Enhance VSCode Intellisense feature to unwrap TypeScript types

Consider the following scenario:

type X = Blob | File;

function printX(x: X) {
    console.log(x);
}

When using VSCode intellisense and calling the function, I am prompted with:

printX(x: X): void

The issue arises when I'm unsure of what type X represents, requiring me to navigate to its definition. What I aim for is a way to notify VSCode to display the "unwrapped" type, such as Blob | File, for the x parameter during input.

Is it feasible to achieve this in VSCode?

Answer №1

When working with TypeScript, there are limitations on how types are displayed and represented in the code. Currently, TypeScript does not provide explicit control over whether types are shown as written or expanded to their definitions. An open feature request exists for improvement in this area (microsoft/TypeScript#45954), but it is not yet part of the language.

To work around this limitation, you can try to leverage the display heuristics of TypeScript. One approach is to manually define the type you want:

function printX(x: Blob | File) {
  console.log(x);
}

If you want to ensure that the displayed type matches your expectations, you can introduce validation checks:

declare var __xTest: X;
declare var __xTest: Blob | File;
//          ^^^^^^^
// Ensure consistency between declarations

Alternatively, using generics can prompt TypeScript to fully evaluate the type when calling a function like printX():

function printX<Y extends X & {}>(x: Y) {
  console.log(x);
}

printX(
//     ^ printX(x: Blob | File): void

Note the need to intersect X with an empty object type to prevent re-evaluation as just

X</code. By creating meaningful type aliases, you can help maintain clarity in your code:</p>
<pre><code>type BlobOrFile = Blob | File;
function printX(x: BlobOrFile) {
  console.log(x);
}

printX(
//     ^ printX(x: BlobOrFile): void

While TypeScript's behavior may be limiting, making strategic choices in defining and naming types can enhance code readability and understanding.

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