Guide to creating a TypeScript library for the browser without relying on any NodeJS API or modules

Question

Guide to creating a TypeScript library for the browser without relying on any NodeJS API or modules

After working on some code that utilizes plain browser Javascript APIs and can be executed within a browser HTML environment (served by IIS Server or Chrome Extensions), I am eager to contribute to the community by creating a library that is not currently available in the market. However, when examining existing solutions, I am overwhelmed by the complexities of building a project (WebPack/Browserify etc). It's worth mentioning that I have limited experience with NodeJS/NPM.

For instance, I have a TypeScript project with the main file AwesomeClass.ts structured as follows:

import { Helper1 } from "./Helper1.js";
import { Helper2 } from "./Helper2.js";

export class AwesomeClass {
    doSomething() {
        new Helper1().doSomething();
        new Helper2().doSomething();
    }
}

When compiled using tsc (I utilize VS Code as my IDE), I can neatly package this into a JavaScript module that can be run in a browser.

import { AwesomeClass } from "./AwesomeClass.js";

// Utilizing AwesomeClass functionality

Therefore, my query is centered around how to build and distribute the AwesomeClass. Perhaps NPM might not be necessary, but what about utilizing a CDN? Ideally, I envision having the following outputs in a dist folder where developers can either host the files themselves or use a CDN:

awesomeclass.js: Catering to those who prefer using AwesomeClass without the necessity of modules (referred to as UMD?). Essentially, exposing the AwesomeClass globally.
awesomeclass.es6.js: Tailored for individuals who wish to employ the import statement, such as
```
import { AwesomeClass } from "https://cdn.example.com/awesomeclass.es6.js";
```
. This approach resonates with me and is the one I prefer.
I would also need something like awesomeclass.d.ts to accommodate TypeScript users. This poses a unique challenge because I currently lack understanding regarding its implementation for the 2nd scenario. TypeScript struggles to interpret types from import statements in JavaScript, adding another layer of complexity.

In all scenarios, I am inclined towards having just one packed js/ts file if feasible. Nevertheless, it's not a deal-breaker if I'm unable to achieve this (i.e., users may need to download Helper1.js and Helper2.js separately).

Here is a glimpse of my current tsconfig.json:

{
    "compileOnSave": true,
    "compilerOptions": {
        "noImplicitAny": true,
        "target": "ES2020",
        "module": "ES2020",
        "declaration": true
    },
    "exclude": [
        "node_modules"
    ]
}

javascript typescript browser compilation shared-libraries

Answer 1

Answer №1

It appears that you have a variety of inquiries, each with multiple potential responses, so I will offer an overview of your options.

Merging all Content into One File

You mentioned the desire to compile everything into a single file. This can be achieved in two ways: using webpack for client bundling or directly utilizing TypeScript.

If opting for TypeScript, designate an outFile, but note that it necessitates setting the module to amd or system, which may not be ideal. For smoother results, webpack and the output option coupled with ts-loader are recommended instead.
Do consider that this method is suitable primarily for web-serving purposes rather than library construction. If creating an npm package for external installation via commands like npx packageName or imports such as
```
import somePackage from some-package
```
, compiling to a /lib directory in JavaScript format is more appropriate.

Building and Distributing Processes

The building and dissemination methods largely depend on the nature and usage of your project, presenting two primary options:

You can either host the code on a server under a designated domain for direct downloading or utilize a Git repository link. Alternatively, employ webpack for server-side rendering alongside API exposure for dynamic content delivery upon user request.
An alternative route involves packaging the code traditionally, hosting it on the official npm registry for streamlined accessibility, enabling users to install and import packages effortlessly.

Your description suggests a focus on developing an npm package, which entails packaging, TypeScript compilation, npm account setup, and registry submission. The concern regarding consolidating all code into one file is negligible, as imported modules within the package remain concealed to external users.

For browser execution, relying solely on TypeScript might be insufficient; incorporating webpack—with possible inclusion of Babel for wider browser support and polyfills integration—is highly advisable. Subsequently, use webpack to compile the bundled code for web deployment and publishing on the npm registry.

The selection among these approaches hinges entirely on the project's specifics, target audience, and intended utilization scenarios.

Answer 2

It appears that you have a variety of inquiries, each with multiple potential responses, so I will offer an overview of your options.

Merging all Content into One File

You mentioned the desire to compile everything into a single file. This can be achieved in two ways: using webpack for client bundling or directly utilizing TypeScript.

If opting for TypeScript, designate an outFile, but note that it necessitates setting the module to amd or system, which may not be ideal. For smoother results, webpack and the output option coupled with ts-loader are recommended instead.
Do consider that this method is suitable primarily for web-serving purposes rather than library construction. If creating an npm package for external installation via commands like npx packageName or imports such as
```
import somePackage from some-package
```
, compiling to a /lib directory in JavaScript format is more appropriate.

Building and Distributing Processes

The building and dissemination methods largely depend on the nature and usage of your project, presenting two primary options:

You can either host the code on a server under a designated domain for direct downloading or utilize a Git repository link. Alternatively, employ webpack for server-side rendering alongside API exposure for dynamic content delivery upon user request.
An alternative route involves packaging the code traditionally, hosting it on the official npm registry for streamlined accessibility, enabling users to install and import packages effortlessly.

Your description suggests a focus on developing an npm package, which entails packaging, TypeScript compilation, npm account setup, and registry submission. The concern regarding consolidating all code into one file is negligible, as imported modules within the package remain concealed to external users.

For browser execution, relying solely on TypeScript might be insufficient; incorporating webpack—with possible inclusion of Babel for wider browser support and polyfills integration—is highly advisable. Subsequently, use webpack to compile the bundled code for web deployment and publishing on the npm registry.

The selection among these approaches hinges entirely on the project's specifics, target audience, and intended utilization scenarios.

Answer 3

Answer №2

These core requirements should be included in the `tsconfig.json` file

{
    "compilerOptions": {
        "lib": ["es6", "es2020.promise", "dom", "es2020"],
        "declaration": true,
        "target": "es2020",
        "module": "es2020"
    }
}

If you want to bundle everything into a single file, using a tool like `webpack` might be necessary; however, I'm not well-versed enough on this topic to provide guidance, apologies.

Answer 4

These core requirements should be included in the `tsconfig.json` file

{
    "compilerOptions": {
        "lib": ["es6", "es2020.promise", "dom", "es2020"],
        "declaration": true,
        "target": "es2020",
        "module": "es2020"
    }
}

If you want to bundle everything into a single file, using a tool like `webpack` might be necessary; however, I'm not well-versed enough on this topic to provide guidance, apologies.

Guide to creating a TypeScript library for the browser without relying on any NodeJS API or modules

Answer №1

Answer №2

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