Add daily email for 2024-03-06

Types are optional

source/_daily_emails/2024-03-06.md

@@ -0,0 +1,33 @@
+---
+title: Types are optional
+date: 2024-03-06
+permalink: archive/2024/03/06/types-are-optional
+tags:
+    - software-development
+    - php
+cta: subscription
+snippet: |
+    Types are optional in the programming languages I write most in. I like them, but I also like people can decide whether to use types or not.
+---
+
+The main programming languages I write are PHP and JavaScript.
+
+Both offer types where, as well as declaring a parameter or property, you can define what type it is - whether it's a string, array, boolean, etc.
+
+Adding types is optional.
+
+You don't need to add types to your PHP code, and you can choose to write plain JavaScript instead of TypeScript.
+
+Some people prefer simpler or cleaner code or less "visual debt".
+
+I like the extra clarity that types add.
+
+I like to be able to read some code and immediately know what types things should be.
+
+I like the clearer errors and messages if a different type is given than was expected.
+
+Tools like PHPStan know more about my code and give better recommendations than if I don't add types.
+
+I like the better autocompletion I get when writing code that has types.
+
+I like types, but I also like the flexibility of whether or not to add them and for Developers and development teams to make their own decisions based on their preferences.