Ten Years After TypeScript Release

Ten years ago, Typescript was made available. Discover how a supportive community and a few special characteristics let it stand the test of time.

It was released for the first time ten years prior in October of 2021. Despite skepticism and the never-ending hunt for a challenger to end its hegemony, Typescript has emerged as the preferred language for many developers who wish to create a solid project and move beyond JavaScript. In this post, let’s briefly recap the past and future of this highly typed programming language.

What was Typescript created for?

On October 1st, 2012, TypeScript became available to the general public for the first time. That indicates that it has been in existence for roughly ten years. This programming language expands on JavaScript and provides better tools for programmers at all scales. Programmers could benefit from some of its characteristics, such as automatic code completion. Front-end developers will notably benefit from this capability.

Another important feature that attracted developers to this programming language was navigation. Overall, Typescript’s major goal was to enable scalable Javascript development. Microsoft has stated that in the previous ten years, its vision for what Typescript could be has not altered. JavaScript was never intended to be replaced by the typed programming language, which only expands on it. Updates to JavaScript are frequently implemented by TC39, and TypeScript automatically supports all of these changes.

What was the situation of the web 10 years ago?

Many developers were skeptical about and didn’t take Typescript seriously when it first came out. Even yet, Microsoft was able to create a small but devoted group of programmers who were open to experimenting with this language. Community members contributed to the development of Stack Overflow, the issue tracker, and the Definitely Typed project. For the new language, other individuals developed books and courses. Many people still didn’t grasp the benefit of utilizing static types in a dynamically typed language despite these attempts.

This typed programming language had to be free and open-source, and everything about it had to be done in the open to ensure that it received the necessary level of community support. It was intended to work in tandem with JavaScript rather than serving as a standalone programming language. Additionally, it needed to feel like JavaScript and progress in step with JavaScript.

It’s important to remember that JavaScript saw a sharp increase in popularity in the early 2010s. One of the primary programming languages that created the internet’s dynamic nature was this one. Since Ajax enabled programmers to create websites that behaved like native computer applications, this programming language’s popularity was greatly increased. Several JavaScript libraries and frameworks were developed at the same time. Later, when Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome adopted JavaScript, more individuals started using the programming language. In 2012, the speed of JavaScript doubled roughly every nine months, necessitating the development of TypeScript.

What effect has Typescript produced on web standards over this decade?

TypeScript needed to work with the already-existing JavaScript and be free, open-source, and available immediately. This indicated that the type system will take center stage in the programming language. It wouldn’t have any brand-new runtime behaviors or syntax. Runtime syntax has been avoided as much as possible by the team. They didn’t simply add new runtime features to TypeScript whenever they were required. they operate within the JavaScript standards body instead (TC39). As a result, all JavaScript developers will gain access to the new functionality.

Frameworks based on TypeScript

TypeScript has been incorporated into a number of frameworks as a first-class citizen. The most well-known of these is NestJS, a framework that took its cues from the Angular module architecture. Its goal is to create scalable and effective Node.js web apps utilizing cutting-edge TypeScript and JavaScript.

FeatherJS is another well-liked TypeScript-based framework. Real-time apps and REST APIs are created using it. This framework has the advantage of enabling developers to quickly create prototype applications. In a few of days, you may create applications that are ready for use. In addition to being portable, FeatherJS is compatible with practically every backend technology and may be used almost everywhere.

LoopbackJS is the other framework created utilizing TypeScript as a first-class citizen. This framework can be easily expanded and scaled. It can be used to create APIs and microservices. You can develop cutting-edge applications using LoopbackJS with little to no coding. The fourth iteration of this framework, which has a moderate learning curve, was released by IBM in 2018.

Another excellent Typescript framework that helps programmers create web applications with minimal code is AdonisJS. It draws inspiration from Laravel and makes use of concepts like Dependency Injection and Providers. This framework offers a very useful folder structure that makes it easier to maintain structured, clean code. The structure can even be changed to meet your requirements. The speed, stability, and ergonomics of developers are the main goals of AdonisJS.

Around TypeScript, TsED framework was also developed. It was created on top of Express.js and Koa, and it makes building out your server application simple and rapid. The framework gives Express apps structure and is particularly helpful for large-scale web development. This popular framework provides excellent support, just as previous ones. Any concern raised will be resolved or addressed quickly.

ECMA TC39 and how TypeScript influenced it

Information and communication technology use is made easier by the standards group ECMA. It affects the settings in which technology is used and promotes proper application of the standards. This organization uses the ECMAScript specifications to standardize JavaScript. The Technical Committee 39, or TC39, is a part of ECMA. The roles played by this committee are as follows:

• It maintains and updates standards for the ECMAScript programming language.
• It creates and updates standards for libraries that enhance the capabilities of ECMAScript.
• It helps to contribute certain standards to the ISO/IEC JTC 1 committee.
• It creates test suites that can verify the proper implementation of the set standards.
• It examines and checks proposals for additional technologies.

The only people who can propose improvements to ECMAScript are TC39 members. The upcoming upgrade of ECMAScript will feature proposals that pass through the five stages. The definition of JavaScript is updated and maintained using these modifications. The developer community is welcome to comment on existing proposals and language feature suggestions, even though only committee members have the authority to draught and vote on proposals.

It should be noted that TypeScript often accepts new JavaScript suggestions that are accepted by TC39. Even before browsers completely support the updates, this occurs.

What we can expect in the future from Typescript?

TypeScript is presently used by millions of developers and is frequently included among the top ten most used programming languages. Although it is used in conjunction with JavaScript, this language has also been very successful on its own. Many people that utilize the language say they enjoy using TypeScript. It is increasingly being used for new JS commercial applications. This typed programming language will never take the place of JavaScript because it was designed to operate with JS. It will constantly expand upon JS as a strong basis. Given the numerous advantages it provides developers, it is anticipated that TypeScript will continue to gain popularity in the near future. It delivers a fantastic web development experience and doesn’t have a lot of competition. It is also expected that TypeScript will enjoy high adoption rates among new open-source projects.

Summary

Ten years have passed since the 2012 release of TypeScript. The fact that this programming language constantly ranks among the top 10 most popular languages has reportedly exceeded Microsoft’s expectations. Its accomplishments can be attributed to the community’s work over the years. The language’s tutorials have been written by community members, and they have also assisted with Stack Overflow and the issue tracker.

Even though many people were skeptical of the use of static types in JS, TypeScript has been able to stand the test of time. From the beginning, this language was meant to build on JS. This is why the team has avoided adding new runtime syntax and behaviors. Over the years, many frameworks have been built around TypeScript. Some of the best ones are NestJS, FeatherJS, LoopbackJS, AdonisJS, and Ts.Ed.