Which One Should You Learn First?

These days, you’ve probably heard developers talking about TypeScript—how it’s better than JavaScript, how big companies use it, and why it’s becoming the go-to choice for modern web development. But does that mean you should skip JavaScript and jump straight into TypeScript? Not really.

While TypeScript offers some great advantages, it’s built on top of JavaScript. If you don’t understand JavaScript first, you might struggle with TypeScript’s core concepts. Think of it like learning to drive—you wouldn’t start with a race car before knowing how a regular car works, right?

In this blog, we’ll break down:

• What JavaScript and TypeScript actually are

• Why learning JavaScript first is important

• Why TypeScript is gaining popularity

• Key differences and when to use each

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1. JavaScript vs TypeScript – Explained Simply

What is JavaScript?

JavaScript is a dynamic, flexible programming language that runs in your browser and powers interactive websites. It’s been around since 1995 and is essential for frontend (and even backend, thanks to Node.js) development.

Example:

function greet(name) {
    return "Hello, " + name;
}
console.log(greet("Alice")); // Output: Hello, Alice

Here, JavaScript doesn’t care what type name is—it could be a string, number, or even an object. This flexibility is great but can lead to bugs if not handled carefully.

What is TypeScript?

TypeScript is a superset of JavaScript—meaning it adds extra features (like static typing) on top of JavaScript. It was created by Microsoft to help developers catch errors early and write more maintainable code.

Example:

function greet(name: string): string {
    return "Hello, " + name;
}
console.log(greet("Alice")); // Output: Hello, Alice
console.log(greet(123)); // Error: Argument of type 'number' is not assignable to parameter of type 'string'.

Here, TypeScript enforces that name must be a string, catching mistakes before the code even runs.

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2. Why You Should Learn JavaScript First

Before diving into TypeScript, you should have a solid grasp of JavaScript because:

✅ TypeScript is Just JavaScript with Extras – If you don’t understand JavaScript fundamentals (like functions, objects, and closures), TypeScript will feel confusing.

✅ Debugging Becomes Harder – TypeScript helps prevent errors, but when something breaks, you still need to debug the underlying JavaScript.

✅ Not All Projects Use TypeScript – Many legacy codebases, small projects, and quick prototypes still rely on plain JavaScript.

✅ You’ll Appreciate TypeScript More – Once you’ve faced JavaScript’s quirks (like unexpected type conversions), you’ll see why TypeScript is useful.

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3. Why TypeScript is Gaining Popularity

Despite JavaScript’s dominance, TypeScript is growing fast because:

🔹 Fewer Bugs – Static typing catches errors during development, not in production.
🔹 Better Code Maintainability – Clear types make large codebases easier to manage.
🔹 Enhanced IDE Support – Autocomplete, refactoring tools, and instant error checks improve developer experience.
🔹 Adopted by Big Companies – Google, Microsoft, and Airbnb use TypeScript for scalability.

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4. Key Differences & When to Use Each

When to Use JavaScript?

• Quick prototypes

• Small personal projects

• When working with older codebases

When to Use TypeScript?

• Large applications with multiple developers

• Projects requiring long-term maintenance

• If you want better tooling and autocomplete

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Final Thoughts

Should you learn TypeScript? Yes, but not at the cost of skipping JavaScript.

Think of JavaScript as the foundation—once you’re comfortable with it, TypeScript will feel like a natural upgrade. Many developers start with JavaScript, face its challenges, and then move to TypeScript for better productivity.

My Advice?

1. Master JavaScript fundamentals first.

2. Build a few projects in plain JS.

3. Then, transition to TypeScript for larger, more structured applications.

What’s your experience with JavaScript vs TypeScript? Let me know in the comments! 🚀