Unpopular Opinion: TypeScript is Overrated (Or Is It?)

TypeScript. The tool that promises to catch your bugs before they sneak into production. It’s been hailed as a game-changer for developers, but let’s face it: not everyone is on the TypeScript train. And that’s okay.

Is TypeScript really the golden ticket to better code, or is it just an overhyped tool adding unnecessary complexity? Let’s see.

Why Some Developers Think TypeScript Is Overrated

1. It’s Verbose—Sometimes Painfully So TypeScript can turn a few lines of JavaScript into a sprawling mess of declarations. For small projects or quick prototypes, all the extra typing (pun intended) can feel like overkill.

Example:
A simple function in JavaScript:
function add(a, b) {
return a + b;
}

The TypeScript version:
function add(a: number, b: number): number {
return a + b;
}

Multiply this verbosity across hundreds of functions, and you start questioning if it’s worth it.

2. It Slows You Down (At Least Initially)
Learning TypeScript takes time. Even seasoned developers often wrestle with configuring types, setting up the environment, or dealing with cryptic error messages. And for teams that aren’t well-versed in TypeScript, onboarding can be a significant hurdle.

3. False Sense of Security
Yes, TypeScript catches type errors, but it doesn’t guarantee bug-free code. Logic errors? Still on you. Improper API usage? TypeScript can’t always save you. Sometimes, the promise of “safer code” makes developers overly reliant on the tool instead of focusing on writing clean, maintainable code.

4. Not Always the Right Fit
For small-scale projects, TypeScript can feel like bringing a bazooka to a water balloon fight. The setup and maintenance don’t always justify the benefits when your project is a simple script or a one-off tool.

Why TypeScript Is Loved (And Sometimes Deserves the Hype)

1. Catch Errors Early
TypeScript shines in large, complex codebases where bugs can hide in plain sight. By enforcing types, it reduces runtime errors and makes refactoring less nerve-wracking.

Example:
Imagine a function expecting a number, but someone passes a string because of a miscommunication. TypeScript will scream at you before it becomes a production nightmare.

2. Improved Developer Experience
With TypeScript, your editor becomes smarter. Autocomplete, inline type hints, and better documentation make navigating large codebases a breeze. It’s like having a co-pilot who actually knows what they’re doing.

3. Scaling Teams
In large teams, TypeScript acts as a safety net. It enforces a shared understanding of data structures and function signatures, making collaboration smoother.

Scenario:
You’re working with five other developers across time zones. Instead of guessing what a function is supposed to do, TypeScript gives you a contract to follow.

4. The Ecosystem Has Evolved
Many libraries and frameworks now ship with TypeScript definitions, meaning you don’t have to do the heavy lifting. Angular, Next.js, and even React support TypeScript out of the box, making integration much easier.

When to Use TypeScript (and When to Skip It)
Use TypeScript:

• Large, complex projects with multiple contributors.
• Codebases that need long-term maintenance.
• Projects where type safety can significantly reduce runtime errors (e.g., APIs, enterprise software).

Skip TypeScript:

• Quick prototypes or experimental projects.
• Small teams or solo developers without prior TypeScript experience.
• Simple scripts or utilities where the overhead isn’t worth it.

So, Is TypeScript Overrated?
It depends on who you ask. To some, TypeScript is a lifesaver, making large projects manageable and reducing errors. To others, it’s an unnecessary layer of complexity, especially when working on smaller projects.

The key is to treat TypeScript as a tool, not a religion. Use it where it adds value and skip it where it doesn’t. And remember, no tool is perfect—not even TypeScript.

What’s your take? Love it? Hate it? Somewhere in between? Let’s discuss in the comments