Understand the differences between Typescript and Javascript

TypeScript and JavaScript are two of the more popular scripting languages in current project development. We already know that TypeScript is a superset of JavaScript, but what are the differences between TypeScript and JavaScript? What's the difference? When choosing a development language, how should you choose?

This article will compare these two languages in depth, discuss the connections and differences between the two languages, and outline the advantages of each.

Overview of JavaScript and TypeScript

JavaScript

JavaScript is a lightweight The interpretive scripting language can be embedded into HTML pages and executed on the browser side, which can realize rich interactive functions on the browser side and bring users a smooth and diverse user experience.

JavaScript is object- and event-driven and does not require a specific language environment. It only needs to run on supported browsers.

The JavaScript language has the following characteristics:

• JavaScript is a scripting language that does not require compilation. As long as it is embedded in HTML code, it can be loaded and interpreted line by line by the browser.
• JavaScript is an object-based language that can create objects while using existing objects. But Javascript does not support inheritance and overloading functions that other object-oriented languages have.
• The syntax of JavaScript is simple and the variables used are weakly typed.
• The JavaScript language is relatively safe and is only executed on the browser side and will not access local hard disk data.
• The JavaScript language is dynamic. JavaScript is event-driven and only responds to user actions.
• JavaScript only depends on the browser and has nothing to do with operating system factors. Therefore JavaScript is a cross-platform language.
• JavaScript has good compatibility and can be used with other technologies (such as XML, REST API, etc.).

TypeScript

TypeScript is an object-oriented programming language developed and maintained by Microsoft. It is a superset of JavaScript, contains all elements of JavaScript, can load JavaScript code to run, and extends the syntax of JavaScript.

TypeScript has the following characteristics:

• TypeScript is an open source language launched by Microsoft, using the Apache licensing agreement
• TypeScript adds static types, classes, modules, interfaces and Type annotations
• TypeScript can be used to develop large-scale applications
• TypeScript is easy to learn and understand

The main differences between JavaScript and TypeScript

TypeScript All code and coding concepts in JavaScript can be used, TypeScript was created to make JavaScript development easier. For example, TypeScript uses concepts like types and interfaces to describe the data being used, which enables developers to quickly detect errors and debug applications. The JavaScript object model is extended.

JavaScript code can work with TypeScript without any modification, and a compiler can be used to convert TypeScript code to JavaScript.
• TypeScript provides compile-time static type checking through type annotations.
• Data in TypeScript requires explicit types, but JavaScript does not.
• TypeScript provides default parameter values for functions.
• TypeScript introduces the concept of "classes" that are not found in JavaScript.
• TypeScript introduces the concept of modules, which can encapsulate declarations, data, functions and classes in modules.

Advantages of TypeScript

The following are the significant advantages of TypeScript compared to JavaScript:

1. Static typing

Static typing is a feature that detects errors while developers are writing scripts. Finding and fixing bugs is a critical need for today's development teams. This feature allows developers to write more robust code and maintain it, resulting in better code quality and clarity.

2. Large Development Projects

Sometimes small incremental changes to the code base are needed to improve a development project. These small changes can have serious, unintended consequences, making it necessary to undo them. Using TypeScript tools to make refactoring changes is easy and fast.

3. Better collaboration

When developing a large project, there will be many developers, and the chance of garbled code and errors will also increase. Type safety is a feature that detects errors during coding, rather than when compiling the project. This creates a more efficient coding and debugging process for development teams.

4. Greater Productivity

Factors such as clean ECMAScript 6 code, auto-completion and dynamic input help improve developer productivity. These features also help the compiler create optimized code.

Advantages of JavaScript

Compared to TypeScript, JavaScript also has some obvious advantages.

1. Popularity

The JavaScript developer community is still huge and active, and a large number of mature development projects and available resources can be easily found in the community.

2. Learning curve

Because the JavaScript language developed earlier and is more mature, there are still a large number of developers who insist on using the scripting language they are familiar with, JavaScript. Not learning TypeScript.

3. Native browser support

TypeScript code needs to be compiled (output JavaScript code), which is an extra step when TypeScript code is executed.

4. No comments required

To take full advantage of TypeScript features, developers need to constantly annotate their code, which may make the project less efficient.

5. Flexibility

Some developers prefer the flexibility of JavaScript.

How to choose

TypeScript is becoming a powerful tool for developing large-scale coding projects. Because its object-oriented programming language structure keeps code clean, consistent, and easy to debug. Therefore, it is more appropriate to use TypeScript when dealing with large-scale development projects. If you have a relatively small coding project, it may seem unnecessary to use TypeScript, just use flexible JavaScript.

Related tutorial recommendations:JavaScript video tutorial

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