Phil Nash
Aug 11, 2023
4 Steps from JavaScript to TypeScript
#1about 4 minutes
Evaluating the pros and cons of TypeScript adoption
Consider the benefits of type safety and improved tooling against the costs of a learning curve and build overhead before migrating a project.
#2about 3 minutes
Step 1: Enable TypeScript type checking for JavaScript files
Use editor settings like `checkJs` or a `// @ts-check` comment to get immediate type feedback on your JavaScript code without any build changes.
#3about 5 minutes
Step 2: Introduce the TypeScript compiler with a minimal setup
Add TypeScript as a dependency and configure `tsconfig.json` with non-strict settings like `allowJs` to compile existing JavaScript without errors.
#4about 3 minutes
Step 3: Enable build-time type checking for JavaScript files
Activate `checkJs` in your `tsconfig.json` to enforce type safety during the build and install necessary `@types` packages for dependencies.
#5about 4 minutes
Leverage JS Doc for type safety in JavaScript
Add types to your JavaScript project using JS Doc comments, allowing TypeScript to provide strong typing without converting files to `.ts`.
#6about 5 minutes
Step 4: Incrementally convert JavaScript files to TypeScript
Gradually rename `.js` files to `.ts` one at a time, updating syntax from CommonJS to ES Modules and adding explicit types as you go.
#7about 2 minutes
Recap of the four-step JavaScript to TypeScript migration
Review the complete migration path, from enabling editor checks and introducing the compiler to incrementally converting files and adding types.
#8about 2 minutes
How to convince your team to adopt TypeScript
Demonstrate the value of TypeScript by enabling `checkJs` on an existing project to reveal hidden type-related issues as a practical proof point.
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