From TypeScript to Golang: A Smoother Backend Journey

For the past three years, I've been immersed in the world of backend development. During that time, I've had the opportunity to build a diverse range of applications using various technologies. From edutech and healthtech platforms to e-commerce solutions, I've utilized TypeScript with Express.js and Python with FastAPI and Flask. Recently, I embarked on a personal venture that sparked my journey with Golang, and it's been a transformative experience.

Golang's impact has been two-fold: speed and security. Its static typing system and focus on concurrency have empowered me to streamline my development process and release applications faster. Additionally, it has significantly reduced the chances of encountering unexpected errors that can plague dynamically typed languages. This newfound confidence has been a game-changer, allowing me to focus on crafting robust and efficient backend systems.

Now, Let's delve into the key reasons behind this shift:

1. Embrace the Power of Static Typing:

One of the biggest advantages of Golang is its static typing system. Unlike TypeScript's reliance on runtime checks, Golang enforces type safety at compile time. This code snippet showcases the clear distinction:

TypeScript (Dynamic Typing):

function add(a: any, b: any): any {
  return a + b;
}

const result = add(10, "hello"); // This would compile but cause a runtime error
console.log(result);

Golang (Static Typing):

func add(a int, b int) int {
  return a + b
}

result := add(10, 20) // This compiles successfully
fmt.Println(result)

With Golang, potential type mismatches are caught early, preventing runtime errors and unexpected behavior.

2. Scaling Up with Ease:

Golang shines when it comes to handling high-concurrency workloads. Its built-in mechanisms, like goroutines and channels, provide efficient ways to manage concurrent tasks without the need for complex scaling solutions. Here's a glimpse of a simple goroutine in action:

go func() {
  // Perform a long-running task here
  fmt.Println("Task completed in a separate goroutine")
}()

// Main program continues execution concurrently
fmt.Println("Main program running")

This approach promotes lightweight concurrency, allowing your backend to handle hundreds of thousands of requests with ease.

3. Farewell, Runtime Errors:

TypeScript's transpiled nature can sometimes lead to runtime errors that wouldn't be apparent during development. Golang's static typing mitigates this issue significantly. Catching errors early in the compilation process translates to a more robust and predictable backend.

4. Explicit Error Handling:

Golang takes a unique approach to error handling compared to languages like TypeScript. It utilizes error values returned by functions, forcing developers to explicitly consider and handle potential errors. This approach, while requiring more upfront effort, promotes a more deliberate and error-resilient coding style. By explicitly expecting errors where they could occur, we can write code that gracefully handles unexpected situations and prevents cascading failures.

Here's a code snippet showcasing explicit error handling in Golang:

func readFile(filename string) ([]byte, error) {
  data, err := os.ReadFile(filename)
  if err != nil {
    return nil, fmt.Errorf("error reading file %s: %w", filename, err)
  }
  return data, nil
}

In this example, the os.ReadFile function returns both the data and a potential error. We use an if statement to check for the error and handle it gracefully. Notice how we also use fmt.Errorf to wrap the original error and provide more context in our custom error message. This is one of the idiomatic ways to handle errors in Golang, providing informative messages for debugging purposes.

5. Building on a Solid Foundation:

Golang's build and test tooling are top-notch. Tools like go build and go test are seamlessly integrated, offering a smooth development experience. Additionally, the built-in testing framework in Golang provides a clean and efficient way to write unit tests.

While TypeScript offers its own advantages, the combination of static typing, concurrency features, and robust tooling in Golang has significantly improved my backend development workflow. It's a language designed to handle demanding applications efficiently, and I'm excited to explore its full potential!