If you are currently training to become a web developer, or if you are taking a course to learn JavaScript, you have likely asked yourself this question: should you choose JavaScript or TypeScript? Which one is better?
Nowadays, a web developer must master JavaScript. This programming language is undoubtedly the king of programming languages for anyone aspiring to become a web developer in 2025. 👑
However, upon further exploration, another language also seems to stand out... TypeScript. 👀
Before diving in, let’s take a trip back in time to understand the origins of JavaScript and why the creation of the TypeScript language became necessary.
JavaScript: The King of Programming Languages for Web Development
Without any dispute, learning JavaScript in 2025 has become essential. And for good reason, it is used everywhere:
- In React.JS (used by Facebook, Instagram, Tesla, Disney+, etc.);
- In Next.JS (used by Vercel, Hulu, Twitch, Netflix, etc.);
- In Node.JS (used by LinkedIn, PayPal, Stripe, etc.).
JavaScript is currently the most used programming language in the world, according to Bigoh.
The versatility of this programming language means that a developer learning JavaScript can quickly expand their knowledge to use it in all parts of a website: both backend and frontend.
Used by a massive community of developers, finding solutions to JavaScript-related problems is relatively easy.
Dynamic Typing in JavaScript
If you are unfamiliar with dynamic typing, it refers to the way variables are created during runtime, or when the code is executed. Each variable is assigned a type at runtime based on its value.
In short, with dynamic typing, there’s no need to explicitly declare variable types.
For example:
let thisIsANumber = 42; // Creates a Number
let thisIsAFloat = 3.14; // Creates a Float
let thisIsAString = "Believemy"; // Creates a StringAdditionally, JavaScript automatically supports what is called type coercion. It automatically changes a variable’s type based on its usage.
For example:
const a = 4;
const b = "5";
console.log(a + b) // "45"Here, we create a variable a and another variable b. Simply attempting to concatenate a and b outputs a string.
The Double-Edged Sword of Dynamic Typing
Dynamic typing and type coercion make JavaScript a flexible, easy, and forgiving language to work with.
Development processes are quicker because there’s no obligation to define and verify variable types constantly. However, this also leads to certain limitations.
For example, type mismatch errors often occur during runtime, when the project is already in production (live for users). This leads to errors that can halt code execution, resulting in unstable and hard-to-maintain code.
TypeScript: The Enhanced JavaScript
To address JavaScript's many limitations (due to dynamic typing and type coercion), Microsoft launched TypeScript on February 9, 2012.
TypeScript is a free and open-source programming language designed to improve JavaScript by offering additional features (often called syntactic sugar) to add optional static typing.
In other words, TypeScript allows the use of static typing with JavaScript.
TypeScript is primarily aimed at large-scale application development. It’s like using a bulldozer to build a sandcastle: it’s great, but often unnecessary. Use it mainly for large projects, even though many developers use it in simple projects as well.
How Does TypeScript Work?
TypeScript’s functioning is straightforward: it detects your enhanced JavaScript code with TypeScript features and transforms it into a browser-readable JavaScript file.
In essence, it’s a small software tool that converts TypeScript code into JavaScript code.
How to Use TypeScript?
Using TypeScript is straightforward. For example, you can use:
- Interfaces: They provide a way to define new standards for JavaScript objects.
- Enums: These allow defining a set of constants, simplifying the code.
- Advanced features: TypeScript includes numerous advanced features, such as conditional types.
Example
Regarding TypeScript syntax, let’s take an example of an enum:
enum Brands {
Renault,
Peugeot,
Ferrari,
}
let carBrand: Brands = Brands.Ferrari;We can define a set of brands expected in the carBrand variable. To specify to TypeScript that we expect one of the predefined values, we add : Brands between our variable and its value.
Is TypeScript Better Than JavaScript?
Yes, TypeScript is better than JavaScript.
However, it’s important to qualify this conclusion. Indeed, TypeScript is better than JavaScript for collaborative projects or those with a large file structure.
JavaScript is not better than TypeScript, but it is the starting point of your learning. It is not necessary to use TypeScript; a developer learning JavaScript will still be able to build any website that a TypeScript developer can. So don’t overthink it and start learning JavaScript; you can move on to TypeScript later if needed.
Does TypeScript Still Make Sense in 2025?
Yes, TypeScript is still worth it in 2025.
With the explosion of modern technologies (like React.JS and Next.JS), TypeScript is increasingly in demand.
Thanks to its strict typing, it enables efficient handling of large projects with good type prediction.
Should You Learn JavaScript or TypeScript?
You should learn JavaScript first to later learn TypeScript.
You cannot use TypeScript without knowing the basics of JavaScript. A JavaScript developer is not a TypeScript developer. However, the reverse is true: developers using TypeScript are first JavaScript developers. Always start with JavaScript.
JavaScript vs. TypeScript - Comparative Table
| JavaScript | TypeScript | |
|
Language Basics |
- The most popular programming language among web developers |
- Built on top of JavaScript |
| Typing System |
- Dynamic typing - Types are automatically inferred during runtime |
- Static typing - Types are defined during compilation |
| Why Use It? |
- Flexible (no need for syntax to define types) - Fast development since no type definitions are required - The JavaScript community is massive, with most shared code being in JavaScript |
- Improves code predictability with static typing - Errors are detected early - Code is easier to maintain over time |
Conclusion
JavaScript and TypeScript are both extremely popular programming languages, but it is essential to learn JavaScript before using TypeScript.
The JavaScript programming language is easy to use and fast for building websites. It supports dynamic typing.
The TypeScript programming language is more challenging to use and slower during development due to typing requirements (which are optional; skipping them effectively makes it JavaScript). It supports static typing.
In Summary
Favor JavaScript for simple projects. When working on large projects, using TypeScript is highly recommended: it prevents breaking your code and makes it easier to manage over time by anticipating possible typing errors.