TypeScript is a superset of JavaScript that adds static typing to the language, allowing developers to catch errors early in the development process. It enhances the capabilities of JavaScript by enabling better tooling and improved code quality, making it a popular choice for large-scale applications. Developed by Microsoft, TypeScript compiles down to plain JavaScript, ensuring compatibility with existing JavaScript code. Its features, such as interfaces and generics, help developers create more robust and maintainable code, making it an essential tool for modern web development.