What are the methods used in TypeScript to implement features that are not available in JavaScript, despite TypeScript ultimately being compiled to JavaScript?

After transitioning from JavaScript to TypeScript, I discovered that TypeScript offers many features not found in JS, such as types. However, TypeScript is ultimately compiled down to JavaScript. How is it possible for a language like TypeScript to achieve features that are not available in the original language, especially if the latter one is converted back to the former?

Answer №1

As mentioned in previous comments, TypeScript operates purely at compile time and does not have any impact on runtime behavior. Once transpilation is done, all type information is removed from the resulting JavaScript code. The main purpose of TypeScript is to catch potential errors before code execution, ensuring a smoother running process. Features that TypeScript adds on top of JavaScript are essentially stripped away after compilation. Even keywords like private and public are only for developer guidance and do not affect runtime behavior.

class Foo {
  private bar() {}
}
;(new Foo() as any).bar()

By using clever tricks such as casting objects or ignoring TypeScript warnings, one can bypass the compiler's restrictions. This means that even private methods can be accessed in the generated JavaScript code, as demonstrated above.

In contrast to TypeScript, languages like C deal with types differently. While types do not exist at runtime in C, they play a crucial role during compilation. Types specify the memory allocation for variables, determining how data is stored and manipulated within the program. Manipulating types in C can lead to disastrous consequences, such as overwriting important memory areas by mistake.

Other high-level languages like Java provide more protection against type manipulation, making it harder to deceive the compiler. However, type definitions still influence the generated bytecode post-compilation.

Ultimately, TypeScript offers flexibility by allowing developers to selectively disable type checking with the any keyword. On the other hand, languages like C heavily rely on proper type management to ensure program integrity and stability.

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