How to Install TypeScript: Getting Started with Your First Project - Beginner Tips

Setting up TypeScript is straightforward and takes just a few steps. Here's how you can get started

Step 1: Install TypeScript

TypeScript is installed via npm, the Node.js package manager. If you don’t have Node.js installed, download and install it first from Node.js official site.

Then, install TypeScript globally by running:

npm install -g typescript

Verify the installation by checking the version:

tsc --version

This command will output the installed TypeScript version.

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Step 2: Set Up a New Project

1. Create a Project Folder:

mkdir my-typescript-project
cd my-typescript-project

1. Initialize a New npm Project:
   This creates a package.json file to manage dependencies.

npm init -y

1. Install TypeScript Locally (optional):
   For project-specific use, add TypeScript as a dependency:

npm install --save-dev typescript

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Step 3: Create a tsconfig.json

TypeScript uses tsconfig.json to define project settings. Generate it with:

tsc --init

This creates a file with default options like:

{
  "compilerOptions": {
    "target": "ES6",
    "module": "commonjs",
    "strict": true,
    "outDir": "./dist",
    "rootDir": "./src"
  }
}

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Step 4: Write Your First TypeScript File

1. Create a src folder and a file named index.ts:

mkdir src
echo 'console.log("Hello, TypeScript!");' > src/index.ts

1. Compile the file to JavaScript using:

tsc

1. By default, TypeScript compiles the file and places the output in a dist folder (based on tsconfig.json).

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Step 5: Run the Compiled JavaScript

Execute the compiled file using Node.js:

node dist/index.js

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Congratulations! 🎉

You’ve set up your first TypeScript project! Next steps include exploring type annotations, configuring strict options, and diving into more advanced features.