Question 1

Why use JavaScript vs TypeScript?

Accepted Answer

TypeScript vs. JavaScript is a common query among developers. TypeScript offers many benefits over JavaScript, but the primary one is the static typings it adds to the language. This addition gives us more certainty over the code we write and helps reduce the number of bugs and issues that are created.

Question 2

What is the main reason to use TypeScript?

Accepted Answer

There are many reasons to use TypeScript but the primary motivator for a lot of developers is the increased error detection and handling capabilities that help us write more robust and maintainable code.

Question 3

Where is TypeScript mostly used?

Accepted Answer

TypeScript can be used in pretty much any project that JavaScript can be used. But, saying this TypeScript really shines in larger scale production applications that have multiple developers working on it concurrently.

Question 4

Is TypeScript easier than JavaScript?

Accepted Answer

While TypeScript builds on JavaScript and shares much syntax, its additional type system and features can make TypeScript more difficult for beginners. The learning curve is steeper as developers must understand concepts like typing, interfaces, and compiling on top of standard JavaScript. However, for large, complex applications, TypeScript's static types, IDE support, and error-handling capabilities can ultimately make development easier and more productive.

Question 5

What is the major difference between TypeScript and JavaScript?

Accepted Answer

While JavaScript is dynamically typed, TypeScript adds optional static typing, which allows variables and function signatures to have type annotations. This typing enables stronger tooling and editor support like auto-completion and error checking during development. The key distinction is that TypeScript compiles to plain JavaScript, so any JavaScript is valid TypeScript, but TypeScript's static types add more robustness and scalability for large applications.

Question 6

Why use TypeScript instead of JavaScript?

Accepted Answer

The optional typing system in TypeScript allows for earlier error catching during development compared to JavaScript. Type annotations make code more self-documenting and provide editor autocompletion, facilitating development at scale. For large JavaScript codebases where stability is critical, TypeScript's static analysis and tooling can boost productivity and reduce bugs by detecting errors during compilation.

Question 7

Should I start with TypeScript or JavaScript?

Accepted Answer

For those new to web development, beginning with JavaScript is recommended since it has a gentler learning curve and wider usage currently. TypeScript adds complexity with its static typing and transpilation process, so starting with JavaScript helps build core programming competency. After grasping JavaScript fundamentals, TypeScript can then leverage and expand upon those skills for developers looking to create robust, complex applications.

Question 8

What is a TypeScript interface?

Accepted Answer

A TypeScript interface is how we can define the structure of an object by specifying the properties and methods that are on the object. They’re primarily used for type-checking.

Question 9

When should I use interfaces in TypeScript?

Accepted Answer

You’ll use interfaces in various places in TypeScript, but most commonly, when you want to define the structure of an object and ensure type safety.

Question 10

What is the main difference between types and interfaces in TypeScript?

Accepted Answer

While a type and interface are very similar and are often interchangeable, the primary difference is that an interface can be freely extended at any point while a type can’t. Read more on Types vs. Interfaces on the TS docs here.

Question 11

What are the types of TypeScript interfaces?

Accepted Answer

While there aren’t different types of interfaces, they can be used in various different ways, such as function types, object types, optional properties, index signatures, and more.

Question 12

What is a generic in TypeScript?

Accepted Answer

A generic is a placeholder for a future type to be passed in. They’re like a template that can be reused multiple times, with different types being passed in each time.

Question 13

Why use TypeScript generics?

Accepted Answer

Generics offer multiple benefits to TypeScript developers, but chiefly they allow us to write reusable and flexible code without sacrificing type safety.

Question 14

How do you write generics in TypeScript?

Accepted Answer

You can write a generic by wrapping a type in angled brackets after a function, class, or interface name; for example, `<GenericType>`. You can then use this name as a placeholder in the code to represent the type that will be passed in when calling the function, class, or interface.

The Ultimate Guide to TypeScript

What is TypeScript and Why You Should Use It For Your Next Project

TypeScript vs. JavaScript: What’s the Difference?

TypeScript Interfaces: A Practical Guide with Code Examples

Understanding TypeScript Generics: Why, How, and When to Use Them

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