JavaScript

JavaScript is the programming language of the web. Originally designed for browser interactivity, it has evolved into a versatile language running everywhere from servers (Node.js) to mobile apps to IoT devices.

Key Characteristics

• Dynamic typing: Variables can hold any type
• First-class functions: Functions are values
• Prototypal inheritance: Object-based, not class-based (though classes exist)
• Event-driven: Asynchronous by nature
• Single-threaded: One call stack (with async capabilities)

Modern JavaScript (ES6+)

// Arrow functions
const greet = (name) => `Hello, ${name}!`;

// Destructuring
const { name, age } = user;
const [first, ...rest] = items;

// Spread operator
const merged = { ...defaults, ...options };

// Async/await
const data = await fetchData();

// Optional chaining & nullish coalescing
const city = user?.address?.city ?? 'Unknown';

Runtime Environments

Environment	Use Case
Browsers	Web applications, interactivity
Node.js	Servers, CLI tools, scripts
Deno	Secure Node alternative
Bun	Fast all-in-one toolkit
Electron	Desktop applications
React Native	Mobile applications

What We Like

• Ubiquity: Runs everywhere, known by everyone
• Ecosystem: npm is the largest package registry
• Flexibility: Multiple paradigms (functional, OOP, procedural)
• Rapid iteration: Quick feedback loop in browsers
• Full-stack: Same language frontend and backend

What We Don't Like

• Can't think of any 😉

JavaScript vs TypeScript

For most projects, we recommend sticking with JavaScript because it's easier to understand for most developers and usually faster to work with. We'd use TypeScript if the codebase or application requires it - such as when working in a large team or for added safety in complex projects.

Aspect	JavaScript	TypeScript
Types	Dynamic, runtime	Static, compile-time
Errors	Runtime	Caught in IDE
Tooling	Good	Excellent
Learning curve	Lower	Higher

Best Practices

1. Lint your code: ESLint with Airbnb or similar config
2. Prefer const/let: Never use var
3. Consider TypeScript: For any non-trivial project