Why Developers Stay in JavaScript Despite TypeScript Offerings

In the world of programming, JavaScript (JS) remains a dominant force, despite the rise of TypeScript (TS). Many argue that TypeScript offers superior type safety and stricter coding practices, raising the question: why do developers continue to use JavaScript in a world where TypeScript provides these benefits?

Technicalities and Familiarity

One of the primary reasons developers stick with JavaScript rather than embracing TypeScript can be attributed to personal and technical familiarity. Developers who have spent years mastering the nuances of ES5 and lower may find it difficult to make the switch to TypeScript.

Learning Curve: While TypeScript introduces useful features like classes and type annotations, these might not be absolutely necessary for every JavaScript project. Developers who have navigated the ES5 environment successfully often prefer to stick with what they know, rather than diving into new syntax and concepts.

No Breaking Changes: JavaScript has remained largely consistent over the years, with no significant breaking changes. This stability makes it easier for developers to continue working with the language without the potential abrupt changes that might come with switching to TypeScript.

Non-Technicalities and Trust Issues

There are also non-technical reasons why some developers prefer JavaScript. Trust in large corporations and potential biases can play a significant role in this decision.

Corporate Influence: Microsoft, the company behind TypeScript, is a force to be reckoned with in the development world. They own popular tools and platforms like npm, GitHub, and even the editors many developers use. Some developers are wary of such corporate influence, especially regarding the ownership and governance of these tools.

Access and Control: There have been instances where major corporations restrict access to open-source projects or developers, leading to feelings of distrust. For example, the restriction of access to fakerjs's developer, despite the fact that no promise or contract binded them, underscores this issue of corporate control.

Corporate Identity Issues: Some developers view TypeScript as tainted by Microsoft's name, which carries connotations of corporate interests and potential conflicts of interest. This can influence their decision-making process, especially when choosing which technologies to adopt.

Practical Considerations and Real-World Usage

When it comes to practical usage, even if TypeScript offers strong benefits in terms of type safety and good coding practices, its adoption isn't always mandatory. Many developers who are proficient in JavaScript can achieve similar levels of safety and maintainability without the overhead of TypeScript.

Local Development and Build Safety: TypeScript can significantly enhance the quality of code through stricter type checking and enforced good practices. However, many developers who prioritize quick, efficient development over perfect code might prefer the ease of vanilla JavaScript. An argument often made is that TypeScript can enhance the long-term maintainability and quality of code, but for many, the immediate practical benefits are outweighed by the additional effort required.

Adoption by Companies: It's also worth noting that TypeScript is often forced upon developers by their employers or clients. This is particularly true in larger organizations where a standardized tooling stack is more likely to be established. For independent or smaller projects, the simplicity and familiarity of JavaScript often make it the preferred choice.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the choice between JavaScript and TypeScript often comes down to a combination of technical and non-technical factors. While TypeScript offers obvious advantages in terms of stricter typing and enforcement of best practices, the familiarity with JavaScript, the lack of breaking changes, and concerns about corporate influence play a significant role in the decision-making process.