What is TypeScript?
TypeScript is a language that sits on top of JavaScript. It adds a layer of type safety, so you can catch mistakes before your code runs. Think of it as giving JavaScript a hard hat.
Why Switch?
If you write big projects, TypeScript can save you time. It points out typos in variable names or wrong function arguments while you type. That means less bugs in production.
It also helps teams. When everyone uses the same types, new developers read code faster. No more guessing what a variable contains.
Getting Started
Start with the simplest setup. Install Node.js if you haven’t. Then run:
npm init -y
npm install typescript --save-dev
npx tsc --init
This creates a tsconfig.json file that tells the TypeScript compiler how to run.
Now write a file greet.ts:
function greet(name: string): string {
return `Hello, ${name}!`;
}
console.log(greet('World'));
Run npx tsc greet.ts and then node greet.js. If you miss a type, the compiler will shout out an error before you even run the code.
Practical Tips
Use interfaces for objects. They describe the shape of data.
interface Person {
name: string;
age: number;
}
const bob: Person = { name: 'Bob', age: 30 };
Leverage type inference. TypeScript often guesses the type for you. You can write:
const flag = true; // TypeScript knows this is a boolean
Write small helper functions with explicit types. That makes refactoring safe.
When you use third‑party libraries, install the type definitions. For example:
npm install @types/react
Now your editor knows how React components should look.
Bottom Line
TypeScript is not a new tool you learn, it’s a safety net for JavaScript. Start small, add types gradually, and watch your code become clearer and more reliable. Happy coding!