CoffeeScript, Dart, Elm, and TypeScript
Script Mods
© Lead Image © Daniil Peshkov, 123RF.com
JavaScript is the stuff of which many interactive web clients is made, but it comes with a fair amount of historical ballast. The creators of four alternative scripting languages seek to ditch the ballast.
Browser-based interactive applications have helped the recent comeback of JavaScript, although the scripting language first saw the light of day in the mid-1990s. Over the course of time, JavaScript's makers added more and more new constructs to what was initially a fairly simple scripting language. One prime example is prototype-based object orientation, hated by many developers and often misunderstood and unused.
Not until 2015 was the scripting language, by then standardized as ECMAScript, given optional class-based object orientation. However, compared with Java, C++, and others, it still lacks certain features [1]; moreover, neither JavaScript nor ECMAScript offers type checking, which continually results in exception errors in practice.
For this reason, several scripting languages want to replace JavaScript – or at least simplify it in terms of programming. Some of the most widespread and popular examples are CoffeeScript, Google's Dart, Elm, and Microsoft's TypeScript. In a comparison, I describe what distinguishes the four candidates and in which areas they are superior to JavaScript.
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
US / Canada
UK / Australia
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
System76 Releases COSMIC Alpha 7
With scores of bug fixes and a really cool workspaces feature, COSMIC is looking to soon migrate from alpha to beta.
-
OpenMandriva Lx 6.0 Available for Installation
The latest release of OpenMandriva has arrived with a new kernel, an updated Plasma desktop, and a server edition.
-
TrueNAS 25.04 Arrives with Thousands of Changes
One of the most popular Linux-based NAS solutions has rolled out the latest edition, based on Ubuntu 25.04.
-
Fedora 42 Available with Two New Spins
The latest release from the Fedora Project includes the usual updates, a new kernel, an official KDE Plasma spin, and a new System76 spin.
-
So Long, ArcoLinux
The ArcoLinux distribution is the latest Linux distribution to shut down.
-
What Open Source Pros Look for in a Job Role
Learn what professionals in technical and non-technical roles say is most important when seeking a new position.
-
Asahi Linux Runs into Issues with M4 Support
Due to Apple Silicon changes, the Asahi Linux project is at odds with adding support for the M4 chips.
-
Plasma 6.3.4 Now Available
Although not a major release, Plasma 6.3.4 does fix some bugs and offer a subtle change for the Plasma sidebar.
-
Linux Kernel 6.15 First Release Candidate Now Available
Linux Torvalds has announced that the release candidate for the final release of the Linux 6.15 series is now available.
-
Akamai Will Host kernel.org
The organization dedicated to cloud-based solutions has agreed to host kernel.org to deliver long-term stability for the development team.