The Definitive Handbook to TypeScript: Unleash the Full Potential of Your Code

 Quick Summary: There are a number of popular languages which serve different purposes, but when it comes to producing error-free, robust code–Typescript is the most loved among developers. According to a survey by Stack Overflow (Source)  in 2021, “Typescript is the seventh most popular technology and third most loved.” This popularity reflects the growing demand for Typescript development services, as developers appreciate its ability to produce premium quality codes with minimal errors. 

What is Typescript? 

As they define it, “Typescript is a JavaScript with syntax for types”. People often refer to it as the superset of JavaScript. It is used in combination with other tools like Node.js and Angular to develop web apps and JS. Just like any basic framework, it contains JS code along with keywords and constructs. The code gets translated to JS through compilation, which means any browser supporting JS can effectively use it. 

The basic terminologies of Typescript 

1. Types- One of the significant features that Typescript offers is Types, which represent the functions or features of a specific value. There are two categories of types- primitive and object. Primitive types have string, number, null, boolean and undefined while object types have classes, arrays and functions. The main function of types is to detect errors in the compilation and allow a developer to understand the interrelation between values and variables. 

2. Classes- Typescript classes are exclusive functions that mimic the class keyword. Classes help to create new objects and are present in JS. Some of them have type designations to members and parameters of methods. You can use object oriented techniques like encapsulation and abstraction. It is great to work with classes when you already know you will require to change the state of an object over time. 

3. Interfaces- Interfaces work to make the code easier and readable by rightly defining the properties and types that any object could have. 

4. Generics- Typescript generics allows you to create reusable components that can work well with various data types. This ensures flexibility and scalability. These generics are similar to C# or Java, which allows you to make classes, functions and interfaces. 

Most popular Typescript frameworks 

1. Nest- Nest.js, while being one of the most popular frameworks, is also the fastest growing framework in the website development world. It allows you to build scalable and high-performing Node.js web applications. It is an extensible, and progressive framework which includes documentation and application structures supported by Angular.

2. Feathers- Feathers.js was released in 2014 to create real-time apps. It has special features which eases out the modern web and app development. It is a lightweight framework which had a record of 55k weekly downloads in 2023, and it also supports Typescript as a first class citizen with nearly 95.9% Typescript codes in its database.

3. Loopback- Loopback is an open source, with a new and improved programming model, including concepts such as Mixins, or Components, which makes it a highly extensible Typescript framework for building APIs and microservices. It has a record of 38k weekly downloads in 2023. It also uses OpenAPI to GraphQL which lets you create a GraphQL interface for any REST API and vice versa.

Popular libraries of Typescript 

1. jQuery- It is an open source, fast, JS library which is rich in features. It aids in HTML document traversal and manipulation, animation, Ajax, and event handling. Over 75% of websites take advantage of this library because of its lightweight nature, versatility and minimalistic API. 

2. D3.js- This library’s primary usage is manipulating data based documents, it illustrates graphs on .svg elements and creates powerful data visualizations. These special elements are termed as data driven documents. 

3. TS toolbelt- One of the most extensive libraries with over 200+ utilities, TS toolbelt is the most tested library available out there. It has a programmatic API and has revolutionized the way developers write JS, by offering some of the best mapped types, conditional types and recursive types. 

4. Anime.js- Anime.js is a lightweight animation library, which comes with a simple yet powerful API. It has a built-in staggering system to make the complex follow through and overlapping animations an easy task. While it can be used in both properties and timings, it also works well with most of the browsers like Safari, Chrome, Mozilla, and Opera. Also, with anime.js, you need a single element,  which can animate multiple CSS transforms properties with varied timings simultaneously. 

5. Go.js- Go.js helps to build diagrams on the web with both JS and Typescript. It can create graph editors, data visualizations, and drawing tools. It also offers automatic layouts, extensive tools and tool tips.

Reasons to use Typescript 

1. Simplified Javascript- Codes are easier to read and debug. 

2. Runs everywhere- Since it has a JS background, it can run almost anywhere where JS does. 

3. Large and active community support- Typescript has a large and active community support, where the members provide easy access to tools and resources for developers. It is relatively quick to find a solution for a problem, when thousands of professionals are sitting ready to help. On top of it, giants like Google, Microsoft and Asana share their experiences and work with the community to take inspiration. 

4. Compatibility- Typescript is compatible with almost every third party library. 

5. Supports static typing- Typescript supports static typing because of its benefits like IDE assistance, runtime errors and performance optimization. 

6. Object oriented programming concepts- Keeping your code clean and robust, object oriented programming helps to deliver quality coding to a client. 

7. Minimal errors- While it is impossible to create an error-free code, Typescript’s type feature prevents a lot of errors which saves a lot of time that may go in identifying and fixing them later on. You may still hire a Typescript expert to go error-free. 

Conclusion 

Typescript is a developer’s favorite, and it is more than just a superset of Javascript, because of its powerful features such as static typing, compatibility, advanced tooling and extensive libraries. By embracing its powerful tools, you can possess the secret to writing cleaner codes. Remember, Typescript is a language that will continue to grow, it is here to stay, and it will offer more exciting features. So keep exploring, keep experimenting with it. You can also hire Typescript developer to get the best out of Typescript’s capabilities and succeed with your project!