JavaScript vs TypeScript: Which is ideal for creating a personal site?

Hey everyone! I’m trying to figure out if I should use JavaScript or TypeScript for my personal website. I’ve heard mixed opinions online. Some say JavaScript is easier, while others praise TypeScript for its static typing and improvements over JavaScript.

I’m pretty new to coding. I started with Python last winter and picked up C a few months ago. I’m more into low-level stuff like C and C++, so web development isn’t really my focus. That’s why I’m reaching out to you guys for advice.

What do you think? Which language would you recommend for someone like me who’s just dipping their toes into web dev for a personal project? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences. Thanks!

As someone who’s been in your shoes, I’d recommend sticking with JavaScript for your personal site. Coming from C and Python, you’ll find JS syntax fairly familiar. Plus, it’s more forgiving when you’re just starting out with web dev.

I built my first portfolio site using vanilla JavaScript and it was a great learning experience. No need to worry about TypeScript’s extra complexity right now. You can always refactor to TS later if you feel the need.

One tip: use modern JavaScript features like arrow functions and destructuring. They’ll make your code cleaner and more maintainable. And don’t forget to leverage existing libraries and frameworks - no need to reinvent the wheel.

Focus on getting something up and running quickly. You can always iterate and improve later. Good luck with your project!

yo, for a personal site, js is probs ur best bet. it’s easier to pick up, especially if ur new to web stuff. typescript’s cool but might be overkill for what ur doing.
i made my site with javascript and it was chill. u can always switch to typescript later if u feel like it. just focus on getting something up first, ya know?

For your personal site, I’d lean towards JavaScript. Given your background in C and Python, JavaScript will feel more familiar and let you focus on building rather than learning a new type system.

JavaScript’s flexibility is perfect for personal projects where you’re likely to experiment and iterate quickly. You can start simple and gradually introduce more complex features as you go.

That said, TypeScript isn’t off the table. If you find yourself craving stronger type checking or better IDE support down the line, you can always migrate to TypeScript later. Many developers actually recommend this path - start with JS, then move to TS once you’re comfortable with the basics of web development.

Remember, the goal is to get your site up and running. Don’t get bogged down in language debates. Pick one and start coding!