Why TypeScript is Less Common with React Compared to Angular

When React was initially developed, TypeScript was far from the standard it is now. However, it has gained traction with frameworks like NextJS and has been embraced more deeply by Angular due to its focus on modern object-oriented programming principles. This article explores the reasons why TypeScript is not as commonly used with React as it is with Angular.

Historical Context and Ecosystem

The historical context plays a significant role in the prevalence of TypeScript with different frameworks. Angular, developed by Google, was designed with TypeScript from the ground up, making it the default choice for the Angular ecosystem. In contrast, React, initially released by Facebook with JavaScript in mind, aimed for lower entry barriers and more flexibility.

Angular's Commitment to TypeScript

Angular, especially from version 2 onward, has been developed primarily with TypeScript. The Angular team chose TypeScript for its static typing and alignment with modern JavaScript standards. This tight integration made TypeScript the default choice for Angular developers from the start, establishing a strong TypeScript culture within the ecosystem.

React's Initial JavaScript Focus

React, on the other hand, was developed and popularized with plain JavaScript. The React community initially focused on JavaScript, and many tutorials, examples, and resources were created using JavaScript. TypeScript support in React came later and was more of an optional enhancement rather than a default.

Flexibility and Learning Curve

The philosophy of React emphasizes flexibility and a minimalistic API surface. Developers appreciate its simplicity and the ability to incrementally adopt advanced patterns. TypeScript, with its additional syntax and configuration, introduces a learning curve that some React developers might not want to tackle, especially if they are accustomed to the simplicity of plain JavaScript.

React's Incremental Adoption Model

React projects can start small and grow incrementally. Many React projects begin in plain JavaScript and may never transition to TypeScript unless there is a compelling reason. The vast number of JavaScript libraries and modules in the React ecosystem also makes it easier to stick with JavaScript.

Incremental Adoption and Community Practices

The incremental adoption model in React means that many projects can begin in plain JavaScript and may never transition to TypeScript unless there is a compelling reason. The wealth of JavaScript resources continues to be a significant factor influencing the preferences of the community.

Angular's Top-Down Encouragement

Angular's Community Leaders emphasize the use of TypeScript from the beginning. The Angular CLI documentation and official examples are all centered around TypeScript, ensuring a more uniform adoption of TypeScript within the ecosystem.

Tooling and Ecosystem Maturity

The tooling and ecosystem maturity of both React and Angular have evolved over time. React's TypeScript support has improved significantly, but it was not always the case. Early adopters of React might have faced challenges integrating TypeScript, leading to a preference for JavaScript. The Create React App tool now supports TypeScript but historically, JavaScript was the default.

Angular's Seamless Integration

Angular's CLI was designed with TypeScript in mind, providing out-of-the-box support and making it the path of least resistance for new projects. The seamless integration of TypeScript in Angular's tooling has consistently reinforced its use.

Community and Tutorials

The React community is diverse, with developers coming from various backgrounds and skill levels. Many early and popular tutorials, courses, and documentation were in JavaScript, which has a lasting influence on the preferences of the community. Although TypeScript is gaining traction, the wealth of JavaScript resources continues to be a significant factor.

Angular's Unified Approach

The Angular community, influenced by the Angular team's preference for TypeScript, has a more unified approach to using TypeScript. Most tutorials, official documentation, and community resources focus on TypeScript, making it the standard for Angular developers.

Conclusion

While TypeScript is increasingly popular and widely used with React, it is not as ubiquitous as it is with Angular due to historical context, flexibility, preferences, incremental adoption models, tooling maturity, and the existing ecosystem of resources. However, as TypeScript continues to demonstrate its benefits in terms of developer productivity and code quality, its adoption in the React ecosystem is steadily growing.