You may have heard of Typescript, the powerful language that helps you write cleaner, safer, and more maintainable code by adding types to JavaScript.
But are you aware of the frameworks that boost Typescript? These frameworks ensure rapid development to guarantee seamless User Experiences and outstanding performance.
This blog post will introduce you to some of the most popular TypeScript frameworks and how they can help you create amazing applications.
Whether you are a beginner or an expert, you will find something that suits your needs and preferences when coding with Typescript. Let’s check these frameworks out!
What is TypeScript?
Before discussing what TS is, it’s key to recognize the difference between techs. Is Typescript a programming language? Is Typescript a library or framework?
To sum it up, Typescript is a programming language that provides the syntax and rules for writing code in order to develop and maintain digital solutions.
Contrariwise, a Typescript framework (like Angular or Nest) is a collection of pre-written code that provides a structure and guidelines for building applications.
Lastly, a Typescript library, like Lodash or RxJS, is a set of reusable functions and tools that help with specific tasks.
Developed by Microsoft, Typescript was launched in 2012 and became quite popular as it added key features and improvements to development processes.
A key advantage of Typescript is that it lets you specify variable types, such as numbers, strings and arrays and warn you if you assign the wrong type of value to a variable.
As a result, this procedure can help devs and teams save time and headaches, especially when working on large and complex projects.
The short answer to “is typescript a framework?” is no. Yet, TS can be used with frameworks or libraries, as well as with JS frameworks MVC, to enhance the development process.
What are TypeScript Frameworks?
To sum it up, a TypeScript framework is an extensive tool that helps you build applications when writing Typescript code.
These frameworks offer advanced features, core libraries, boosted User Interfaces and conventions to simplify coding tasks, such as:
- Routing: Handling requests and responses from web browsers or other clients.
- Middleware: Adding extra functionality or logic to an application, such as authentication, validation, or error handling.
- ORM: Interacting with databases and manipulating data using objects and classes instead of writing SQL queries.
- Testing: Writing and running tests to ensure code works as expected and avoid bugs.
Typescript frameworks allow to focus on a digital product’s core logic and functionality rather than low-level details and boilerplate code.
Devs can use them to benefit from type checking, frontend utilities, code completion and refactoring to improve your code quality and productivity.
The Benefits of TypeScript Frameworks
Using a TypeScript framework offers several benefits, starting with better code organization and maintainability, as TS enforces strict typing and helps catch potential errors early on.
Thanks to features like dependency injection and type inference, you can write more reliable and scalable code, following App and Web Development best practices.
Whether it’s for developing User Interfaces or structuring back-end development, TypeScript frameworks come with robust documentation and supportive communities.
While preferences may vary, the framework choice often depends on project needs; from the fastest-growing to the most opinionated, they aim to streamline the dev process.
TypeScript Frameworks for Product Development
TypeScript frameworks work like a toolbox for building apps—think of them as kits that help developers piece together an application faster and more efficiently.
These frameworks provide a foundation, pre-made reusable components, and rules (or "opinions") on organizing your code so you can focus on customizing the app to your needs.
Regarding App Development, TypeScript frameworks can be quite helpful in providing a blueprint for building apps in an organized way right from the start.
Just like having a recipe to follow when cooking a complex dish, these frameworks ease maintenance by providing clear guidelines for updating or fixing parts of the app.
Most Used TypeScript Frameworks
When diving into TypeScript for building maintainable and scalable applications, there are several of the fastest-growing frameworks that stand out for their utility and popularity.
Here are the top contenders known for their robustness and strong community support:
1. Nest
Nest.js is a dynamic, modern framework for server-side applications engineered to offer effortless creation with its out-of-the-box application architecture and design pattern.
Drawing inspiration from Angular, it’s a fantastic choice if you're looking for a fully-featured TS framework that simplifies the creation of scalable and cross-platform applications.
An opinionated application framework focused on dependency injection, NestJS allows the building of modular and testable components with less boilerplate code.
Whether for complex enterprise systems or applications, it has a supportive, active community and comprehensive official documentation.
2. Feather
FeatherJS is a lightweight application framework for developers to build real-time applications and REST APIs with minimal fuss.
Its minimalistic approach allows to write less code while achieving more functionality to develop flexible, scalable and maintainable Single-Page Web Apps and Mobile Apps.
A key principle of FeatherJS is that it gives freedom to adapt the framework to preferences and requirements— a breath of fresh air for devs who dislike more opinionated frameworks.
Furthermore, it’s designed to play nicely with other popular frameworks, making it a versatile choice for those who like to mix and match technologies.
3. Adonis
AdonisJS is a fully featured TypeScript framework for developing server-side complex applications gracefully and easily.
AdonisJS’ clean and expressive code offers TypeScript robustness for a seamless experience, with a streamlined and modular code that makes dependency injection a breeze,
Whether for server-rendered apps or API servers for mobile and Single-Page Applications (SPAs), AdonisJS's opinionated structure ensures rapid and efficient development.
4. Loopback
Loopback.js is a dynamic TypeScript application framework for powerful server-side applications that easily connect an extensive range of data sources.
This framework is especially valuable when working on complex projects, as its component-based architecture allows code reuse across different parts of an application.
Its built-in support for creating an Application Programming Interface (API) and ease of accessing databases further streamline the process.
With Loopback.js, your application's architecture is primed for expansion and flexibility, making it excellent for teams who prioritize application structure and maintainability.
How To Choose A TypeScript Framework?
Do you need server-side rendering, state management, code readability, or internationalization support?
Different frameworks excel in different areas, so aligning your project's needs with the framework's capabilities is key.
Suppose your project requires server-side rendering to improve SEO and avoid performance bottlenecks— Next.js or Nuxt.js could be good fits!
Contrariwise, if state management is a priority, consider using a framework like Redux or MobX to handle complex data flows and application states.
By understanding the project's needs, you can choose a complete kit that best aligns with your requirements and helps you succeed in the modern development landscape.
Yet, while choosing the right TypeScript framework can be daunting, it's crucial for developing a maintainable and efficient application.
Here's a straightforward guide to help you make an informed decision:
- Scope: Acknowledge the type, size, and requirements of your project before selecting your Typescript framework.
- Documentation: Frameworks with extensive and comprehensive documentation are your ally in securing a solid blueprint for your development and maintenance processes.
- Support: Pay attention to the available resources each framework has to offer to ensure any potential roadblock has the potential to be easily fixable.
- Features: What does your digital product need? Would you work better with an opinionated framework with lots of built-in support or something less prescriptive?
- Preferences: Don’t overlook your comfort with frameworks’ style and approach!
Conclusion
TypeScript is a comprehensive solution that enhances the Developer Experience to write cleaner, safer, and more maintainable code execution for large-scale applications.
With strict typing and early error detection benefits, TypeScript frameworks can boost your app development process and help you create scalable and reliable complex applications.
If you're a Web Developer looking to improve your coding practices, TypeScript frameworks are worth exploring, as they are the building blocks you need!
