The Basics: Typescript

What is it?

Typescript is a "superset" of Javascript, that adds typechecking and other features to the Javascript language. Typescript doesn't have its own runtime, instead it is compiled into Javascript, which is then run on the Javascript runtime.

Why do we use it instead of plain Javascript?

• adds a semblance of "type checking" to Javascript, which can reduce many common bugs (15% of all Javascript bugs according to this study)
• adds new features that Javascript doesn't have, and compiles them down to be compatible with any JS version
• makes it easier to understand an unfamiliar codebase
• A good way to get started with learning static types if languages like Rust or Java are interesting but you want to start out slow

Setup

1. Install NVM (Node Version Manager)

• Installing & Updating NVM

2. Install Node (a Javascript Runtime) via NVM

• Instructions

nvm install node

in a new terminal window, test that it works:

node --version

3. Install Typescript Globally

node automatically comes with npm a Package Manager for Javascript/Typescript projects

npm install -g typescript