Exploring the most effective strategies for creating a brand-new type in TypeScript?

In the execution environment I'm working with, there are several global constants that represent different directions:

TOP = 1
TOP_RIGHT = 2
RIGHT = 3
BOTTOM_RIGHT = 4
BOTTOM = 5
BOTTOM_LEFT = 6
LEFT = 7
TOP_LEFT = 8

These constants are not just random values, but actually represent specific directions. I want to categorize them under the DIRECTION type so that I can assign them like this:

let test: DIRECTION = TOP_LEFT;
let foo: DIRECTION = TOP;
let bar: DIRECTION = LEFT;
let target: DIRECTION = RIGHT;

I have explored different options on how to achieve this in the direction.d.ts file:

  1. Using enums requires a lot of syntax and boilerplate, making it less desirable in this scenario.
  2. The type keyword seems limited in creating a new type that is not just an alias of another type. For example, type DIRECTION=integer; works but type DIRECTION; does not. This approach is not ideal as it doesn't prevent nonsensical operations like BOTTOM-2.
  3. Creating an interface DIRECTION {} seems to provide the desired outcome by defining a new type. However, it may be seen as abusing the typing system as interfaces are commonly used for classes.

What is the most TypeScript-friendly way to implement this?

Answer №1

If you want to assign values using const and type, here's how you can do it:

const FIRST = 1
const SECOND = 2
type NUMBER = 1 | 2

let x: NUMBER = FIRST

However, some may argue that using enum would be a more suitable option in this case.

While the following code is technically valid, it might not be the most recommended approach:

const NUM_ONE = 1
let y: NUMBER = NUM_ONE

Answer №2

Regarding the first solution that was originally provided:

define enum Direction {
    NORTH = 1,
    NORTHEAST = 2,
    EAST = 3,
    SOUTHEAST = 4,
    SOUTH = 5,
    SOUTHWEST = 6,
    WEST = 7,
    NORTHWEST = 8
}
define const NORTH=Direction.NORTH
define const NORTHEAST=Direction.NORTHEAST
define const EAST=Direction.EAST
define const SOUTHEAST=Direction.SOUTHEAST
define const SOUTH=Direction.SOUTH
define const SOUTHWEST=Direction.SOUTHWEST
define const WEST=Direction.WEST
define const NORTHWEST=Direction.NORTHWEST

Answer №3

Regarding the third concept mentioned earlier:

interface DIRECTION {}

declare const TOP: DIRECTION;
declare const TOP_RIGHT: DIRECTION;
declare const RIGHT: DIRECTION;
declare const BOTTOM_RIGHT: DIRECTION;
declare const BOTTOM: DIRECTION;
declare const BOTTOM_LEFT: DIRECTION;
declare const LEFT: DIRECTION;
declare const TOP_LEFT: DIRECTION;

This code offers a more concise solution compared to using enum.

I am open to suggestions and improvements to further enhance this approach.

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