TypeScript (Programming Language)
What is TypeScript?
TypeScript is an extended language wrapping the JavaScript eco-system, that adds additional syntax, structures, error checking and constructs, yet compiles to standard JavaScript as used extensively in the web.
TypeScript can be used to develop JavaScript applications for both client and server-side applications. It's most compelling advantages over plain JavaScript mainly revolve around identification of potential issues at compile time, as opposed to the very relaxed rules of JavaScript that allows many of these issues through, only identified when actually executed.
TypeScript & Your Business
TypeScript is an excellent language for use in a team environment, as correct component usage is enforced at compile time.
Programmers proficient at TypeScript can typically achieve productivity, leveraging the added features and safety of the language, much better programming efficiency than with unaided JavaScript
JavaScript code can be easily ported to TypeScript, which can help ensure long-term maintainability.
Why TypeScript?
- Development speed is fast with TypeScript, and potential errors are often identified early
- TypeScript can be converted to JavaScript, which can be compiled and run on any browser
- It allows better code structuring and object-oriented programming techniques
- Provides good code navigation and bug prevention
- Scalable HTML5 client-side development
What does it mean for us?
At Canary, we almost exclusively use TypeScript for generation of JavaScript, due to the increased efficiency and safety it allows, while maintaining full compatibility wherever JavaScript is able to be used.