When it comes to computer programming languages, JavaScript is distinguished from the rest. Initially developed as a simple scripting tool for DOM manipulation, the advent of NodeJS and other auxiliary features have facilitated its evolution into a high-level, multipurpose programming language, comparable to the likes of Python.
A research conducted by Stack Overflow in 2023 brought to light that 38% or over of developers tend to refrain from using JavaScript because it is deemed to be rather intricate. Even though it is not as problematic as PHP which is perceived to be twice as complex, this is still a matter of concern.
Forgive my impertinence, but where precisely does JavaScript fall short?
The unique features of JavaScript as a programming language can pose difficulties for certain programmers. Nevertheless, it is indubitable that the language carries its own identity. As mentioned by Douglas Crockford in his book, “JavaScript harbours some ingenious concepts, as well as a few incredibly inferior ones”.
It is reasonable to acknowledge that JavaScript may demonstrate unpredictability at times. For instance, a juxtaposition of two numbers may fail to produce the anticipated outcome if the numbers are too large for the instruction to execute. As an instance, in JavaScript, 9999999999999999 equates to 10000000000000000.
JavaScript’s versatility is often commended as its most prominent asset. However, it is also the subject of censure. Owing to its lenient nature, the engine endeavours to construe and implement the code while making presumptions about the coder’s objectives. While this methodology works effectively in many instances, it can also generate unforeseen outcomes.
Semicolons (;) in JavaScript serve a precise function: signalling to the engine that a specific statement of code has been accomplished. Nevertheless, their deployment is not a necessity in JavaScript, as the code would still execute correctly in their absence. In this scenario, JavaScript will exercise its own discretion to deduce the completion of a sentence. Nevertheless, this approach does not always prove to be successful.
This could result in unexpected behaviour as different libraries or engines could construe the completion of a statement differently. It is plausible for a segment of code to execute flawlessly in one environment while producing an error in another.
The most recent renditions of JavaScript have resolved several of the most critical concerns. While certain abnormalities have been eradicated, others have been embraced as advantageous time-saving features. Ultimately, prevalent frameworks and libraries have tackled several weak points of the language.
Scalability and JavaScript
JavaScript is a well-established technology that is bound to prevail, offering significant advantages for both novice and seasoned developers. Its extensive range of capabilities have secured its status as the uncontested leader in the realm of browser scripting languages. Despite a few idiosyncrasies, it is a fantastic option for numerous projects.
JavaScript can prove to be a valuable solution when working on a project with confined parameters and a small team. With a mere one or two coders in charge of a thousand lines of code, spotting and rectifying any flaws could be simpler.
JavaScript’s peculiarities can pose obstacles, even when working on small projects, and can subsequently become increasingly challenging to manage as the scale of a product expands. What may appear to be an insignificant concern at first could swiftly transform into a formidable impediment. When working on more extensive projects with a larger team, it becomes crucial to utilise dependable and uniform technology.
Recall our discussion regarding informed assumptions. Visualise a scenario where one of your developers errs in the code. Yet, it goes overlooked as the code continues to execute accurately. The mistake goes undetected even subsequent to the integration of the code into the project.
As the new code hinges on the previous erroneous code, the project has ballooned in magnitude. Notwithstanding, this has proven to be unsustainable in the long run. There is a chance that an uncomplicated solution exists. That said, any such answer must not interfere with other facets of the project that depend on that behaviour’s output.
What initially seemed like an insignificant error has escalated into a grave emergency. If the regulations had not ever allowed for such outlandish conduct, the situation could have been averted.
The Emergence of TypeScript
With a vast JavaScript community, various tools exist to help alleviate this kind of problem. Even so, certain developers may opt for a more comprehensive method, wherein TypeScript can offer a solution to entirely eliminate the issue.
In 2012, Microsoft unveiled TypeScript, an extension of JavaScript that presents enhanced syntax accuracy and type-safety. The integration of static typing in place of dynamic typing bestows code conventions that render it more dependable and consistent.
TypeScript is a current and versatile scripting language intended to be as robust as JavaScript yet more adaptable. It is fitting for establishing client-side and server-side software.
Acquiring a new language is not a prerequisite for working with TypeScript. For anyone who is familiar with JavaScript, TypeScript is a language that is easily understood – akin to a native English speaker learning a distinct writing style rather than an entirely new language.
Simply transcompiling your TypeScript code to JavaScript is all that’s required to execute it. This only demands minimal effort and expense.
Perchance, you recollect the survey that I conducted on StackOverflow? TypeScript ranks third in the list of the most widely used programming languages, falling closely behind Rust and Clojure. As indicated by the survey of developers, it is the second most anticipated technology for their projects.
The motive behind TypeScript’s burgeoning popularity is evident; it has taken JavaScript and augmented it with features that developers have been requesting for an extended period. Veteran JavaScript coders may find little motivation to switch. However, it could prove to be exceedingly advantageous for newbies and larger development teams, mitigating debugging time and stress-related issues.
One could consider TypeScript as a type of implicit communication. Employing the language assures the rest of the team that no covert activities are transpiring. The code can be executed without having to scrutinize for any unforeseen behaviours.
TypeScript bears particular advantages for sizeable projects as it yields reliable outcomes and employs a more comprehensible code structure. A variable categorised as ‘integer’ will remain as such, despite the developer’s intentions.
However, a cautionary note…
TypeScript is an incredibly potent language, but it can be arduous to comprehend owing to its heightened complexity in contrast to JavaScript. This could pose a challenge when trying to peruse unfamiliar code, ultimately hampering productivity.
The proposal of utilising entirely typed dependencies as the ultimate solution for TypeScript has surfaced. Nevertheless, this strategy is unsuitable for most of the third-party libraries in JavaScript, which might result in unanticipated issues.
Contemporary trends have witnessed numerous programmers migrating to typed libraries. TypeScript has now been integrated within both Angular and Vue 3, two of the most extensively employed front-end frameworks.
In case you are engaged in an extensive or conceivably expansive project, it is worthwhile to deliberate on TypeScript, despite any shortcomings it may possess. Although freshly introduced, this superseding edition of JavaScript has gained widespread recognition within IT organisations globally.
