Posts tagged "Dart advantages"

JavaScript and Dart: How Do They Stack Up Against Each Other?

Mobile app development is in high demand within the tech industry. Two programming languages at the forefront of back-end development are JavaScript and Dart.

But how do they stack up against each other?

JavaScript

Between being cross-platform compatible, having a dynamic structure, and containing its own package managers, JavaScript is a one fits all language. It’s the most popular programming language, as well as the most widely used. Additionally, it supports Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) and functional programming.

The community behind JavaScript is the largest among the other languages and developers are continuously helping to improve it. JavaScript also has a low learning curve, needing only a basic knowledge of programming to learn it. It can be used as a scripting language as well on the client side of development and on the server-side. Major corporations such as Instagram, Reddit, Square, and Airbnb incorporate JavaScript into their systems.

Dart

Officially released by Google in 2017, Dart is considered a very young programming language. It’s cross-platform compatible like JavaScript and its SDK version has its own package manager as well. Dart is synonymous with Flutter, experiencing an increase in popularity when Google revealed that Flutter would be able to be cross-platform compatible, encompassing mobile app development.

One of Dart’s most unique features is the compilation function. Dart has both Ahead of Time (AOT) and Just in Time (JIT) functions. Essentially, Dart’s code is both compiling and executing in real-time so developers can see changes they make within seconds. It’s designed to be able to do everything JavaScript can do, but on a simpler level. Other benefits include its low learning curve and object-oriented functionality. Big companies like Google, Adobe, and Blossom use Dart.

Side by Side—Advantages

JavaScript’s advantages are:

  • Front- and back-end compatibility
  • Versatile, quick, and adaptable
  • Backed by a large community and many libraries

Dart’s advantages are:

  • Faster than JavaScript and acts like Java
  • Highly scalable
  • Uses AOT and JIT
  • Backed by Google
  • Very compatible with any Flutter tools
Side by Side—Disadvantages

Disadvantages of JavaScript include:

  1. Can be slow dealing with errors
  2. Some libraries are of lower quality
  3. Changes are constantly being made (needing continuous updates and knowledge)
  4. Doesn’t have good security measures on the client side of development

Disadvantages of Dart include:

  1. Smaller communities and libraries due to being new
  2. Rigidity in altering functions without having to rewrite code
  3. Not as many supporting tools or resources
  4. Centered around a single object paradigm

The Finale

Both languages are highly used for various projects and development purposes. Each has close similarities and differences, however, they can be utilized for a wide range of developments. Choosing one over the other, or saying one is better, would be undermining the strengths of each language. JavaScript and Dart have earned the support of developers worldwide. The level to which JavaScript is used globally means it will continue to evolve. Google’s support of Dart can say the same. These two are likely to be compared for years to come.