Side by side
CoffeeScript vs Opal
Both stand on code transpilers. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan APILinuxMac+2
CoffeeScript provides a compile-to-JavaScript workflow with command-line and compiler API options. Check its runtime requirements and transpilation needs for the JavaScript features you plan to use.
Visit CoffeeScript Free plan LinuxMacWeb+1
Opal offers Ruby-to-JavaScript compilation with interoperability and framework integrations. Check the ES2021 requirement and browser support for the upcoming 2.0 release against the environments you need to support.
Visit OpalThe facts
| CoffeeScript | Opal | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | API, Linux, Mac, Web, Windows | Linux, Mac, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Not published | Free or on request |
| Plans published | None | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | coffeescript.org | opalrb.com |
| On code transpilers | #8 of 28 | #12 of 28 |
CoffeeScript: what it does well
- Compiles to JavaScript without a runtime interpreter.
- Includes a command-line REPL and compiler.
- Can generate inline or external source maps.
- Core compiler can run in a browser.
What to know first
- Command-line utility requires Node 6 or later.
- JSX output always requires transpilation.
- Users must account for runtime support of modern features.
Opal: what it does well
- Free under the MIT License.
- Compiles ahead of time without an interpreter.
- Supports Ruby and JavaScript interoperability.
- Integrations include Rails, Sinatra, and Roda.
- Runs in several JavaScript environments.
What to know first
- Internet Explorer is unsupported for the upcoming 2.0 release.
- No fallback exists for older JavaScript engines.
- The upcoming 2.0 release targets ES2021.
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