TypeScript: Learn more about it and its features
Have you heard about TypeScript ? It is a tool that allows you to write code, carrying out object-oriented programming without losing its advantages. When compiling TypeScript code, JavaScript code is generated, and this code is what will be executed in the browser.
Among the main basic elements that make this construction very important, we can mention templates , components, routing, directives, modules, services, dependency injection and infrastructure tools. If you want to understand a little more about this topic, keep reading and find out more!
What is TypeScript?
If you’re wondering what TypeScript is , it is a suite of the JavaScript language, providing classes, interfaces, and optional static typing. One of the biggest advantages of TypeScript is that it allows IDEs to provide a safer environment by pointing out errors as the code is typed by the user.
The TypeScript language adds static typing to JavaScript, which originally has dynamic typing. This way, functions and variables can assume different types throughout execution time.
TypeScript code is only used in the development environment, being converted to JavaScript in the construction process, as only this last code is read by browsers.
TypeScript Starting Concepts
In the TypeScript language, a type definition file is normally included, which is automatically generated. This way, the typing information of all variables, functions and classes exported by the library is preserved.
When a variable can take different formats, even belonging to the same entity, it is possible to use Types . While interfaces can inherit other interfaces, Types do not have this characteristic.
Interfaces are widely used when it is necessary to reuse typing between various files and application functions. Enums , in turn, are ways of defining constants in typing, with the aim of reusing code between functions or files.
TypeScript vs. JavaScript
As much as it looks a lot like a programming language, it is more appropriate to say that TypeScript is defined as a set of functionalities added to JavaScript.
In other words, based on this principle, TypeScript revolves around upgrades from ECMAScript , which focuses on JavaScript. It is from there that its functionalities gain “body” to be assembled.
Therefore, in a project in which JavaScript will be heavily used, relying on TypeScript can bring a significant gain in productivity and result in a more robust product.
In short, TypeScript checks for errors during compilation, allowing you to generate JavaScript for different versions of ECMAScript, without the user going through major worries and headaches.
Advantages of TypeScript
The great thing about using TypeScript is the possibility of having errors flagged in the development process, increasing the intelligence of the IDE that is used.
TypeScript not only helps in the development environment, but also allows you to use language features that are not yet available natively.
Another interesting topic is the possibility of transpiling the code, so that it can be read by all browser versions, as happens with Babel in fully JavaScript applications.
TypeScript and productivity
TypeScript is a technology that has opened up many doors and possibilities. At the same time, it is a challenging and, at times, somewhat complex innovation.
In the initial contacts, the user is faced with new concepts and rules and constant new visits to the documentation accesses, a common process to consolidate learning.
However, when an application takes shape, more developers start to collaborate on the project, which can even be open source , that is, its source is open. Static typing is of great value, as the code is simpler to understand.
Types added to variables and functions
When developing a project, TypeScript executes the code and finds the possible inputs and outputs, seeking to determine the type of variables, parameters and function returns automatically.
TypeScript and typing methods
In addition to TypeScript, there are other ways of typing code. In React , for example, it is possible to type component properties using PropTypes, a type of dynamic typing check that works at runtime.
As for static typing and dynamic typing, what matters when choosing between the two is the fact that dynamic typing occurs at run time. Thus, errors will only be highlighted when the application is executed. In the case of static typing, it is guaranteed that the code build will not be generated if there is a typing error.
Flow is an example of a tool that does the same work as TypeScript. Despite having very similar functionalities, TypeScript has a more mature environment and has greater support from the developer community. It can be said, then, that it is safer to continue using TypeScript.