A Newbie's Perspective on TypeScript
05 Sep 2024
My experience with TypeScript so far
As a complete newbie to TypeScript, my initial experience with the language was slightly confusing, mainly due to its syntax. As a computer engineering major, I probably don’t do as much programming as my computer science peers, and in turn haven’t been exposed to as many languages. Having primarily worked with C and C++ for the majority of my college courses so far, learning JavaScript and TypeScript felt a bit challenging at first. When I was learning the basics of JavaScript, the concept of using “var” and “let” instead of declaring the data type definitely felt odd. Then came along TypeScript, where I was required to declare the types of the variable, but in a syntax I wasn’t used to. During the first practice WODs, I found myself having to look online or ask my classmates for help on how to get the proper syntax. However, as I continue to learn, I am starting to feel more comfortable with TypeScript. The languages type-safety features have gradually begun to make more sense and it has become more enjoyable to learn.
My experience with the class’s style of learning
When it comes to the WODs, I find them to be beneficial but also stressful. Even though the problems themselves are pretty easy, the timed nature of the WODs adds a layer of stress and pressure, especially since there is a possibility that I might not finish in time and get a DNF. What if I dont immediately know how to solve the problem? What if I get several bugs I’m not able to locate and I take too long? These are some of the questions I tend to think about just before and during the WODs. Despite this stress, the WODs are actually proving to be a very useful tool in helping me practice and familiarize myself with TypeScript. Working under pressure is also not necessarily a bad thing, as many technical interviews will require me to write code properly and efficiently within a certain time. Overall, I enjoy the style of learning the WODs provide because it pushes me to adapt and think critically under pressure