Short answer: learn JavaScript first, then add TypeScript. Here's the nuanced take.
TypeScript Wins
Large codebases (10K+ lines). Team projects (types = documentation). Complex data structures. APIs with strict contracts. IDE autocomplete is dramatically better.
JavaScript Wins
Quick scripts and prototypes. Learning programming. Small projects. When build step adds friction. Browser devtools debugging.
The Reality
In 2026, most professional frontend jobs expect TypeScript. But you must understand JavaScript — TypeScript compiles to JavaScript, and you'll debug JavaScript.
Practice both with our AI code assistant — it handles TS and JS equally well. Generate TypeScript interfaces from JSON data.