Listen as Rich Harris, creator of Svelte, discusses the decision to remove TypeScript support in Svelte and the benefits of writing code in vanilla JavaScript. The hosts explore the complexities of using dot TS files, the problem of superficial discourse in the programming community, and the negative aspects of Twitter and toxic online behavior. They also touch on the controversy surrounding a blog post about JavaScript and mention upcoming episodes and bonus rewards for listeners.
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Quick takeaways
Removing types from a library that others rely on is seen as user-hostile.
TypeScript greatly improves productivity and code quality by catching errors and providing valuable tooling for refactoring.
Identity and tribalism within programming communities hinder open and constructive discussions about the pros and cons of different tools and languages.
Deep dives
The Importance of TypeScript in Turbo
While some argue that removing types from one's own code is misguided, others contend that it is a matter of personal preference. However, removing types from a library that others rely on is seen as user-hostile.
The Nuances of TypeScript in Turbo
The discussion surrounding TypeScript in Turbo is complex, with factors such as the nature of the library, the presence of a public API, and the desire for simplicity coming into play.
The Controversy and Nuance of Rich Harris' Tweet
The tweet expressing disagreement with removing types from a library garnered attention due to the strong opinions and nuances regarding TypeScript, JavaScript's design, and the diverse perspectives of developers.
The Power of TypeScript
The podcast episode discusses the benefits of using TypeScript and how it can greatly improve productivity and code quality. The guest shares personal experiences with TypeScript, highlighting its ability to catch errors and provide valuable tooling for refactoring large codebases. The time saved by TypeScript outweighs the time spent grappling with type annotations, especially during major refactorings. The guest also emphasizes the importance of type safety in production code and the advantages of TypeScript in API development. Overall, TypeScript is praised for its ability to enhance developer productivity and provide a safer and more efficient coding experience.
Identity and Tribes in Programming
The podcast episode delves into the tribalism and identity that can arise within programming communities. The discussion revolves around the judgment and strong opinions between different developer tribes, with a specific focus on the TypeScript versus JavaScript debate. The guest suggests that identifying too closely with a particular tool or language can hinder open and constructive discussions about their pros and cons. They encourage developers to be more open-minded and to generalize beyond specific tools, focusing on the bigger picture of being software developers. The conversation highlights the importance of empathy and understanding different perspectives within the programming community to foster better collaboration and growth.
Love it or hate it, TypeScript is here to stay for the foreseeable future. But, what happens when widely adopted packages go completely Type free or remove TypeScript in favor of JS with type annotations? Join us to unpack these recent events with Rich Harris, creator of Svelte, as he walks us through the nuanced decision his team made for the Svelte project, and ofc, lots of laughs along the way.
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