TypeScript Tips for Better Code

Why TypeScript?

TypeScript adds static typing to JavaScript, catching errors at compile time rather than runtime. This leads to more robust applications and better developer experience.

Essential Tips

1. Use Strict Mode

Always enable strict mode in your tsconfig.json:

{
  "compilerOptions": {
    "strict": true
  }
}

2. Prefer Interfaces for Object Types

interface User {
  id: string;
  name: string;
  email: string;
}

// Use the interface
function getUser(id: string): User {
  // ...
}

3. Use Discriminated Unions

type Result<T> =
  | { success: true; data: T }
  | { success: false; error: string };

function handleResult<T>(result: Result<T>) {
  if (result.success) {
    console.log(result.data); // TypeScript knows data exists
  } else {
    console.error(result.error); // TypeScript knows error exists
  }
}

4. Leverage Type Inference

Don’t over-annotate. TypeScript is smart:

// Unnecessary
const name: string = "John";

// Better - TypeScript infers the type
const name = "John";

Conclusion

TypeScript is an investment that pays dividends in code quality and developer productivity. Start with these tips and gradually adopt more advanced patterns as you grow comfortable.