JavaScript was created at the end of the last century and ranks among the top most in-demand programming languages in the world—statistics show that over 16 million developers use it. Java is used to create web applications, cloud services, games, and other digital products. TypeScript, a programming language created by Microsoft developers in 2012, has a similar syntax to Java but differs from its prototypes, which we will discuss in detail in this article.
Let’s compare both languages by key parameters, find out the advantages and disadvantages of TypeScript and JavaScript and learn in which situations it is better to use one or the other development tool.
What is JavaScript?
As it is clear from the name, JavaScript is based on scripts, i.e. commands to be processed and executed. Scripts can be used in any browser, i.e. the language is cross-platform and universal. About 60% of developers use JavaScript to create digital projects.
JavaScript works on the principle of compiled programming – scripts are embedded in HTML pages, then interpreted into commands at runtime.
The demand for the language is ensured by such features as dynamic typing, object-orientation, rationality and clear syntax. JavaScript is imperative programming plus functional control style. All these factors make the language a universal multi-paradigm technology.
When web pages load, JS scripts are automatically executed. Developers embed Java engines through Node.js, an open-source environment used for server-side development. Additionally, programmers have access to a vast ecosystem of frameworks.
JavaScript is utilized by companies like Netflix, Airbnb, LinkedIn, PayPal, Google, and many others. It is a tool for creating:
- web and mobile applications;
- frontend and backend projects;
- desktop software;
- browser extensions;
- server components of websites;
- neural networks;
- cloud services.
We encounter JavaScript every time we run browser-based applications like email clients, text editors, social networks, and audio/video players. Interfaces (i.e., the frontend) are built using Java, while the core of applications and services (the backend) is also written in this language.
Whenever we use smartphones, we also open products made with JavaScript—applications, games, and utility programs built using frameworks (ready-made code sets).
A popular area of application is machine learning. While Python is more widely used in this field, JavaScript is also commonly employed.
JavaScript is also used for data exchange between smart devices connected to a common network, an area known as the Internet of Things, which includes gadgets, security devices, and household appliances.
What is TypeScript?
TypeScript was created as a tool to extend the capabilities of JS. Its main feature is static (optional) typing. This object-oriented language was developed by Microsoft specialists to bypass certain limitations inherent in JavaScript.
Almost immediately after its appearance, TypeScript was adopted by developers across various industries. According to official statistics, it ranks among the top three most in-demand programming languages within the professional community, and its popularity continues to grow. Companies like Accenture, Asana, Slack, and others use this language alongside Microsoft.
The main distinction and advantage of TypeScript is its static typing, which is used in Node.js or browsers that support ECMAScript version 3 and above. TS includes modules, variables, interfaces, and other options that allow developers to create diverse web products.
TypeScript was built on JavaScript, addressing some of its shortcomings. One major issue in JS is dynamic typing, which offers certain benefits—types are automatically assigned, simplifying initial development. However, as projects grow, non-obvious errors can arise, which are difficult to correct. TypeScript was designed to avoid these issues.
The application of TS lies in creating websites and applications with enhanced features. Initially, the code was mainly used for Microsoft products, but its scope quickly expanded.
TypeScript vs. JavaScript
Each tool has its own pros and cons. In theory, almost all development tasks can be solved in both JavaScript and TypeScript. But for some projects, using one or the other language is more efficient.
Let’s compare these programming languages by criteria and find out what are the differences and fundamental difference between them.
Static vs. Dynamic Typing
This is the main difference between coding tools. In TypeScript, the typing (i.e. algorithms for handling code and variables) is static, in JavaScript it is dynamic. TS was originally designed to avoid the disadvantages of dynamic typing.
What does it mean in practice? Let’s say you need to make a calculator on a bank’s website. You will need a function responsible for adding numbers and operations with them. This function is implemented in such a way that it is the number entered by the user that is understood as an argument. But what happens if the user enters text? The calculator will either “break” and have to refresh the page, or the result of calculations will be incorrect. This is roughly the situation with JavaScript programmes.
You can set additional conditions that prohibit the user from performing specific actions that could disrupt the programme. However, the developer in this case will have to perform additional testing and spend time on it.э
TypeScript solves the problem simply by not allowing the user to enter data other than numbers, since this is the only type of variable used in calculators. The user does not receive any message – he simply cannot enter any other type of data.
This example clearly describes the differences in typing. However, the reality is much more complex, as the products created by developers are mostly more complex than primitive calculators.
In a language with static typing, all data types with which the program will interact are predefined. If the user tries to enter a different data type that cannot be adapted to the specified type, the program will simply not accept it. With dynamic typing it is not necessary to specify the data type in the code, because it is determined automatically. Development in this case is simplified, but the probability of errors increases.
Code Checking
This criterion is directly related to typing. In Java, fully written code is run for testing. The fundamental approach creates difficulties for developers because bugs are easier to find and eliminate at the coding stage.
An alternative option is to check in parts, but this is not particularly convenient if the functions are interrelated in the programme. Besides, one error may break the whole structure, so it will be problematic to detect other potential defects.
TypeScript is easier to work with in this respect – you can test individual code fragments directly in the editor. It is not necessary to run the programme itself. Thus, by testing one element, the developer can be sure that its execution is not affected by other functions. Static typing makes it possible to test the necessary part of the code.
Development Speed
The developers note that in general it takes more time to create a programme in TypeScript, although the code itself is faster to write. This situation can be explained simply by the fact that compiling code in this language is more complicated than in Java. However, you should also take into account the time spent on fixing potential errors later on. In JS, when creating complex products, the fight against bugs is more extensive.
Training
TypeScript is considered to be more difficult to learn than JavaScript. This is due to the fact that you need to understand scripting before you can learn TS. JavaScript is easier to learn from scratch, so beginners often learn the language as part of their first experience with code.
Ecosystem and community support
JavaScript has a huge developer community, as the language is used by more than half of all programmers in the world. TypeScript does not have such a massive community, because the language is not yet as popular as Java.
Compatibility
Since TypeScript is based on JavaScript, the languages are fully compatible with each other. This is convenient and makes it easy to use the tools to work on complex web projects. TypeScript can be easily compiled into Java, but backward compilation is only possible with additional tools.
Language compatibility allows TS to be used with products originally created in JavaScript. Developers can gradually replace old code after compilation customization.
Advantages of TypeScript
The main advantage of TypeScript is static typing, which ensures code accuracy and simplifies development. It is easier to detect errors in the code, and the scripts are more concise and structured.
Specialists also note such a point as refactoring, i.e. code improvement in the process of development or maintenance of a finished product. Better readability makes it easier for other developers to work with the code. The volume of lines is reduced, logic is increased, and there is no need for detailed documentation.
Another plus is improved compatibility with IDE, i.e. development environment. Errors and syntax are highlighted, navigation is simplified, and there are recommendations for fixing them. TypeScript is compatible with many popular development environments, including WebStorm, Atom, and others.
At the same time, object-orientedness is implemented more efficiently in TypeScript. A variety of interfaces, three access modifiers, field definition options, data converters, etc. are actively used.
Disadvantages of TypeScript
Among TypeScript’s major drawbacks is its steep learning curve. In other words, you need some training to master the language, which makes it difficult for novice developers to use this tool.
In addition, TypeScript developers will need to develop standards and conduct periodic code reviews in order to work as a team. Only then will you be able to make the most of the language’s capabilities. Sometimes TypeScript developers find it difficult to overcome bottlenecks due to a lack of documentation.
Another disadvantage is the lack of control over all data types. As long as the programmer is in the development environment or checks the project on his own computer, there is nothing wrong with the code. However, when the project is uploaded to the server and the code is converted, errors may occur.
There are additional complications when using third-party libraries. Despite compatibility with JavaScript, TS does not always interact optimally with some not particularly popular packages.
Advantages of JavaScript
Java has its own advantages – it takes less time to write code. It is also a simple, functional and multi-paradigm language. In addition, the language has a large community, which allows you to solve a wider range of tasks.
Disadvantages of JavaScript
We have already identified the main problem – dynamic typing, which creates certain difficulties. In addition, there is no support for new language features.
Another issue is the high readability of the source code. Products become available to competitors literally the day they are released.
When to Choose TypeScript and When to Choose JavaScript
Having two similarly structured programming tools is a definite plus for developers. They only need to choose the right language depending on the specifics of the product they are working on.
When to Choose JavaScript
This language is worth choosing when transpilation – that is, converting a product into an equivalent version in another language – is not required. In JavaScript, you can run projects directly in browsers – Chrome, Opera, Mozilla and others have built-in support.
The choice of JS will also be justified in a situation where flexibility is a priority. Dynamic typing has its advantages – developers can introduce a new variable at any time to create new functionality without following strict rules.
JavaScript is convenient when the requirements to the product change and the project itself grows. Dynamic typing is more relevant when the project is small and the team is appropriate. The code base for a local application will be much easier to maintain if it is written in JavaScript.
When to Choose TypeScript
If the project has a large-scale code base, and the project is complex and requires a large development team, TypeScript will be more relevant. The more developers there are, the higher the probability of errors.
As mentioned above, it’s harder to catch and fix bugs in Java because of dynamic typing. TypeScript assumes uniformity and the ability to catch bugs before the program is executed.
TypeScript is preferable when a small project has a tight deadline. No garbage collector needs to be started, errors are fixed in real time, and strings are shorter. However, this only applies to projects that do not require compilation.
The language is more suited to areas where the cost of error is high. This applies to areas such as finance, healthcare, and industries that deal with personal and sensitive data. In TypeScript, problems are detected at the fragment coding stage.
Conclusion
According to experts, TypeScript will continue to develop at its current pace, and the number of new projects using this language will increase. However, in the near future, TypeScript is unlikely to displace JavaScript, as the latter maintains a strong position in the IT industry. At the same time, the demand for programmers proficient in TypeScript will grow. The best option for beginner developers is to master both JavaScript and TypeScript, which will make their services twice as in demand.