1.3 Getting Started with TypeScript:

Taking your first steps with TypeScript is easier than you might think! Here’s a basic guide to get you started:

1. Setting Up Your Environment:

• Install Node.js: This is a prerequisite for running TypeScript as it provides the necessary JavaScript runtime environment. You can download and install Node.js from the official website https://nodejs.org/en.
• Install TypeScript compiler: Once you have Node.js, use the npm package manager to install the TypeScript compiler globally:

Bash

npm install -g typescript

2. Creating Your First TypeScript File:

• Open your preferred text editor or IDE (Integrated Development Environment).
• Create a new file with the .ts extension (e.g., hello.ts).

3. Writing Your First TypeScript Code:

• You can start with basic JavaScript syntax, and TypeScript will infer the types automatically:

TypeScript

let message: string = "Hello, world!";
console.log(message);

• In this example, message is declared as a variable of type string, indicating it can only hold text data.

4. Compiling Your TypeScript Code:

• Use the tsc command to compile your TypeScript code into regular JavaScript:

Bash

tsc hello.ts

• This will create a new file named hello.js containing the compiled JavaScript code.

5. Running Your JavaScript Code:

• Run the generated JavaScript file using Node.js:

Bash

node hello.js

• This will print the “Hello, world!” message to the console.

Additional Tips:

• Consider using an IDE or code editor with built-in TypeScript support. These tools offer features like syntax highlighting, type checking, and autocompletion, significantly improving your development experience.
• Explore online resources and tutorials to delve deeper into TypeScript’s features and best practices.
• There are several online playgrounds and online IDEs specifically designed for TypeScript, allowing you to experiment with the language directly in your browser.

By following these steps and exploring resources, you can take your first steps into the world of TypeScript and unlock the benefits it offers for your software development projects.