Why is TypeScript Better Than JavaScript

JavaScript has long been the go-to language for web development, powering everything from simple scripts to complex applications. However, as projects grow, developers often hit roadblocks with JavaScript’s loose typing and lack of structure. Enter TypeScript, a tool that’s quickly become a favorite for many developers looking to build reliable, scalable applications. In fact, TypeScript's usage has seen a significant rise, increasing from 12% in 2017 to 37% in 2024. source

But how does it compare to JavaScript? Let’s dive in and see why TypeScript might be the better choice for your next project.

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Typescript vs Javascript

When comparing TypeScript to JavaScript, the biggest difference lies in static typing. JavaScript’s flexibility is both its strength and weakness. Without type safety, errors often emerge at runtime, making debugging a challenge. TypeScript, on the other hand, enforces type safety during development, catching errors before the code ever runs.

Example:

JavaScript:

function add(a, b) {
    return a + b;
}

console.log(add(5, "10")); // Outputs: "510" instead of 15

TypeScript:

function add(a: number, b: number): number {
    return a + b;
}


// console.log(add(5, "10")); // Error: Argument of type 'string' is not assignable to parameter of type 'number'
console.log(add(5, 10)); // Outputs: 15

TypeScript’s strictness might feel limiting at first, but it ultimately leads to fewer bugs and a more predictable development experience. 

TypeScript Best Practices

To get the most out of TypeScript, it’s essential to follow some best practices. These guidelines help maintain clean, scalable, and maintainable code:

Use Strict Mode: Enable strict mode in your tsconfig.json file. This enforces stricter rules and helps catch errors early.

{
    "compilerOptions": {
        "strict": true
    }
}

Define Interfaces and Types: Use interfaces and types to define clear data structures.

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

const user: User = { id: 1, name: "Alice" };

Avoid any Type: Using any defeats the purpose of TypeScript. Instead, define specific types or use unknown if the type is uncertain.

Use Generics for Reusability: Generics allow you to write reusable and type-safe code.

function wrap<T>(value: T): T[] {
    return [value];
}
const result = wrap<number>(123); // [123]

Leverage TypeScript Tooling:
TypeScript’s tooling enhances the development experience by providing features like IntelliSense. With IntelliSense, your IDE can:

• Offer Autocompletion: Suggest properties, methods, and variables based on context.

• Highlight Type Mismatches: Catch errors like passing the wrong argument type before running the code.

• Navigate Code Efficiently: Jump to definitions, find references, and explore your project more quickly.
  Utilize IDE features like IntelliSense for better code navigation and autocompletion.

How does TypeScript work?

TypeScript is essentially a superset of JavaScript, which means any valid JavaScript code is also valid TypeScript code. The key difference is that TypeScript introduces a type system that allows developers to specify types for variables, function parameters, and return values.

TypeScript code is transpiled into JavaScript, making it compatible with any environment that runs JavaScript. This means you can write TypeScript, catch errors during development, and still deploy standard JavaScript code to the browser or server.

Transpilation Process:

Write TypeScript: Developers write code with types and modern features.

Transpile to JavaScript: The TypeScript compiler converts the code into plain JavaScript.

Run Anywhere: The output can be used in browsers, Node.js, or other JavaScript environments.

Is TypeScript a Language or a Framework?

This is a common question, especially for those new to TypeScript. TypeScript is neither a standalone language nor a framework; it is a superset of JavaScript. Essentially, it extends JavaScript by adding a type system and other features. Once compiled, TypeScript code becomes plain JavaScript, which is then executed.

TypeScript’s role is to enhance the development experience, not to replace JavaScript. Think of it as a tool that helps you write better, more reliable JavaScript code.

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Conclusion

JavaScript is a powerful language, but its lack of structure can make large-scale development challenging. TypeScript steps in to address these issues with static typing, better tooling, and features designed for scalability. By adopting TypeScript, developers can enjoy a safer, more productive development experience.

If you’re looking to write clean, maintainable code for your next project, TypeScript is worth considering. With its growing popularity and robust ecosystem, it’s clear that TypeScript isn’t just a trend — it’s here to stay.

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