JavaScript vs TypeScript: A Thorough Comparison
Tags: javascript, typescript, java, webdev
Published: 2024-01-29 06:18:51



![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/b0m0d67walbswqj0e096.png)

JavaScript is pretty old. It was invented by Brendan Eich in 1995. But soon, it started becoming popular. Now, almost all big technologies have this ‘.js’ attached to them. Almost every company website is made with JavaScript.

**But what actually is JavaScript ?**
 
Well, it’s a scripting language that allows you to create a website where you can dynamically update content, manage images, and whatnot. No kidding. In 2023, as per one survey, 98.7% of the websites were found using JavaScript on the client side of their webpage. But then why was TypeScript created? Well, there are some problems with JavaScript. Microsoft was the first to face problems in JavaScript.

**What are the Differences between JavaScript and TypeScript?**

In 2024, both JavaScript and TypeScript are increasingly used.. But what are the differences between the two? Well, there isn’t just one but many differences between both languages.

**1.Release**
The first difference is that TypeScript was released by Microsoft in 2012. JavaScript was created in 1995 by Brendan Eich.
**2.Purpose**
JavaScript was created to help make web pages more interactive. TypeScript, in simple words, is a superset of JavaScript. It improves the developer experience.
**3. Interfaces**
JavaScript doesn’t support interfaces, but TypeScript supports Interfaces.
**4. Typing**
JavaScript has dynamic typing. TypeScript, on the other hand, is a statically typed language.
**5. Syntax**
TypeScript is somewhat similar to JavaScript syntax. JavaScript simply has JavaScript syntax with a typical <script> and </script> tag.
**6. Tools**
Limited tools are available in JavaScript, including Atom, Visual Studio Code, and Eclipse. TypeScript has lots of IDEs and code editors.
**7. Compatibility**
TypeScript is compatible with JavaScript. But JavaScript isn’t compatible with TypeScript.
**8. Debugging**
It’s faster in TypeScript to spot errors because of stronger typing. In JavaScript, it requires more time to debug.
**9. Learning Curve**
JavaScript, for sure, isn’t easy. But the dozen tutorials available on the internet makes it easy to learn JavaScript. TypeScript may take more time to learn.
**10. Compilation**
There’s no need for compilation in JavaScript. But TypeScript codes must be compiled.
**11.Generics**
TypeScript not only supports generic features but also enables the development of reusable components. JavaScript, on the other hand, doesn’t support generics.
**12. Notion**
JavaScript is a lightweight programming language that has some amazing features for developing dynamic and interactive web pages. TypeScript is used for making larger projects.
**13.Suitability**
JavaScript is used to make apps for web, mobile, and desktop. Though TypeScript can be used for developing both backend and frontend, it’s ideal for front-end.
**14. Execution**
JavaScript not only supports cross-platforms, it also provides cross-browser functionality. JavaScript can also run directly on the browser. TypeScript, on the other hand, can’t run on the browser.
**15.NPM Packages**
In JavaScript, without even using the build step, you can form code. In TypeScript, there are varying NPM packages.
**16. Client side**
TypeScript can only be used on the client side. JavaScript can be used for both server and client side.
**17. Annotation**
There’s no use of annotations in JavaScript. TypeScript needs specific scripting.
**18. Examples**
Almost all big websites like Google, Facebook, LinkedIn, Amazon, Quora are made using JavaScript. This doesn’t mean TypeScript is not good. Companies like Slack, Clever, and Asana have used TypeScript to make their websites.


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**When to Use JavaScript and TypeScript?**

Well, it’s just impossible to make a website where you don’t have to use TypeScript and JavaScript. But yes, there would be situations where you should prefer JavaScript over TypeScript. For instance, if you want to create small websites that have few lines of code then use JavaScript. But if you want to make a complex project with multiple lines of code, use TypeScript.