Why I Love TypeScript
2025-02-13·5 min read
#typescript#javascript
TypeScript has fundamentally changed how I write JavaScript. What started as skepticism has become one of my favorite tools for building robust applications.
The problem with JavaScript
JavaScript is a great language, but its dynamic nature can lead to bugs that only surface at runtime:
javascript
// This looks fine, but crashes at runtime
function calculateDiscount(price, percentage) {
return price - (price * percentage / 100);
}
calculateDiscount("100", "20"); // NaN 😱
TypeScript to the rescue
With TypeScript, these errors are caught at compile time:
typescript
function calculateDiscount(price: number, percentage: number): number {
return price - (price * percentage / 100);
}
calculateDiscount("100", "20");
// Error: Argument of type 'string' is not assignable
// to parameter of type 'number'
But it's not just about types
TypeScript brings more than just type safety:
- Better IDE support: Autocomplete, refactoring, and inline documentation
- Self-documenting code: Types serve as documentation
- Easier refactoring: Confidence that changes won't break things
- Better team collaboration: Clear interfaces between modules
typescript
interface User {
id: string;
name: string;
email: string;
role: "admin" | "user" | "guest";
}
function processUser(user: User): void {
// Your implementation here
}
Conclusion
If you haven't tried TypeScript yet, I highly recommend giving it a shot. The learning curve is worth it, and you'll wonder how you lived without it.
What's your experience with TypeScript? Let me know on Twitter!