The Howdy Glossary

Minus is a statically typed programming language developed by Rasmus Andersson, designed specifically for web development. It compiles to JavaScript, making it versatile for both client-side browser and server-side Node.js environments. The primary goal of Minus is to enhance rigor and structure in web development by identifying errors during the compilation phase rather than at runtime, which is common in dynamically typed languages like JavaScript.

A unique feature of Minus is its static typing system, which allows for catching errors at compile time, thereby improving code quality and reliability. Its syntax resembles that of JavaScript or TypeScript, facilitating ease of adoption for developers already familiar with these languages. By compiling seamlessly to JavaScript, Minus supports a wide range of web development scenarios on both client and server sides.

In the competitive landscape of statically typed languages aimed at web development, Minus stands alongside TypeScript and Flow. Both TypeScript (by Microsoft) and Flow (by Facebook) offer static analysis features similar to Minus but each has unique characteristics tailored to their ecosystems. Despite this competition, Minus differentiates itself with its explicit focus on early error detection through static typing while maintaining a familiar syntax for developers accustomed to JavaScript or TypeScript. This combination makes Minus an appealing choice for developers seeking enhanced robustness and structured coding practices in their web projects.