TypeScript vs JavaScript: Which One Should You Use?

When building modern web applications, developers often face the question: Should I use JavaScript or TypeScript? While both are powerful and widely used, they cater to slightly different needs and use cases. This article breaks down the key differences, pros, and cons of TypeScript and JavaScript to help you make an informed choice.

What is JavaScript?

JavaScript (JS) is a dynamic, high-level programming language that is a cornerstone of web development. It runs natively in web browsers and allows developers to build interactive websites and applications.

Key Characteristics:

• Interpreted, not compiled

• Dynamically typed

• Prototype-based

• Supported by all modern browsers

JavaScript has evolved significantly since its inception, with modern versions (like ES6 and beyond) offering classes, modules, arrow functions, and more.

What is TypeScript?

TypeScript (TS) is a superset of JavaScript developed by Microsoft. It adds static typing and other advanced features to JavaScript, helping developers write more robust and maintainable code.

Key Characteristics:

• Compiled to JavaScript

• Statically typed (with optional typing)

• Supports modern JS features + additional ones like interfaces and enums

• Better tooling and editor support (like autocompletion, type checking)

Key Differences Between TypeScript and JavaScript

Pros and Cons

JavaScript

✅ Pros:

• Simple to get started with

• Natively supported by browsers

• Huge ecosystem and community

❌ Cons:

• No type safety

• Runtime errors more common

• Can become hard to manage in large projects

TypeScript

✅ Pros:

• Type safety and error detection at compile time

• Great tooling with editors like VSCode

• Easier to refactor and scale projects

❌ Cons:

• Requires a build step (compilation)

• Slight learning curve for beginners

• Can be overkill for small scripts or projects

When to Use JavaScript

• Quick scripts or simple projects

• Prototyping or learning the basics of programming

• When working with teams already experienced in JS

When to Use TypeScript

• Large-scale applications

• Projects requiring long-term maintenance

• Teams that value early bug detection and strong tooling

• When using modern frameworks like Angular (which is built in TS)

Conclusion

TypeScript and JavaScript each have their strengths. JavaScript is quick and flexible, ideal for fast development and small-scale projects. TypeScript, on the other hand, offers a more structured approach, making it ideal for large and complex applications.

If you're starting a project that you expect to grow over time, TypeScript might be the better choice. However, if you're working on something small or need to get up and running quickly, JavaScript could be all you need.

Whichever you choose, you're building on one of the most powerful languages on the web.