React With TypeScript or JavaScript: Which Is Better?

When it comes to building applications for web and native platforms, React has emerged as one of the most popular JavaScript libraries.

However, app developers often choose between using JavaScript or TypeScript when working with React. Both options have their own merits and considerations, making the decision significant for developers.

What is typescript vs javascript? In this article, we will explore the debate of React with TypeScript vs JavaScript. We will delve into the advantages and disadvantages of each approach, allowing you to make an informed decision based on your specific needs and preferences.

So, let’s dive in and examine the key factors that can help you determine which is better suited for your React projects.

What Is TypeScript?

As JavaScript code grew more complex, TypeScript emerged as a solution to make it easier to understand and maintain. Anders Hejlsberg, a technical fellow at Microsoft, created TypeScript in 2012 to address the challenges that arose as JavaScript became more popular. JavaScript can be seen as a specialized version of TypeScript, as it builds upon the foundations of JavaScript.

TypeScript is a typed superset of JavaScript that appends optional static typing to your code. Commonly used for building web and native applications, it helps developers write cleaner, more maintainable code by addressing potential errors in the early development stages.

One of the key benefits of TypeScript is its compiler, which translates TypeScript code into JavaScript code. This allows developers to write code in TypeScript and then convert it into JavaScript that can be understood by web browsers and other programs. TypeScript is compatible with various browsers and platforms, making it versatile and widely adopted.

Pros and Cons of TypeScript

Advantages of TypeScript

Feature	Benefit
Improved Code Quality	Best to catch errors early in the development process, resulting in higher-quality code.
Enhanced Developer Experience	Offers features like code completion and IntelliSense, enhancing your development experience.
Better Readability	Makes code more readable and easier to understand.
Scalability	Well-suited for large-scale projects because of its ability to manage complex codebases.
Maintainability	Makes code more maintainable by making it easier to understand and change.

Disadvantages of TypeScript

Feature	Potential Drawback
Learning Curve	It may have a steeper learning curve for developers who are new to static typing.
Build Process	Needs a build step to transpile TypeScript code to JavaScript.
Tooling	It may demand additional tooling and configuration compared to plain JavaScript.

What Is JavaScript?

It’s a versatile programming language that’s usually preferred for creating interactive web pages. One of the core technologies of the web, JavaScript, with HTML and CSS, works wonders. Its code can be embedded directly into HTML docs or used in external files. Also, it enables the handling of user interactions, such as validating form inputs, creating animations, and updating content dynamically without the need to reload the entire page.

It was initially designed to be a scripting language for web browsers, allowing developers to enhance the functionality of websites. However, JavaScript has expanded its capabilities and is now utilized in various domains such as server-side, mobile app, and game development. Additionally, JavaScript is commonly employed to implement features like sliders, dropdown menus, image carousels, and website interactive maps.

One of the notable advantages of JavaScript is its versatility and extensive browser support. All major web browsers support JavaScript, making it a reliable choice for web development. JavaScript code can be directly embedded within HTML pages or included as separate files referenced by the HTML code.

Pros and Cons of JavaScript

Advantages of JavaScript

Feature	Benefit
Versatility	It can be used for both client-side and server-side development.
Cross-Platform Compatibility	Runs on various devices and platforms.
Popularity	Widely supported by browsers and holds a large community and ecosystem.
Rich Feature Set	Provide a wide range of built-in functions and objects.
Ease of Learning	Comparatively easy to learn for beginners.
Community and Ecosystem	Has a large and active community with numerous libraries and frameworks.

Disadvantages of JavaScript

Feature	Potential Drawback
Dynamic Typing	Dynamic typing can sometimes lead to unexpected errors as it’s flexible.
Security	It can be prone to security threats like cross-site scripting (XSS) and injection attacks.
Performance	Slower than compiled languages like C++ or Java, specifically for computationally intensive tasks.
Asynchronous Programming	It can be challenging to manage asynchronous operations, mainly for complex applications.
Lack of Strict Typing	It can make code more complicated to maintain and debug, especially for large projects.
Browser Compatibility	Can sometimes face compatibility issues between distinct browsers.

What Is React? 

React is a popular JavaScript library for creating user interfaces. It was introduced by Facebook in 2013 and, since then, has become the widely-used front-end framework. Its declarative syntax and component-based architecture ease the creation of scalable and dynamic web applications. 

It is a new technology as compared to other technologies. There are many benefits of using React. One of the reasons for its popularity is that it makes it easier to create dynamic web apps as it requires less code, has reusable codes, has dedicated tools for debugging, and many more.

Is React Better with JavaScript or TypeScript?

JavaScript and TypeScript are both commonly used with React, and the choice between them depends on different factors and personal preferences. Here are some things to consider:

1. JavaScript

• Familiarity: If you’re already comfortable with JavaScript, using it with React allows you to use your existing knowledge and libraries without any extra setup.
  
• Flexibility: JavaScript offers a more flexible development experience. It allows you to write code quickly and doesn’t enforce strict typing rules, giving you more freedom to experiment and make changes rapidly.
  
• Ecosystem: JavaScript has a large ecosystem with many libraries, frameworks, and resources specifically designed for React. This makes it easier to find community support and ready-made solutions.

Use Case example for React Better with JavaScript:

Let’s say you’re working on a small personal project like a portfolio website. You have prior experience with JavaScript and want to build an interactive user interface using React quickly. Since you’re already familiar with JavaScript, leveraging your existing knowledge will allow you to code efficiently without the need to learn a new language. Additionally, JavaScript has a vast ecosystem of React-specific libraries and resources, making it easier to find support and ready-made solutions for your project. In this case, using JavaScript with React would be a suitable choice.

2. TypeScript

• Type Safety: TypeScript is a typed superset of JavaScript, which introduces static typing. It helps catch type-related errors during development, resulting in more reliable and maintainable code. This can be especially beneficial for larger projects with multiple team members.
  
• Tooling & IDE Support: TypeScript provides robust tooling and excellent support in popular IDEs. It offers features like autocompletion, code navigation, and refactoring capabilities, which can enhance developer productivity and reduce the likelihood of introducing bugs.
  
• Scalability: As projects grow in size and complexity, TypeScript’s static typing can help prevent certain bugs and simplify refactoring code. It provides better code organization and documentation through interfaces, type annotations, and generics.

Use Case Example for React Better with TypeScript

Imagine you’re part of a development team working on a large-scale e-commerce platform using React. The project involves multiple team members collaborating on different components and functionalities. In such a scenario, TypeScript can bring significant benefits. Its static typing feature helps catch potential type-related errors during development, making the code more robust and maintainable. With TypeScript’s strong tooling and IDE support, developers can use autocompletion, code navigation, and refactoring capabilities, improving productivity and reducing the chances of introducing bugs. Furthermore, as the project scales in complexity, TypeScript’s static typing provides better code organization and documentation through interfaces, type annotations, and generics. Considering this project’s size, complexity, and team collaboration aspect, using TypeScript with React would be a favorable choice.

JavaScript is often preferred for smaller projects or when the development team is more comfortable with JavaScript. On the other hand, TypeScript offers advantages in terms of type safety, tooling support, and scalability, making it a popular choice for larger projects and teams focused on maintainability and code quality. Ultimately, the decision should consider the project’s requirements, team expertise, and long-term goals.

React Code And File Type In TypeScript vs JavaScript

In React, you can write your code using either TypeScript or JavaScript. Both TypeScript and JavaScript are supported in React projects, and the choice between them depends on your preferences and project requirements.

Let’s discuss the file types and some differences between using TypeScript and JavaScript in React.

TypeScript files have the extension .ts or .tsx. The .tsx extension is used explicitly for files that contain JSX (JavaScript XML) syntax in addition to TypeScript code. JSX is a syntax extension for JavaScript that allows you to write HTML-like elements and components in your code.

JavaScript files have the extension .js or .jsx. The .jsx extension is used for files that contain JSX syntax.

Comparing React With TypeScript And JavaScript

Does React use typescript or javascript? App developers usually need clarification on TypeScript or JavaScript, which is better to use with React. 

Both Typescript and JavaScript have their own merits and demerits. But the choice totally comes down to what you need for your project. 

Let’s compare typescript vs javascript popularity. 

React and JavaScript are powerful tools that developers prefer to build user interfaces. However, the approaches used are different for both, as well as their benefits. 

Is react javascript? React is a JavaScript library used to create user interfaces. 

TypeScript, on the other hand, is a typed superset of JavaScript. 

Understanding the critical difference between typescript and javascript, considering React, can help you choose the right tool for your project.

Feature	React with TypeScript	React with JavaScript
Syntax	Uses JSX for declarative UI components	Uses JavaScript syntax
Code Completion and IntelliSense	Offers suitable code completion and IntelliSense features	It may require additional tools for code completion
Type Safety	Offers type safety through TypeScript	No built-in type safety
Readability	Often more readable with JSX and type annotations	It can be more readable because of proper formatting and conventions
Error Prevention	Helps address potential errors early in the development process	It may need more manual testing to identify errors
Learning Curve	It may have a slightly steeper learning curve due to TypeScript	Generally, it is easier to learn for those already familiar
Maintainability	Easier to maintain due to type improved and safe code organization	It can be more challenging to maintain large projects
Performance	Generally performs better but can be impacted by complex components	Performance can vary depending on optimization techniques

React with TypeScript and JavaScript is effective for developing user interfaces. When deciding typescript vs. javascript, the best choice depends on the project’s unique needs and the team’s preferences. 

If you give weightage to improve code quality, type safety, and better developer experience, you can go with React with TypeScript. 

Or, if you work more comfortably with plain JavaScript and don’t need strict typing, JavaScript is the best choice. 

So, when comparing typescript vs javascript performance, aim at individual needs and objectives.

TypeScript Advantages Compared To JavaScript

There are numerous advantages of typescript over javascript. Let’s check out here in detail:

Feature	TypeScript	JavaScript
Typing	Statically typed	Dynamically typed
Syntax	Superset of JavaScript	Core JavaScript syntax
Code Completion and IntelliSense	Offers better code completion and IntelliSense features	It may need additional tools for code completion
Error Checking	Detects potential errors at compile time	It may demand more manual testing to identify errors
Maintainability	Easier to maintain with the power of type safety and improved code organization	It can be more difficult to maintain large projects
Readability	Often more readable because of  type annotations	It can be readable with proper formatting and conventions
Build Process	Demands a build step to transpile to JavaScript	No extra build step is required
Learning Curve	It may have a slightly steeper learning curve	Generally more straightforward to learn for beginners
Community and Ecosystem	Expanding community and ecosystem	Vast community and ecosystem
Tooling	Often needs additional tooling and configuration	It can be used with basic text editors

JavaScript is a robust language, whereas TypeScript has several benefits, including better readability, improved code quality, and enhanced developer experience. 

These were the benefits of typescript over javascript, but the choice between these depends on the project’s unique requirements and the team’s preferences.

Disadvantages Of Typescript Over JavaScript

TypeScript and JavaScript are powerful programming languages used for web development. 

While TypeScript provides optional static typing to JavaScript, JavaScript is the core language of the web.

Feature	Disadvantage
Learning Curve	It may have a steeper learning curve for developers who are beginners and new to static typing.
Build Process	Needs a build step to transpile TypeScript code to JavaScript.
Tooling	It may demand extra tooling and configuration compared to plain JavaScript.
Performance Overhead	In some cases, more type-checking and transpilation can raise a slight performance overhead.
Interoperability	While TypeScript is typically compatible with JavaScript, there may be edge cases where interoperability can be challenging.
Community Size	While the TypeScript community is growing, it may be smaller than the overall JavaScript community.

Best Practices For React Development

Some of React’s best practices you should follow to improve the performance of your application are listed below- 

1. Avoid Repetitive Code 

If you find that you are writing duplicate code, make the code into reusable components.

Instead of continuously writing the code for every component that needs a menu, it makes more sense to construct a component for your navigation menu. The benefit of a component-based architecture is that. Your project can be divided up into manageable pieces that you can utilize throughout your application.

2. Opt for Fragments instead of Divs where possible 

The code returned by React components must be contained in a single element, most frequently a div or a React fragment.  You should opt for fragments where possible.

Using div> expands the DOM, especially in large projects, since the more tags or DOM nodes your website has, the more memory it requires and the more energy a browser must expend to load it. This causes a slower website load time and a possibly worse user experience.

3. Avoid Using State 

React state maintains a record of the data, and when it changes, it causes the React component to render again. Avoid utilizing state as much as possible while developing React applications since the more state you use, the more data you have to manage across your project.

Declaring a state only when necessary is one method of reducing its usage. If you are retrieving user data from an API, for instance, keep the entire user object in the state rather than just the individual properties.

4. Write tests for each React component 

Create tests for the components you make to lessen the likelihood of mistakes. Testing guarantees that the parts behave as you would anticipate. Jest, one of the most popular testing frameworks for React, offers a setting in which you may run your tests.

5. Use Object Destructuring for Props 

Use object destructuring to pass the prop name rather than the props object. By doing this, you no longer need to look for the props object every time you need to utilize it.

How To Create A React Project In Typescript?

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide on how to create a React project in TypeScript:

Step 1: Install Node.js and npm

First, ensure that you have Node.js and npm (Node Package Manager) installed. You can download and install them from the official website Node.js.

Step 2: Install create-react-app tool

To create a new React project with TypeScript, we use the create-react-app tool, which simplifies the setup process.

Run the following command in your terminal to install it globally (if you haven’t already):

npm install -g create-react-app

Step 3: Create a new React project with TypeScript template

Now, use create-react-app to create a new React project using the TypeScript template by running:

npx create-react-app my-app –template typescript

Here, my-app is the name of your project folder. You can replace it with any name you prefer.

Step 4: Navigate to your project directory

After the installation is complete, navigate to your project directory:

cd my-app

Step 5: Start the development server

To check if everything is set up correctly, start the development server by running:

npm start

Your React app should now open in your default browser.

Step 6: Modify TypeScript files

By default, your project will now have .tsx files instead of .js files for React components. You can start editing your app by modifying src/App.tsx or creating new TypeScript files.

Step 7: Add TypeScript-specific packages (Optional)

If you need type declarations for third-party libraries, you can install their TypeScript types like this:

npm install @types/library-name

For example, for react-router-dom, you can add types using:

npm install @types/react-router-dom

Step 8: Build the project for production

Once you’re ready to deploy your app, you can build it for production by running:

npm run build

This will create a build folder containing the optimized production version of your app.

This will start the development server and open your React application in a web browser. You can begin editing the TypeScript files in the src directory and see the changes live-reloaded in the browser.

That’s it! You have successfully created a React project with TypeScript. You can start building your application using React components and TypeScript type annotations.

Reasons You Should Use TypeScript With React

Here are some reasons why you should use TypeScript with React-

1. Improved IDE support 

Different code editors like Visual Studio Code, Atom, and Sublime Text are compatible with TypeScript. Better code completion recommendations, error checking, and refactoring capabilities are made possible by TypeScript’s static typing characteristics.

2. Type Safety 

Developers can identify type-related issues at compile time rather than during runtime because of TypeScript’s type system. High-quality code is simpler to write and maintain thanks to this functionality. For instance, TypeScript can assist in identifying mistakes in a React component’s props and state.

3. Easier Collaboration

Code can be written in a more organized manner with TypeScript, which facilitates developer collaboration. The time and effort needed to comprehend and manage complicated codebases is reduced as a result.

4. Better Performance 

The compiler can optimize the code more effectively in TypeScript, which is the reason it is faster and more efficient than equivalent JavaScript code. 

5. Easier Refactoring 

TypeScript makes it easy to rename the variables and functions in a large codebase by automatically updating references to those variables or functions. 

6. Code Documentation 

Typescript allows developers to create their own code with JSDoc comments. This makes it easier for the developers to understand the code and collaborate on projects. 

7. Improved Scalability 

It can be really difficult to keep track of all the variables and functions in the codebase once the project starts to grow more and more. With the help of the Typescript, it becomes easier to manage and scale the projects by providing more structure and organization. 

8. Improved Code Quality 

With the Typescript, developers can write cleaner, more efficient, and more maintainable code as it enforces strict type checking and other best practices. 

9. Reduced Maintenance Costs

TypeScript code is more maintainable and predictable, which leads to less time and effort to debug and maintain. So, over the lifetime of the project, significant cost savings can be achieved. 

10. Better Error Handling 

In the development process itself, the Typescript allows the developer to catch errors early. It helps in preventing runtime errors and makes debugging easier. 

Reasons You Should Use JavaScript With React

• Seamless Integration: React is a JavaScript library, so it integrates seamlessly with JavaScript, enabling developers to utilize full JavaScript functionality within their React applications.
  
• Component-Based Architecture: React’s component-based architecture works well with JavaScript, allowing for reusable components that make code more manageable and maintainable.
  
• Rich Ecosystem and Libraries: JavaScript has a vast ecosystem with numerous libraries and tools. This provides React developers with a wealth of resources and solutions for common programming challenges.
  
• Strong Community Support: Both JavaScript and React have large, active communities. This support network offers extensive resources, from tutorials and forums to pre-built components.
  
• Improved Performance: JavaScript’s flexibility and React’s efficient rendering and state management lead to improved performance of web applications.
  
• Enhanced User Experience: JavaScript allows for the creation of interactive and dynamic user interfaces when used with React, leading to an enhanced user experience.
  
• Wide Adoption in Industry: Many companies use JavaScript and React, making these skills highly valuable and widely applicable in the job market.
  
• Flexibility and Scalability: JavaScript, combined with React’s component-based approach, offers great flexibility and scalability for projects of all sizes.
  
• Easy to Learn for JavaScript Developers: For developers already familiar with JavaScript, learning React is more straightforward, allowing for a smoother transition and quicker adoption.
  
• Advanced Features: Using JavaScript with React unlocks advanced features like server-side rendering and the ability to create progressive web apps, enhancing the capabilities of web applications.

How Can EmizenTech Help? 

A leading software development company, EmizenTech, has a team of expert web and mobile app developers who are skilled in TypeScript or JavaScript development. 

EmizenTech offers custom software development services, including web and mobile app development. So far, it has created various user-friendly interfaces for React. 

Hire react.js developers or JavaScript developers from EmizenTech to know React with TypeScript or JavaScript, why typescript over javascript, or any relevant aspect that’s confusing you.

Wrapping Up

When deciding between React with TypeScript or JavaScript, it’s essential to consider various factors. TypeScript offers advantages like type safety, error detection, and scalability, making it ideal for large projects and teams. On the other hand, JavaScript provides flexibility, faster development cycles, and easy integration with JavaScript-based frameworks. Consider your project requirements, team expertise, and the need for strict typing. Remember, both options have their strengths and limitations. Consider seeking professional assistance to make an informed decision based on your specific needs and goals.

If you’re looking to Hire React Developer, at Emizentech, we provide top-notch React Development Services. Contact us for the best solutions that are custom to your requirements.

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