Differences Between TypeScript and JavaScript

In this tutorial, I will explain the key differences between TypeScript and JavaScript, with a real-life scenario I faced as a developer. A few months ago, while working on a complex web application for a client in New York, I encountered numerous bugs and issues due to JavaScript’s dynamic typing. This experience led me to explore TypeScript, which significantly improved the stability and maintainability of the codebase. This tutorial will help you understand these differences and decide which language is best suited for your projects.

TypeScript Vs. JavaScript Summary

Here is a summary of the differences between TypeScript and JavaScript.

FeatureJavaScriptTypeScript
TypingDynamicStatic
CompilationInterpreted directly by browsersCompiled to JavaScript
Tooling SupportLimitedEnhanced with IDE support
Error DetectionRun-timeCompile-time
Learning CurveEasier for beginnersSteeper due to static typing and additional features
Code ReadabilityCan be less readable in large codebasesMore readable with type annotations
Community and EcosystemLarger, more matureGrowing rapidly, strong support from Microsoft
CompatibilityNative support in browsersNeeds to be compiled to JavaScript

What is JavaScript?

JavaScript is a high-level programming language commonly used for web development. It allows developers to create dynamic and interactive web pages, and browsers interpret it, making it an essential tool for front-end development.

Example: Dynamic Typing in JavaScript

Consider a scenario where you are developing a web application for a retail store in California. You have a function that calculates the total price of items in a shopping cart:

function calculateTotal(price, quantity) {
    return price * quantity;
}

let total = calculateTotal(19.99, 3); // 59.97

In this example, price and quantity are dynamically typed, meaning their types are determined at runtime. If you accidentally pass a string instead of a number, the function will still execute but may produce unexpected results:

let total = calculateTotal("19.99", 3); // "19.993"

Check out How to Run TypeScript Files?

What is TypeScript?

TypeScript is a superset of JavaScript that adds static typing and other features to the language. Microsoft introduced it in 2012 to address some of JavaScript’s shortcomings, particularly in large-scale applications. TypeScript code is compiled into JavaScript before execution, ensuring compatibility with all JavaScript environments.

Example: Static Typing in TypeScript

Let’s revisit the previous example, but this time using TypeScript. By specifying types for price and quantity, we can catch errors at compile-time:

function calculateTotal(price: number, quantity: number): number {
    return price * quantity;
}

let total = calculateTotal(19.99, 3); // 59.97

If you try to pass a string instead of a number, TypeScript will throw a compile-time error:

let total = calculateTotal("19.99", 3); // Error: Argument of type 'string' is not assignable to parameter of type 'number'.
Differences Between TypeScript and JavaScript

Check out Is TypeScript Frontend or Backend?

Differences Between TypeScript and JavaScript

Here are some differences between TypeScript and JavaScript.

1. Enhanced Tooling Support

TypeScript offers enhanced tooling support, which can significantly improve the developer experience. Modern IDEs like Visual Studio Code provide features such as autocompletion, refactoring, and intelligent code navigation when working with TypeScript. This can be particularly beneficial when managing large codebases.

2. Error Detection and Prevention

One of the major advantages of TypeScript is its ability to catch errors at compile-time rather than at runtime. This can lead to more robust and maintainable code. For example, suppose you have a function that processes user data in a web application for a financial firm in Chicago. In that case, TypeScript can help ensure that all required fields are present and correctly typed:

interface User {
    name: string;
    age: number;
    email: string;
}

function processUserData(user: User) {
    console.log(`Name: ${user.name}, Age: ${user.age}, Email: ${user.email}`);
}

const user = {
    name: "John Doe",
    age: 30,
    email: "john.doe@example.com"
};

processUserData(user); // Correct usage

If any field is missing or incorrectly typed, TypeScript will flag an error:

const user = {
    name: "John Doe",
    age: "thirty", // Error: Type 'string' is not assignable to type 'number'.
    email: "john.doe@example.com"
};

processUserData(user);

3. Code Readability

TypeScript’s static typing can significantly improve code readability, especially in large projects. By explicitly declaring variable types and function return types, developers can quickly understand the intended use of different parts of the code.

Example: Improved Readability in TypeScript

Consider a function that fetches user data from an API in a web application for a tech company in San Francisco:

interface User {
    id: number;
    name: string;
    email: string;
}

async function fetchUserData(userId: number): Promise<User> {
    const response = await fetch(`https://api.example.com/users/${userId}`);
    const data: User = await response.json();
    return data;
}

fetchUserData(1).then(user => {
    console.log(user.name);
});

The type annotations make it clear that fetchUserData takes a number as an argument and returns a Promise that resolves to a User object. This level of clarity can be invaluable for maintaining and scaling applications.

4. Community and Ecosystem

Given its longer history, JavaScript has a larger and more mature community and ecosystem. However, TypeScript’s community is growing rapidly, with strong support from Microsoft and an increasing number of libraries and frameworks adopting TypeScript.

5. Type Definitions

Type Definitions in TypeScript define the structure and types of data, ensuring type safety. They can be created using interfaces or type aliases.

Interfaces define object shapes, while type aliases can define more complex types, including unions and intersections. These definitions help catch errors at compile time and improve code readability.

Example: Type Definitions in TypeScript

Many popular JavaScript libraries have type definitions available, making it easier to use them in TypeScript projects. For example, when working with the express library in a web application for a logistics company in Texas, you can install the type definitions to get autocompletion and type checking:

npm install express @types/express
import express, { Request, Response } from 'express';

const app = express();

app.get('/api/users', (req: Request, res: Response) => {
    res.send('User data');
});

app.listen(3000, () => {
    console.log('Server is running on port 3000');
});

6. Compatibility

While all browsers natively support JavaScript, TypeScript needs to be compiled to JavaScript before it can be executed. This additional step can be easily managed with build tools like Webpack or by using the TypeScript compiler (tsc).

Example: Setting Up a TypeScript Project

To set up a TypeScript project, you can initialize a new project and install the necessary dependencies:

npm init -y
npm install typescript
npx tsc --init

This will generate a tsconfig.json file, which you can configure to specify the compilation options.

Conclusion

I highly recommend that you choose between TypeScript and JavaScript, depending on your project’s specific needs. JavaScript’s dynamic nature makes it easy to learn and use, especially for small projects. However, TypeScript’s static typing and enhanced tooling support can improve code quality and maintainability in larger applications.

I hope now you know the key differences between TypeScript and JavaScript.

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