Syntax - Tasty Web Development Treats

869: Node + TypeScript in 2025

Jan 20, 2025

Scott and Wes dive into the experimental integration of TypeScript in Node, dissecting the nuances of type stripping versus compilation. They reveal the current limitations of Node's type stripping implementation and highlight tools such as tsx and ts-node. The duo also examines alternative environments like Deno and Bun, discussing their evolving roles and benefits for developers. Together, they navigate the intricacies of configuration, debugging, and the exciting advancements in TypeScript that promise to enhance the developer experience.

18:24

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Quick takeaways

Node's experimental type stripping for TypeScript allows direct execution of `.ts` files, simplifying the development process despite limitations on certain features.

Deno and Bun have enhanced TypeScript support with native integration for JSX, pushing Node.js to improve its capabilities for better developer efficiency.

Deep dives

Simplified TypeScript Integration in Node

Node.js has introduced experimental support for running TypeScript directly, eliminating the need for a compilation step. This new feature allows developers to execute TypeScript files without the intermediary of a type stripping or compilation process, making it easier to work with TypeScript in a Node environment. However, this means that some TypeScript features requiring transformation, such as enums, cannot be utilized, as they do not translate into valid JavaScript without a build step. Despite these limitations, the ability to run `.ts` files directly represents a significant advancement in making TypeScript a first-class citizen within the Node ecosystem.

Intro

2min

Mastering TypeScript Configuration

8min

Navigating TypeScript in Node.js

4min

Exploring TypeScript and JS Doc for Enhanced JavaScript Development

2min

Advancements in TypeScript with Dino and Bun

2min

Scott and Wes explore the experimental world of running TypeScript in Node, breaking down the differences between type stripping and compiling. They cover the pros, cons, and quirks of the current implementation, plus explore tools like tsx, ts-node, and even alternatives like Deno.

Show Notes

00:00 Welcome to Syntax!
00:41 Brought to you by Sentry.io.
01:29 Running TypeScript in Node.
01:45 Experimental Type Stripping.
03:17 TypeScript refresher.
04:05 TypeScript can be compiled and/or Type Stripped.
05:09 Current Node implementation is only type stripping.
05:40 Limitations of no compiling.
- 05:57 Enums.
- 08:30 Other issues.
- 08:35 Parameter properties.
09:20 Experimental transform types.
10:01 Importing types with type keyword.
11:17 No need for sourcemaps.
11:42 No dependencies.
- 13:08 Other tools.
- 13:25 tsx.
- 14:28 ts-node.
- 14:44 JSDoc.
- 16:30 Deno and Bun.