How can a TypeScript sub-module be incorporated into a module that is not written in TypeScript?

Question

How can a TypeScript sub-module be incorporated into a module that is not written in TypeScript?

I have a private typescript module that serves as a dependency for a larger project. This dependency is established by including the typescript repository as a submodule and then installing it using npm into a local sub-folder. The typescript module compiles into JavaScript in its dist folder, allowing the major project to utilize it seamlessly. However, there's an issue - the dist folder is not included in the typescript repository.

What would be the most efficient workflow for consuming this typescript module from a JavaScript-only major project? Currently, my best solution involves manually running the $ tsc command before using the major project, which can be seen as cumbersome since it's not a transparent process. If there is a better approach out there, please share your insights. Thank you!

javascript typescript npm

Answer 1

Answer №1

If you're faced with this decision, there are a few routes you can take.

One straightforward option is to include the dist folder in your repository unless you plan on setting up a private npm registry like Verdaccio. While not uncommon, it's an easy solution that may work best for your needs.
An unconventional yet effective approach involves adding a postinstall script in your TypeScript package's package.json file to trigger the tsc compiler after installation. This method does require adding typescript as a dependency, which may not be ideal since it should typically be a dev dependency, but it could still be a viable choice for some scenarios.
Alternatively, instead of installing the package directly, you could utilize npm link and include a compilation script in your main project to handle compiling when changes occur. You might consider integrating it into your existing scripts like
```
"start": "npm compile-package && webpack"
```
, although this method may not be scalable in the long run.
For projects using Babel, especially larger ones, adjusting the configuration to transpile TypeScript using
```
@babel/plugin-transform-typescript
```
is another option. Keep in mind that certain setups such as projects created with create-react-app might have limitations regarding recompiling code from node_modules.

While there may be other solutions out there, weighing options 1 or 2 could be the way to go.

Answer 2

If you're faced with this decision, there are a few routes you can take.

One straightforward option is to include the dist folder in your repository unless you plan on setting up a private npm registry like Verdaccio. While not uncommon, it's an easy solution that may work best for your needs.
An unconventional yet effective approach involves adding a postinstall script in your TypeScript package's package.json file to trigger the tsc compiler after installation. This method does require adding typescript as a dependency, which may not be ideal since it should typically be a dev dependency, but it could still be a viable choice for some scenarios.
Alternatively, instead of installing the package directly, you could utilize npm link and include a compilation script in your main project to handle compiling when changes occur. You might consider integrating it into your existing scripts like
```
"start": "npm compile-package && webpack"
```
, although this method may not be scalable in the long run.
For projects using Babel, especially larger ones, adjusting the configuration to transpile TypeScript using
```
@babel/plugin-transform-typescript
```
is another option. Keep in mind that certain setups such as projects created with create-react-app might have limitations regarding recompiling code from node_modules.

While there may be other solutions out there, weighing options 1 or 2 could be the way to go.

How can a TypeScript sub-module be incorporated into a module that is not written in TypeScript?

Answer №1

Similar questions

React Native automatically triggers the onPress event when using withNavigation

Angular: Comparing the Performance of Switch Statements and Dictionary Lookups

Showing the number of guilds as an action displayed on the screen

Managing DOM Elements After Loading

Experiencing CORS issue on the frontend while using Django backend

Using XmlHttpRequest to send a zipped file created with JSZip in JavaScript

Example of sending a POST request using Ajax

issue with displaying content with useEffect hook

Cost calculation algorithm in javascript

Enhance the type declarations in Angular using TypeScript

Exporting Datatables to excel does not remove HTML tags as expected

What is the best way to retrieve a list of unchecked checkboxes in a Razor Page model?

AngularJS Facebook Events is a platform that combines the power

Modify select options using JavaScript without losing the selected choice

`Trouble with javascript, ajax, and PHP - insert onSubmit is not functioning properly and POST is

Protractor - How to Locate Ui-Sref Links

Utilize the circliful jQuery plugin within an Angular project

Issue #2032: AJAX causing OpenFlashChart error; solution found with PHP

minimize the size of the image within a popup window

JS form submission problem