TypeScript Local Setup Guide Steps | Generated by AI
To run TypeScript locally, you’ll usually use npm and the TypeScript compiler (tsc). Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Initialize Your Project
If you don’t already have a package.json:
npm init -y
This creates a package.json so you can manage dependencies.
2. Install TypeScript
Install it as a dev dependency:
npm install typescript --save-dev
If you also want the TypeScript compiler (tsc) available globally:
npm install -g typescript
3. Create a tsconfig.json
Generate a default config file:
npx tsc --init
This creates tsconfig.json which controls how TypeScript compiles your files (target, module system, strict mode, etc.).
4. Write a TypeScript File
Example index.ts:
function greet(name: string): string {
return `Hello, ${name}!`;
}
console.log(greet("World"));
5. Compile TypeScript
Run:
npx tsc
This compiles all .ts files according to tsconfig.json.
Or, to compile just one file:
npx tsc index.ts
This generates a .js file (e.g., index.js).
6. Run the Compiled JavaScript
Use Node.js:
node index.js
7. Optional: Auto-compile on Save
Run with --watch so it recompiles whenever you edit:
npx tsc --watch
👉 That’s the standard workflow:
npm install → tsc (compile) → node (run compiled code).
Do you want me to also show you how to skip manual compilation by running TypeScript directly with ts-node?