TypeScript (TS) and JavaScript (JS) are widely used languages in the web development industry. Despite JavaScript’s popularity and versatility, TypeScript is a superset of JavaScript that includes static types. To choose whether to use each, this blog will compare TypeScript and JavaScript in terms of installation, data types, functions, conditions, loops, and conclusions.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Installation
- Data Types
- Functions
- Conditions
- Loops
- Conclusion
1. Introduction
A key component of the web, JavaScript is a dynamic, interpreted language that makes interactive web pages possible. Microsoft’s TypeScript builds on JavaScript by including static type definitions, which facilitates error detection and codebase management.
2. Installation
JavaScript
JavaScript typically runs in the browser, but Node.js is required for server-side development.
1. Install Node.js:
Go to the Node.js website.
Download and install the appropriate version for your OS.
2. Verify Installation:
node -v
npm -v
TypeScript
TypeScript requires Node.js and npm (Node Package Manager).
1. Install TypeScript:
npm install -g typescript
2. Verify Installation:
tsc -v
3. Data Types
JavaScript
Because JavaScript is dynamically typed, variables can store any kind of value without a type specification.
let num = 42; // Number
let str = “Hello”; // String
let isTrue = true; // Boolean
let obj = { name: “JS” }; // Object
let arr = [1, 2, 3]; // Array
TypeScript
Because TypeScript is statically typed, types must be defined.
let num: number = 42;
let str: string = “Hello”;
let isTrue: boolean = true;
let obj: { name: string } = { name: “TS” };
let arr: number[] = [1, 2, 3];
Other types like enums, tuples, and interfaces are also introduced by TypeScript.
enum Color { Red, Green, Blue }
let c: Color = Color.Green;
let tuple: [string, number];
tuple = [“hello”, 10]; // OK
interface Person {
name: string;
age: number;
}
let person: Person = { name: “John”, age: 30 };
4. Functions
JavaScript
JavaScript functions can be declared using either function declarations or function expressions.
function greet(name) {
return “Hello, ” + name;
}
let greet = function(name) {
return “Hello, ” + name;
};
TypeScript
You can define types for function parameters and return values using TypeScript.
function greet(name: string): string {
return “Hello, ” + name;
}
let greet: (name: string) => string = function(name: string): string {
return “Hello, ” + name;
};
Both default and optional parameters are supported by TypeScript.
function greet(name: string, age?: number): string {
if (age) {
return `Hello, ${name}. You are ${age} years old.`;
} else {
return `Hello, ${name}.`;
}
}
5. Conditions
JavaScript
JavaScript’s conditional statements are comparable to those in the majority of programming languages.
let x = 10;
if (x > 5) {
console.log(“x is greater than 5”);
} else if (x < 5) {
console.log(“x is less than 5”);
} else {
console.log(“x is 5”);
}
TypeScript
JavaScript’s conditional statements are the same as TypeScript’s, except TypeScript has type safety.
let x: number = 10;
if (x > 5) {
console.log(“x is greater than 5”);
} else if (x < 5) {
console.log(“x is less than 5”);
} else {
console.log(“x is 5”);
}
6. Loops
JavaScript
Several looping constructs, including for, while, and do…while, are supported by JavaScript.
for (let i = 0; i < 5; i++) {
console.log(i);
}
let i = 0;
while (i < 5) {
console.log(i);
i++;
}
i = 0;
do {
console.log(i);
i++;
} while (i < 5);
TypeScript
With type safety, TypeScript employs the same looping structures as JavaScript.
for (let i: number = 0; i < 5; i++) {
console.log(i);
}
let i: number = 0;
while (i < 5) {
console.log(i);
i++;
}
i = 0;
do {
console.log(i);
i++;
} while (i < 5);
7. Conclusion
When to Use JavaScript
- Quick Development: JavaScript works well for tiny applications and rapid prototyping.
- Browser Compatibility: Every browser has native support for JavaScript.
- Flexibility: Because it is dynamically typed, coding is flexible.
When to Use TypeScript
- Huge Codebases: TypeScript is perfect for big projects because of its compile-time checks and static typing.
- Teamwork: Teams benefit from TypeScript’s ability to decrease problems and preserve uniformity.
- Future-Proofing: TypeScript can assist in future-proofing code by enforcing a uniform coding style and identifying mistakes early.
TypeScript and JavaScript each have their best uses and advantages. Because of JavaScript’s widespread use and adaptability, many web developers still prefer it, although TypeScript has more features that can result in code that is more reliable and easier to maintain. The particular requirements and circumstances of your project will determine which option is best for you.
