Join us as we geek our over the upcoming Premier L... sorry, JavaScript season, and walk through the state of our favourite teams; Angular Rovers, FC React and TypeScript United!
Summer is over and the new Premier League JavaScript season is soon upon us! Follow along as the Edument crew checks the status of three of our favourite teams.
TypeScript United
TypeScript had a very strong last season. We saw impressive play from, among others: non-nullable types, the key-of operator and object handling in general, and the simplified way to deal with imported @types.
This season’s changes seem more modest, in spite of the new major version 3 on the jerseys. The list of transfers, although long, is devoid of headline-grabbing names.
But upon closer inspection there are several interesting new squad members; the ability to have several config files, the new type-check-enforcing `unknown` type which puts the flaky `any` on the bench, and vastly improved error messages. We predict that all of these are set to become non-spectacular but hard-working and reliable fan favourites à la Harry Maguire.
And, with the unwavering support of Visual Studio Code playing an Abramovich-like role of deep-pocketed benefactor, TypeScript is set to continue growth of both successes and fan base.
FC React
We remain impressed by the React management. Last season they had every excuse to kick back and enjoy the comfort of their strong position, but instead they switched from 4-4-2 to 3-5-2 by transitioning through the massive Fiber refactor.
Lack of immediate payoff from that made the media lose interest, but React were playing the long game. We predict that this season will see them being able to reap the rewards from the new formation, likely to wild acclaim from the developer audience once the async rendering made possible by the new tactics gains traction.
Angular Rovers
True to form, Angular remains hard to get a grip on. They keep releasing major versions at an accelerating pace, but without gaining ground on main competitors React in the eyes of the audience.
On the surface there might be little reason to expect changes to the status quo this season. But one of their main farm teams, the Shadow DOM camp, has now had a version 1 of the spec blessed by all and implemented by many.
This is worth noticing as the very recent Angular 7 beta sported support for the new Shadow DOM API, which was already at the heart of the Angular encapsulation model.
If the Shadow DOM qualifies from The Championship it will likely elevate the sister club Web Components as well, and Angular is strongly positioned to benefit from both. Will this be enough to turn the tide against big brother React, or will Angular remain the Everton to their Liverpool?
Wrapping up
Although 2017-2018 was a lot of fun, there’s a good chance we’ll get even better entertainment this new season. We’re much looking forward to get to know the new players and work them into our related course offerings.
See you in the stands!
By David Waller