Introduction
TypeScript is an open-source programming language. It is a superset of JavaScript. This means that any code that is valid in JavaScript is also valuable for TypeScript. Also, the main goal is to improve productivity when developing complex applications.
Thus, it is a syntactic superset of JavaScript which adds static typing. Essentially, this means that TypeScript adds syntax on top of JavaScript. Hence allowing the developers to add types.
So, by reading this article, you can learn more about TypeScript and why programmers use it.
If you are a beginner and would like to learn the basics of this programming language. Then you should certainly read this article.
Why use TypeScript?
Let’s start by talking about JavaScript which is a loosely typed language. Also, it can be difficult to understand what types of data is being passed around in JavaScript.
JavaScript has function parameters and variables that contain no information. So, developers need to do is refer to the documentation or guess based on the implementation.
TypeScript allows you to pass the specified data types within the code. Plus it includes the ability to report an error if the types do not match. For example, if you pass a string to a function expecting a number, TypeScript will suddenly report an error but JavaScript will not.
This is why many developers use TypeScript. Because it uses compile-time type checking to flag an error. It does it before the code execution if the specified types don’t match.
Moreover, Typescript frameworks allows to create or build a wide variety of applications. As these applications then helps many to make their life much easier.
So, many web developers use Scaffold Hub to create credible tools. In order to build their apps in an effective and efficient way.
How to use TypeScript?
The most common way to use TypeScript is to use the official TypeScript compiler. That transpile TypeScript code to JavaScript.
Also, some popular code editors like Visual Studio Code have built-in TypeScript. As it shows you the errors as you write the codes.
Moreover, you can also add path aliases in TypeScript which makes the code look much cleaner.
To understand this as best as possible, you can find some tutorials to help you gain control how you use it.
Besides, TypeScript functions are building blocks. So understanding them is very important. As it will make your life easier when working with them.
What Are The Components of TypeScript?
TypeScript consists of the following components:
Language: TypeScript language features elements like syntax, keywords, and type annotations.
TypeScript Compiler: It basically converts instructions written in TypeScript into their JavaScript equivalents.
TypeScript Language Service: It provides information that helps editors. And other tools provide better support features such as automated refactoring and IntelliSense.
It provides an extra layer around the core compiler pipeline. Also, it supports some typical standard editor operations. For instance: code formatting and outlining, coloring, statement completion, and signature help.
Declaration Files: When you compile TypeScript source code. You will have the option to generate a declaration file with a .d.ts extension. This file serves as an interface to the compiled JavaScript component. If the file extension is .d.ts, then each root-level definition must be preceded by the keyword “declare”.
TypeScript makes it clear that it does not emit code to ensure that declared elements exist at runtime. Declaration files provide IntelliSense for JavaScript libraries such as jQuery.
What are the Data Types In TypeScript?
When you create a variable, it has to given some value. But depending on the data type of that variable, what type of value can be given to it? Hence, the problem arises.
Problem also arises when you start to use the TypeScript without really understanding. For instance the difference between the interface and type in TypeScript. Then you suddenly start to mess up. That is the reason you have to first clearly understand. Before using TypeScript types.
So in TypeScript, the type ‘System’ represents the different kinds of data types. Data types that are supported by TypeScript. Below are the predefined built-in data type classifications.
Built-in Data Types:
The built-in data types are as follows. Let’s take a look at the descriptions of these built-in data types.
Boolean: It refers to a system of logical thought that represents true or false.
String: It represents a sequence of characters plus char values and it is also considered as an object.
Number: TypeScript uses numbers to represent both integers as floating point values.
Void: It is basically used on function return-types.
Null: This data type is used when an object doesn’t have any value.
Undefined: It basically denotes a value that is given to the uninitialized variable.
Any: This is a type that helps you describe the type of variables that you don’t know when writing code.
Customized Or User-Defined Data Types:
Apart from having all built-in data types, users can define their own data types. Below is a list of customized or user-defined data types.
- Enumerations (enums)
- Class
- Interface
- Array
- Tuple
- Function
Conclusion
TypeScript is a programming language having lots of technicalities. But I have compiled the data in the most simple form. So it will give you an overview of what typescript is, what it entails, and why developers use it.