

After the build process, everything is just JavaScript. TypeScript can be introduced within a project of JavaScript files because it outputs JavaScript. As you and your team get more familiar with TypeScript, additional options can be added to start making stricter checks. When you start out with a simple configuration and turn strict checking off, the barrier to entry lowers and your project can start enjoying the benefits of static typing. TypeScript has many configuration options, including many that control strict type checking. Of course, VS Code is only one editor many other modern editors and IDEs also offer first-class TypeScript support. If I call a function incorrectly, I get the red underline immediately: As I continue typing a call to splice, the current parameter is highlighted: I see the function signature and a description of each argument. When I begin to call a function on the numbers array, VS Code’s IntelliSense kicks in and shows me matching functions: Consider this simple array: const numbers = Pop-up code completion is available for the web platform APIs as well as any third-party package that has type definitions (now, in 2022, most do).Ĭan’t remember the arguments for splicing an array? VS Code has you covered. Among its many powerful features, VS Code comes with inbuilt TypeScript intelligence. I primarily use Visual Studio Code as my IDE. There are many others not listed here, but these are some of the best. Let’s start by exploring TypeScript’s benefits. Error messages can be difficult to decipher.


If someone passes a Number to a function that expects a Date, it’s likely that the function will throw an exception unless the function adds some extra code to ensure that the argument is actually a Date. JavaScript’s dynamic typing allows for flexibility, but it adds extra complexity and risk. Understanding TypeScript’s benefits and pitfalls Joe Attardi Follow Software engineer and author focused on frontend/UI topics.
