17 Apr, 2024 | Mobile App Development
If you are just starting out, it's better to learn JavaScript first to understand core programming concepts. TypeScript builds on JavaScript, so learning JavaScript provides a strong foundation. However, TypeScript isn't vastly more difficult - so it can also be learned directly, especially if wanting to work with types from the beginning.
It's generally not recommended to replace an existing JavaScript codebase with TypeScript outright. TypeScript is highly compatible with JavaScript, so both can co-exist with TypeScript code being able to use JavaScript libraries and vice versa. New projects are better started with TypeScript while existing codebases can migrate incrementally.
JavaScript is by far the most popular and widely used language currently based on usage statistics. However, TypeScript adoption is growing rapidly among new projects for its type safety and tooling benefits. Both have enormous communities and long-term prospects, so popularity depends on the use case and requirements.
TypeScript is a smarter choice for React projects because it supports static types across React components and libraries. Although plain JavaScript works, too, TypeScript allows type-checking interactions between React components, propTypes, and states for fewer bugs. It also safely enables refactoring React apps and improves developer experience through rich editor features. In summary, while JavaScript will continue to dominate due to its ubiquity, TypeScript has established itself as the preferred choice for new projects. It prioritizes developer productivity, stability, and performance through its strong static typing system. Both languages can coexist depending on an application's specific needs.