As the world of web development continues to evolve and expand, so too does the debate between TypeScript vs Dart. Both are programming languages used for large-scale web development with their own unique sets of benefits and drawbacks.
While TypeScript is a superset of JavaScript that provides static typechecking, Dart is an object-oriented language built on classes that work well with Google’s Flutter framework.
In this blog post, we will evaluate each language side by side to help developers decide which one might be more beneficial for their projects. We’ll compare topics such as community support, syntax structure differences, debugging capabilities—and much more!
TypeScript
TypeScript is a programming language that is gaining more and more popularity within the development community. It is a superset of JavaScript that was developed and maintained by Microsoft.
TypeScript helps developers write clean and maintainable code with the use of modern language features such as types, classes, and interfaces. What separates TypeScript from JavaScript is its optional static type-checking feature. This means that developers can catch and mitigate errors before the code gets to runtime.
Along with this, TypeScript also offers excellent IDE support and tools that make it a favorite choice among developers. With its growing popularity and diverse range of capabilities, TypeScript is no doubt a game-changer in the world of web development.
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TypeScript vs JavaScript
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Dart
Dart is a programming language that is designed for creating applications across a range of platforms. Developed by Google in 2011, Dart offers powerful features that help developers to streamline their work and create amazing apps faster than ever before.
One of the key benefits of using Dart is that it allows developers to write code once and run it on multiple platforms, including web browsers, mobile devices, and even server-side applications. This makes it an ideal choice for developers who are looking to create modern, responsive applications that can be used in a variety of settings.
With its user-friendly syntax, powerful libraries, and robust tools ecosystem, Dart is quickly becoming one of the most popular languages for modern app development.
TypeScript vs Dart Comparison Table
| Feature | TypeScript | Dart |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Statically-typed superset of JavaScript | Statically typed, object-oriented language |
| Primary Use Case | Web development, adding static types to JavaScript | Mobile app development with Flutter, web and server development |
| Developed By | Microsoft | |
| Learning Curve | Easy for JavaScript developers, can be challenging for developers new to static typing | Easy for those familiar with C-style languages, might need adjustment for JavaScript developers |
| Tooling | Excellent support in many IDEs, robust auto-completion and debugging due to static typing | Good tooling support, especially with Dart plugins in IntelliJ IDEA and VS Code |
| Performance | Depends on the JavaScript engine as TypeScript is transpiled to JavaScript | Potentially better than TypeScript due to AOT and JIT compilation options |
| Community and Support | Large community due to JavaScript, strong support from Microsoft | Smaller but growing community, full support from Google |
| Interoperability | Excellent with JavaScript due to being a superset of JavaScript | Good but not as seamless as TypeScript with JavaScript |
| Syntax | Similar to JavaScript, class-based | C-style, class-based, supports features like mixins, interfaces, and reified generics |
TypeScript vs Dart – Key Differences
Two popular programming languages for frontend development are TypeScript and Dart. While they have some similarities, they also have striking differences that set them apart.
TypeScript is a superset of JavaScript, which means it adds more features to the language and can easily integrate with existing JavaScript code. It also has a strong typing system that can catch errors before runtime.
On the other hand, Dart is a standalone language designed by Google for web and app development. It has a more concise syntax and supports both just-in-time and ahead-of-time compilation, making it a versatile language for different environments.
Language Features
TypeScript, which is a JavaScript superset, adds optional static typing and class-based object-oriented programming to the language. This makes it ideal for developing large-scale applications that can be used for server-side and client-side development.
On the other hand, Dart is an object-oriented language resembling C, but with some specific features that make it an excellent choice for app development. It supports interfaces, mixins, abstract classes, reified generics, and optional typing. With Dart, you can compile your code to either native code or JavaScript, making it versatile and well-suited for modern app development.
Syntax Comparison
TypeScript’s syntax is similar to that of JavaScript, which makes it easier for developers who are already familiar with JavaScript to learn. On the other hand, Dart has its own unique syntax that is easier to read and write.
Let’s compare the syntax of TypeScript and Dart in some common programming scenarios:
Defining Variables:
- TypeScript:
let x: number = 10;const y: string = 'Hello World';
- Dart:
var x = 10;const y = 'Hello World';
Defining Functions:
- TypeScript:
function greet(name: string): string {return `Hello, ${name}`;}
- Dart:
String greet(String name) {return 'Hello, $name';}
Defining Classes:
- TypeScript:
class Animal {name: string;constructor(name: string) {this.name = name;}move(distanceInMeters: number) {console.log(`${this.name} moved ${distanceInMeters}m.`);}}
- Dart:
class Animal {String name;Animal(this.name);void move(int distanceInMeters) {print('$name moved ${distanceInMeters}m.');}}
Defining Interfaces:
- TypeScript:
interface Printable {print(): void;}
- Dart:
abstract class Printable {void print();}
Generics:
- TypeScript:
function identity<T>(arg: T): T {return arg;}
- Dart:
T identity<T>(T arg) {return arg;}
From these examples, you can see that TypeScript and Dart share a similar C-style syntax. The main differences arise from TypeScript’s type annotation syntax, which is similar to other statically-typed languages like C# or Java. Dart syntax is more concise in certain scenarios (e.g., constructor syntax), which is part of its aim to be a more streamlined and easy-to-learn language.
Usage
TypeScript is ideal for developers who are building large-scale web applications and want to add static typing to their JavaScript codebase. This helps reduce the number of bugs and makes the project more manageable.
On the other hand, Dart was developed by Google and is heavily used within Google’s own Flutter framework for building cross-platform mobile apps. However, it’s also a suitable choice for web and server applications.
Community and Support
Being built upon the ever-growing JavaScript community, TypeScript has become a go-to language for many developers due to the pre-existing abundance of libraries and support.
However, that doesn’t mean Dart is lagging behind. With the increasing popularity of Flutter, Google’s open-source app development framework, the growth of the Dart community is no longer a matter of if, but rather when. Furthermore, Dart enjoys unfaltering support from Google itself, giving it a solid foundation to continue growing in the years to come.
Learning Curve
For those already familiar with JavaScript, TypeScript may come more intuitively as it’s essentially just JavaScript with a few added features. However, it may pose a challenge for those who are not as accustomed to managing static types.
As for Dart, its syntax is easy to understand for those who have a background in C-style languages. Although it was designed to be easy to learn, those who are more accustomed to JavaScript may need to take a little extra time getting used to its features and paradigms.
Tooling
TypeScript is known for its strong support in many IDEs and text editors, while Dart’s tooling is particularly strong in IntelliJ IDEA and VS Code with a Dart plugin. TypeScript has robust auto-completion thanks to its static typing, making debugging a breeze.
Dart also has much to offer, including a standalone SDK that includes a VM, libraries, and command-line compiler.
Performance
TypeScript relies on the JavaScript engine to execute code, which means that performance may vary depending on the engine’s capability.
On the other hand, Dart has a unique approach to performance. Its code can be Just in Time (JIT) compiled for rapid development and debugging, or Ahead of Time (AOT) compiled for a speedy startup and consistent performance in production.
This means that in some cases, Dart may have an advantage over TypeScript in terms of optimized performance. So, when choosing between the two, it’s important to consider how you want your code to perform.
Interoperability
TypeScript has a clear advantage in this area, thanks to its status as a superset of JavaScript. This means it boasts seamless interoperability with existing JavaScript code and libraries, making it an excellent choice for projects built on top of an existing JavaScript codebase.
On the other hand, Dart can also offer some degree of interoperability with JavaScript, but it’s not quite as straightforward as TypeScript. This is because Dart is a distinct programming language that requires a more deliberate approach to integrating with JavaScript.
TypeScript vs Dart Salary
According to data from Glassdoor, the average salary for a TypeScript Developer is $70,424 per year, slightly more than the average salary for a Dart Developer at $69,977 per year.
However, data from ZipRecruiter tells a different story. The average salary for a TypeScript Developer on this site is a whopping $122,000 per year, while the average salary for a Dart Developer is $95,900 per year.
Whether you choose to work with TypeScript or Dart, it’s clear that both languages have the potential to offer a comfortable salary for developers.
Dart and TypeScript Uses and Applications
Dart and TypeScript are two highly versatile programming languages that can be used in a wide range of applications. While Dart’s optimized code works well on the client side, it can also be used for command-line apps and IoT projects. This is thanks to its multi-platform characteristic, which allows it to compile code for different platforms.
On the other hand, TypeScript’s extra features make it a popular choice for a range of applications, from building servers to game development and smartwatch apps. And since TypeScript is a version of JavaScript, it can be used in any environment where JavaScript is used.
So whether you’re building enterprise-level applications or fun and engaging games, there are plenty of ways to make use of Dart and TypeScript.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Using TypeScript Language
TypeScript is a programming language that has been gaining popularity in recent years. One of the main advantages of using TypeScript is that it allows developers to write code that is more organized and easier to maintain. TypeScript also offers the benefit of catching errors before they are run, which can save time and make the debugging process easier.
However, one of the disadvantages of using TypeScript is that it can add a layer of complexity to the development process, as developers have to learn a new language with its own syntax and rules. Additionally, TypeScript adds an extra step to the development process, as code needs to be transpiled before it can be executed.
Despite its downsides, TypeScript can be a powerful tool for developers looking to write maintainable, scalable code.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Dart Language
The main advantages of using Dart language is that it offers a high level of productivity, by allowing developers to write code more quickly and with fewer errors. Additionally, Dart language provides an extensive library of tools and resources that help developers to solve problems efficiently.
On the flip side, Dart language is not yet as widely used as other programming languages, which can make it difficult to find experienced developers or resources when troubleshooting. Additionally, its relatively new status means it may not have the same level of community support as more established languages.
Despite its advantages and disadvantages, Dart language is quickly gaining popularity and is definitely a language to consider in the world of programming.
Tips for Deciding When to Use TypeScript or Dart
When it comes to choosing between TypeScript or Dart, there are a few things to keep in mind. Both languages offer features that can be helpful for your project, but the decision ultimately comes down to your specific needs. TypeScript is a superset of JavaScript, offering type safety and easier code maintenance.
On the other hand, Dart provides a more streamlined development process with features like a just-in-time compiler and widget-based UI framework.
To determine which language to use, consider your project’s goals and the team’s skillset, as well as the complexity and scalability of the project. Take the time to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision, and remember that both languages have their strengths and weaknesses.