Is it possible to use 'unrestricted functions' in TypeScript?

As I delved into the Typescript documentation, something caught my attention.

Redefining Traditional Class Models

C# and Java are often seen as quintessential object-oriented programming (OOP) languages. In these languages, classes act as the fundamental component of code structuring, housing both data and functionalities during runtime. While organizing all features and information within classes may suit some problem domains, not every domain necessitates this rigid structure.

The Concept of Free Functions and Data

In contrast to C# and Java, JavaScript allows functions to exist independently anywhere in the code, enabling data to flow freely without being confined to a predefined class or structure. This flexibility grants developers immense power. Writing programs in JavaScript typically involves utilizing "free" functions—those dissociated from any specific class—to manipulate data without OOP constraints.

Having significant experience in C programming, I couldn't help but reminisce about the days when functions existed at a global level and searching for code was an adventurous task due to their universal accessibility. With modern editors, that challenge has largely been alleviated.

OOP brought a sense of order and organization to coding practices, yet TypeScript seems to be harkening back to the more flexible approach reminiscent of the 'good old days.'

Am I interpreting this shift correctly?

typescript

Answer №1

Object-oriented programming (OOP) languages revolutionized the way we structure and organize code, but Typescript is bringing us back to a simpler time.

Contrary to popular belief, C# and Java focus on organizing code around classes, with visibility of identifiers determined by the class itself. On the other hand, TypeScript shifts the focus to modules or source files, where non-exported identifiers are limited to within the module, and exported ones are accessible anywhere.

In essence, while classes dictate organization in C# and Java, TypeScript and JavaScript operate independently of classes for structuring code.

There's nothing inherently wrong with exporting a function instead of a class in a module. For example, you can simply write:

export function formatNumber(n: number) {
    // code to format a number for display
}

without necessarily needing to use a class like this:

export class NumberFormatter {
    formatNumber(n: number) {
        // code to format a number for display
    }
}

Java emphasizes object-oriented design principles, requiring programs to be organized around objects with state, behavior, and encapsulation.

On the other hand, JavaScript offers a more versatile approach as a multi-paradigm language. While it supports an object-oriented style similar to Java, it also accommodates functional or procedural programming paradigms. This flexibility allows developers to choose the best approach based on the problem at hand, often surprising those used to solely relying on OOP.

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