Debunking Common Excuses for Not Using TypeScript
TypeScript has been around for over six years and has been adopted by leading web companies. Despite its growing popularity, some developers still have concerns about using it. In this article, we’ll address common excuses for not using TypeScript and explore the benefits of adopting it in your projects.
Excuse #1: The Learning Curve is Too Steep
One of the primary concerns about using TypeScript is that it requires a significant amount of time to learn. However, this isn’t entirely true. TypeScript is a superset of JavaScript, which means that if you already know JavaScript, you’re halfway there.
Key Takeaway: Switching to TypeScript from JavaScript is not like learning a new language. It’s more like adding a new skill to your existing toolkit.
Excuse #2: But JavaScript is Standard, TypeScript is Not
Some developers argue that JavaScript is the standard, while TypeScript is not. However, this argument is outdated. TypeScript follows the ECMAScript spec closely and implements most proposals that reach Stage 3.
Key Takeaway: When you write TypeScript, you’re writing modern, standards-compliant JavaScript.
Excuse #3: It Kills the Dynamic Nature of JavaScript
Another concern is that TypeScript restricts the dynamic nature of JavaScript. However, this isn’t true. TypeScript employs a structural typing system and is surprisingly good at type inference, which means you don’t have to be explicit with types all the time.
Key Takeaway: TypeScript balances correctness and productivity, allowing you to choose how aggressive you want to be with type safety.
Excuse #4: It’s Not Going to Be Around in 5 Years
Some developers worry that investing time in learning TypeScript won’t pay off in the long run. However, it’s impossible to predict what will happen in the future. What’s important is that TypeScript provides benefits today.
Key Takeaway: If you and your project can benefit from TypeScript today, consider adopting it. Even if you switch to something else in the future, the benefits you reap today will be worth it.
Excuse #5: It’s Not Community-Driven
Some developers believe that TypeScript is a proprietary Microsoft technology. However, this isn’t true. The TypeScript team has fully embraced open development, and the project is now hosted on GitHub.
Key Takeaway: TypeScript is community-driven, with a strong focus on open development and collaboration.
Excuse #6: Converting an Existing Project is Too Much Work
Converting an existing project to TypeScript can seem daunting. However, the process can be done gradually, and the benefits are worth the effort.
Key Takeaway: You can start by running your existing JavaScript code through the TypeScript compiler and then gradually rename files to .ts.
Excuse #7: But All of the Libraries I Use Are in JavaScript
Some developers worry that using TypeScript will limit their access to libraries. However, this isn’t true. TypeScript supports declaration files, which allow you to use existing JavaScript libraries.
Key Takeaway: Declaration files are available for most popular libraries, making it easy to integrate them into your TypeScript project.
In conclusion, TypeScript is a powerful tool that can help you eliminate a whole class of bugs. While it may require some effort to learn and adopt, the benefits far outweigh the costs. By addressing these common excuses, we hope to encourage more developers to give TypeScript a try.