a variable is determined at runtime. This can lead to potential type-related errors that may not be caught until the code is executed.	TypeScript is a statically typed language where the type of a variable is specified at compile time. This allows for early error detection, improved code readability, and better IDE support. It also prevents common programming mistakes and makes code easier to maintain.
Compilation	JavaScript is an interpreted language, so the code is executed directly by the browser without a separate compilation step. This leads to faster development cycles but can also impact performance in certain scenarios.	TypeScript is a compiled language, so the code is first translated into JavaScript before execution. This allows for better performance optimization and can also enable the use of advanced language features that may not be available in JavaScript.
Object-Oriented Programming	JavaScript uses a prototype-based inheritance model, where objects inherit properties and methods from other objects. This approach can be more flexible but can also be less intuitive for developers coming from class-based languages.	TypeScript uses a class-based inheritance model, which is more similar to traditional OOP languages like Java or C++. This can make code more readable and easier to understand, especially for developers with experience in other OOP languages.

When to Use TypeScript and JavaScript?

The choice between TypeScript and JavaScript often depends on project size, team expertise, and the desired development environment.

TypeScript is particularly beneficial for:

Large-scale projects: The static typing in TypeScript can help prevent runtime errors and make code easier to understand and maintain.
Teams with varying experience levels: TypeScript's type annotations can provide a safety net for less experienced developers, reducing the possibility of introducing bugs.
Projects requiring high levels of reliability and performance: TypeScript's compilation process can enable optimizations that improve performance and help catch errors early in the development cycle.

However, JavaScript is a better choice for:

Small-scale projects: The added complexity of TypeScript may not be necessary for smaller applications.
Projects with tight deadlines: The compilation step in TypeScript can add to the development time, which may not be ideal for projects with strict deadlines.
Teams with limited experience in statically typed languages: While TypeScript's learning curve is relatively gentle, it may still require some adjustment for developers used to dynamically typed languages.

The choice between TypeScript and JavaScript often depends on project size, team expertise, and the desired development environment.

TypeScript is particularly beneficial for:

Large-scale projects: The static typing in TypeScript can help prevent runtime errors and make code easier to understand and maintain.
Teams with varying experience levels: TypeScript's type annotations can provide a safety net for less experienced developers, reducing the possibility of introducing bugs.
Projects requiring high levels of reliability and performance: TypeScript's compilation process can enable optimizations that improve performance and help catch errors early in the development cycle.

However, JavaScript is a better choice for:

Small-scale projects: The added complexity of TypeScript may not be necessary for smaller applications.
Projects with tight deadlines: The compilation step in TypeScript can add to the development time, which may not be ideal for projects with strict deadlines.
Teams with limited experience in statically typed languages: While TypeScript's learning curve is relatively gentle, it may still require some adjustment for developers used to dynamically typed languages.

Additional Features of TypeScript

TypeScript offers several additional features that can enhance code quality and maintainability. Here are some of the features of TypeScript:

Defining contracts: Interfaces define an object's shape, specifying its properties and methods. They act as contracts that classes or objects must adhere to.
Enhancing code structure: Interfaces promote code organization and reusability by providing a clear blueprint for related objects. They also improve type safety and reduce the likelihood of errors.
Modularity in large-scale projects: Modules allow you to break down your code into smaller, manageable units, improving code organization and maintainability.
Comparison with JavaScript modules: TypeScript modules are similar to JavaScript modules (CommonJS, ES6 modules) but offer additional features like type checking and namespace management.
Reusable code: Generics allow you to create reusable code components that can work with different data types.
Type safety and flexibility: Generics improve type safety by ensuring that the correct types are used within a component. They also provide flexibility by allowing you to create components that can work with a variety of data types.

TypeScript offers several additional features that can enhance code quality and maintainability. Here are some of the features of TypeScript:

Defining contracts: Interfaces define an object's shape, specifying its properties and methods. They act as contracts that classes or objects must adhere to.
Enhancing code structure: Interfaces promote code organization and reusability by providing a clear blueprint for related objects. They also improve type safety and reduce the likelihood of errors.
Modularity in large-scale projects: Modules allow you to break down your code into smaller, manageable units, improving code organization and maintainability.
Comparison with JavaScript modules: TypeScript modules are similar to JavaScript modules (CommonJS, ES6 modules) but offer additional features like type checking and namespace management.
Reusable code: Generics allow you to create reusable code components that can work with different data types.
Type safety and flexibility: Generics improve type safety by ensuring that the correct types are used within a component. They also provide flexibility by allowing you to create components that can work with a variety of data types.

How to Learn JavaScript?

If you are interested in learning JavaScript, you can opt for certification courses. Here is a list of the top JavaScript courses that will help you hone your skills and get into JavaScript jobs:

Monitoring and Observability for Development and DevOps by Coursera: The Monitoring and Observability for Development and DevOps course teaches you about monitoring and observability. It covers the fundamentals of monitoring and tools such as Prometheus, Grafana, Mezmo (LogDNA), and Instana. You will also learn about the 3 pillars that comprise observability as well as the use of tracing in container applications.
Introduction to DevSecOps by Coursera: The Introduction to DevSecOps course provides an overview of DevSecOps and introduces the most important methods, such as continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD). This course is designed for those who design or manage IT (IT) technology and wish to eliminate boundaries between groups (development, information security, and operations) to reduce the time to market new IT capabilities.
AutoCAD 2021 Comprehensive and Advanced Training by Eduonix: The AutoCAD 2021 Comprehensive and Advanced Training course will show you everything so that you'll be able to draw any 2D drawings with ease. This course is simple to comprehend and easy to use in their real-world work. The basic and advanced commands have been covered in depth.
Object-Oriented JavaScript by Udacity: The Object-Oriented JavaScript course is designed to teach web developers how to utilize the various object-oriented programming features within JavaScript Object-oriented programming. You'll also learn how to leverage prototypal inheritance to maintain DRY code, allowing you to pass behaviors down to objects.
JavaScript Design Patterns by Udacity: The JavaScript Design Patterns course covers methods for organizing your code. You’ll learn the importance of separating concerns when writing JavaScript and gain hands-on experience along the way. You will also learn the importance of code organization and how to implement it.

If you are interested in learning JavaScript, you can opt for certification courses. Here is a list of the top JavaScript courses that will help you hone your skills and get into JavaScript jobs:

Monitoring and Observability for Development and DevOps by Coursera: The Monitoring and Observability for Development and DevOps course teaches you about monitoring and observability. It covers the fundamentals of monitoring and tools such as Prometheus, Grafana, Mezmo (LogDNA), and Instana. You will also learn about the 3 pillars that comprise observability as well as the use of tracing in container applications.
Introduction to DevSecOps by Coursera: The Introduction to DevSecOps course provides an overview of DevSecOps and introduces the most important methods, such as continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD). This course is designed for those who design or manage IT (IT) technology and wish to eliminate boundaries between groups (development, information security, and operations) to reduce the time to market new IT capabilities.
AutoCAD 2021 Comprehensive and Advanced Training by Eduonix: The AutoCAD 2021 Comprehensive and Advanced Training course will show you everything so that you'll be able to draw any 2D drawings with ease. This course is simple to comprehend and easy to use in their real-world work. The basic and advanced commands have been covered in depth.
Object-Oriented JavaScript by Udacity: The Object-Oriented JavaScript course is designed to teach web developers how to utilize the various object-oriented programming features within JavaScript Object-oriented programming. You'll also learn how to leverage prototypal inheritance to maintain DRY code, allowing you to pass behaviors down to objects.
JavaScript Design Patterns by Udacity: The JavaScript Design Patterns course covers methods for organizing your code. You’ll learn the importance of separating concerns when writing JavaScript and gain hands-on experience along the way. You will also learn the importance of code organization and how to implement it.

How to Learn TypeScript As a Beginner?

If you are interested in learning TypeScript, you can opt for certification courses. Here is a list of the top TypeScript courses that will help you hone your TypeScript skills:

TypeScript Fundamentals by Pluralsight: The TypeScript Fundamentals course will teach you the fundamental concepts and features of TypeScript and how to use it to create enterprise-scale JavaScript applications. You will also learn TypeScript's role in the development of JavaScript applications, along with key features that will jump-start your learning.
Master Typescript: Learn Typescript from Scratch by Eduonix: The Master Typescript: Learn Typescript from Scratch course focuses on TypeScript and how it uses Object Oriented Programming to create large web apps in a manageable manner. This course is designed for both professional web developers and aspiring web developers.
Typescript - Learn the fundamentals by Coursera: The Typescript - Learn the fundamentals course will teach you how to use all types of Typescript, both basic and advanced. You will be able to write Typescript code and then compile it using the command line. You will also learn how to restructure files to reflect a real-world setup.
Creating and Using TypeScript 3 Decorators by Pluralsight: The Creating and Using TypeScript 3 Decorators course will teach you how to use TypeScript decorators to solve cross-cutting problems in your application. You will learn to implement basic decorators for functions, properties, and classes. You’ll also use single decorators in order to centralize logic within an application.
TypeScript Essentials by O’Reilly: The TypeScript Essentials course will teach you the syntax and show you how TypeScript's static code analyzer and excellent IDE support can make you a more efficient and effective coder. You’ll learn how you can integrate other JavaScript libraries into your TypeScript jobs.

If you are interested in learning TypeScript, you can opt for certification courses. Here is a list of the top TypeScript courses that will help you hone your TypeScript skills:

TypeScript Fundamentals by Pluralsight: The TypeScript Fundamentals course will teach you the fundamental concepts and features of TypeScript and how to use it to create enterprise-scale JavaScript applications. You will also learn TypeScript's role in the development of JavaScript applications, along with key features that will jump-start your learning.
Master Typescript: Learn Typescript from Scratch by Eduonix: The Master Typescript: Learn Typescript from Scratch course focuses on TypeScript and how it uses Object Oriented Programming to create large web apps in a manageable manner. This course is designed for both professional web developers and aspiring web developers.
Typescript - Learn the fundamentals by Coursera: The Typescript - Learn the fundamentals course will teach you how to use all types of Typescript, both basic and advanced. You will be able to write Typescript code and then compile it using the command line. You will also learn how to restructure files to reflect a real-world setup.
Creating and Using TypeScript 3 Decorators by Pluralsight: The Creating and Using TypeScript 3 Decorators course will teach you how to use TypeScript decorators to solve cross-cutting problems in your application. You will learn to implement basic decorators for functions, properties, and classes. You’ll also use single decorators in order to centralize logic within an application.
TypeScript Essentials by O’Reilly: The TypeScript Essentials course will teach you the syntax and show you how TypeScript's static code analyzer and excellent IDE support can make you a more efficient and effective coder. You’ll learn how you can integrate other JavaScript libraries into your TypeScript jobs.

Concluding Thoughts

TypeScript and JavaScript offer distinct advantages for web development. While JavaScript provides a dynamic and flexible approach, TypeScript introduces static typing, improved code organization, and enhanced tooling support.

To learn more about TypeScript and JavaScript and explore their capabilities, consider enrolling in TypeScript and JavaScript courses on Careervira. This is the best time to enroll!

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