Hasty Treat - TypeScript Compilers and Build Tools

Feb 15, 2021

Dive into the world of TypeScript as the hosts explore the roles of compilers and build tools. They break down the distinctions between compilers like TypeScript and Babel, touching on the latest alternatives like SWC and ESBuild. There's a focus on performance and integration, showcasing how ESBuild is changing the game. The duo also discusses the future of JavaScript modules and custom loaders, diving into their functionality and effectiveness in enhancing web development. A must-listen for anyone interested in modern coding practices!

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INSIGHT

TypeScript Compiler Functionality

The TypeScript compiler performs type checking and converts TypeScript to JavaScript.
This helps catch type-related bugs before they reach the user.

ADVICE

Using Babel with TypeScript

Use Babel for easy TypeScript integration if you already have a Babel setup.
It simplifies the transition but skips type checking.

INSIGHT

Combining Babel and TSC

Babel transpiles code but doesn't do type checking, so some use TSC alongside it.
This setup combines transpilation with type safety.

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In this Hasty Treat, Scott and Wes talk about the differences between compilers and build tools in TypeScript.

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Show Notes

03:38 - What is a TypeScript compiler?

Do we still need Babel / WebPack?

07:49 - Babel

Transpiler
It doesn’t do typechecking
New JS features that aren’t in TypeScript yet

10:22 - SWC

Rust based compiler
Doesn’t do type checking (yet)
https://github.com/swc-project/swc/issues/571

13:03 - Deno

Uses tsc right now
Might move to Rust
https://github.com/denoland/deno/issues/5432

13:36 - Surcase

https://github.com/alangpierce/sucrase#transforms

14:46 - ESBuild

Compiles, but doesn’t do any type checking
Fastest

17:39 - What about bundlers?

Parcel
Snowpack
Webpack
ESBuild
When might you still need a bundler?
- To handle different types of files that are non-standard
  - Like importing CSS and images
Treeshaking
Smaller bundle files
- Typescript can concatenate to a single file, or all .js files, but smaller / smarter bundles still need a tool for that
Polyfills
- Typescript does convert to syntax, but will not polyfill features
- Something like Promise
  - Syntax can be transpiled to old code
  - Methods like allSettled aren’t

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