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CoffeeScript
It is a small programming language that is compiled to JavaScript. It implements many features from Ruby and Python languages. Why is CoffeeScript good?
Firstly, CoffeeScript has a serious advantage - it allows users to write less code what makes it special from other front-end development languages. Usually, CoffeeScript code can occupy from third to half of original JS code. Besides, CoffeeScript has some interesting capabilities like massif builders, prototype alias, and classes. All of this allows users to shorten code amount.
It is worth noting that CoffeeScript is not a subset of JavaScript. Although you can access to external libraries in CS code, you will get a syntax error, if you try to compile clean JS code. Also, CS is compiled into clean JS, not interpreting. It can be used also with the server part like Node.js.
Anyway, you should be acquainted with JS to write CS code. Bugs analysis during code implementation requires JS experience. So, CoffeeScript has the following disadvantages:
- It requires compilation. But CoffeeScript is trying to generate clean and readable code;
- A rather small community at the moment. It is quite difficult to find CS developers;
- It is not so rich in features as JavaScript.
That is what CoffeeScript is. If you are interested in it, you can always start learning it.
CoffeeScript: one of the most applicable alternative to JS
Dart
Dart is a new class-oriented programming language for the building of structured web applications. It is developed by Google company as the direct counterpart of JavaScript.
It creates structured and flexible programming language for the web. Dart is positioned as a very convenient tool for web developers as this language demonstrates high performance. Also, Dart is supported by many popular Integrated Development Environments (IDE) like IDEA, WebStorm, Atom, Emacs, Visual Studio, Sublime Text, Vim.
Google is developing its language actively and it releases new updates every 2-3 months. In addition, Dart also has a very good standard library that gives developers endless opportunities. But among the benefits of Dart, there are the same disadvantages as CoffeeScript language has. Small community and not so large amount of benefits comparing to benefits of JavaScript.
TypeScript
Language for the development of web application that extends capabilities of JavaScript language. It was developed by Microsoft company in 2012.
Unlike CoffeeScript, TypeScript is backward compatible with JavaScript. It is compiled into JavaScript, and then TypeScript program can be used in any modern browser. As a CoffeeScript, TypeScript can be used together with Node.js platform.
Main differences of TypeScript from JavaScript are the following:
- Static typing;
- Support of full-fledged classes;
- Support of modules connection.
The main disadvantages of TypeScript are typical: a small community, as well as it takes more time for the development than when you use JavaScript.
Other JavaScript alternatives in the article Check out what alternatives to JavaScript can be found in the market
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