So, you’re wondering if it is worth it to learn TypeScript? Well, I am here to tell you that it is. Although most JavaScript alternatives like PureScript and CoffeeScript could never outcompete JavaScript, there are a few things unique about TypeScript that will keep it popular and worth learning for the foreseeable future.
So without wasting any time, let’s jump into the article!
JavaScript Is A Developer Tool Not A JavaScript Alternative Language
The main difference between TypeScript and other JavaScript derived-languages is that TypeScript doesn’t present itself as a stand-alone language used to replace JavaScript. Instead, it feels like a tool used on top of JavaScript. Yes, TypeScript is its own programming language. However, TypeScript is also a superset of JavaScript. This means that writing JavaScript is still valid TypeScript but you have the added benefit of having a type system built on top.
This is the biggest difference between TypeScript and languages like PureScript or CoffeeScript. Instead of fighting JavaScript and coming up with a completely new solution, TypeScript gives you the language you already know, with some added benefits.
For that reason, TypeScript makes a lot of sense to learn and if you already know JavaScript, it’s pretty easy to start using.
TypeScript Is Better For Enterprise Organizations
Another main benefit of TypeScript over JavaScript is that statically typed languages have been proven to be great languages for large codebases. In particular, applications built in C++, Java, and C#. Here are some of the main reasons why many organizations prefer TypeScript over JavaScript.
TypeScript is Faster Than JavaScript
An added bonus of using TypeScript is that it is faster than JavaScript. This is because statically typed languages have better run-time performance intrinsically than dynamically typed languages. Simply because dynamically typed languages can only check types while running code.
Since TypeScript checks for types before run-time, it wouldn’t need to check during run-time as well. Making TypeScript faster than JavaScript.
This is a major benefit for organizations that write a lot of code because this time difference will begin to add up in larger codebases and allow programs to run faster without any added work on the developer’s end.
Fewer Errors and Time Spent Debugging
Writing in a statically typed language also means that your code is less prone to errors. Yes, it will take longer to write your initial code but it saves you a lot of time afterward while debugging.
This is important for large organizations because the majority of time spent usually isn’t writing code, but maintaining code. Organizations know that fewer issues are going to arise if they write code in a statically typed language and it will lead to less money spent maintaining their codebase and more hours in a day creating new features.
Better For Code Collaboration
Finally, statically typed languages are better for collaborating on a team. This is true for two reasons.
First, when you are reading statically typed code, it is easier to make sense of the things that are happening. Since the language clearly states what type your variables are, it gives you insight into what those variables can be. Making it easier to reason about what the program is doing.
Second, it is hard for others to improperly change your code. If you set certain restrictions within your code and set your types, others wouldn’t be able to change these parameters.
For example, if you write a function that should only ever take a string as a parameter, you can ensure no one ever tries using it with a number type.
If we used a dynamically typed language, the other developer could test the function with a number type, but could potentially get the desired outcome with their test. They would then assume the function works with numbers, when in fact, it doesn’t in certain edge cases.
Type Checking Is Better For Large Codebases
Overall, it is pretty well justified why large enterprise companies prefer statically typed languages over dynamically typed ones. As JavaScript becomes more and more popular every day, organizations have been looking for a solution that provides more stability in the language. This is the benefit that TypeScript provides. As long as JavaScript never introduces types in the core language, TypeScript will always have a place in medium-large sized organizations where it is beneficial to use.
Summary: Is TypeScript Worth Learning?
In this programmer’s opinion, TypeScript is definitely worth learning. TypeScript is a great tool to improve your JavaScript code and has been an important contribution to writing better, enterprise-ready software. It produces fewer errors than JavaScript, is faster, and ideal for collaborating with other developers. Additionally, it’s super simple to learn if you know JavaScript.
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As always, good luck and happy coding.
