Visual Studio 2017 Now Offers Enhanced Support for Typescript

Lately, I've been diving into TypeScript and came across some videos where they mentioned using the 'Web Essentials' extension in Visual Studio 2012. This extension provides a preview panel for .ts files so you can see the JavaScript code as you type.

However, when I tried installing Web Essentials on VS 2017, I couldn't find this feature. Does anyone know how to enable this in VS 2017? Also, is the support for TypeScript the same in both versions?

Answer №1

If you're using Visual Studio 2017, TypeScript comes pre-installed with Update 2, which includes the latest version 2.3 and allows for side by side installations. If you don't have it, you can easily add it through the Visual Studio Installer - simply click on the burger menu, select Modify, then go to Individual Components and choose TypeScript under SDKs, Libraries, and Frameworks.

After installation, you can configure TypeScript's behavior by creating a tsconfig.json file. Here's an example:

{
    "compileOnSave": true,
    "compilerOptions":
    {
        "noImplicitAny": false,
        "noEmitOnError": true,
        "removeComments": false,
        "sourceMap": true,
        "target": "es5"
    },
    "exclude":
    [
        "node_modules"
    ]
}

The key setting here is compileOnSave, which triggers compilation of the JavaScript file when saving the TypeScript file in Visual Studio.

Once set up, you'll notice a nested JavaScript file within your TypeScript file like this:

https://i.sstatic.net/wCtch.png

To see changes in real-time, open both files side by side and enable automatic updating (you may need to tick the always update option if prompted by VS). Now, whenever you save the TypeScript file, the corresponding JavaScript file will update automatically.

Answer №2

It appears that there is no official documentation for the inclusion of a TS preview pane in Visual Studio 2017. However, it was noted that this feature was removed from Web Essentials 2015 due to conflicts with the TypeScript compiler. You can refer to this Github link for more information.

The TS preview pane was omitted from Web Essentials 2015 because of ongoing issues with the TS compiler compatibility. The TS team is aware of this and there are hopes that this feature will be reintegrated into the TS tooling in the future. It is possible that the new Web Compiler extensions () may include preview panes once they have been developed.

Answer №3

Here is a workaround I discovered that may be a bit time-consuming but can be helpful for those moments when you need to check the output.

Despite having VS2017, web essentials, and web compiler installed, it seems that support for TypeScript is still lacking as of version 15.4. Attempts to get tsconfig.json to work were also unsuccessful.

To reveal hidden files in your project, locate the corresponding js file, then drag the tab to create a split screen view (image reference: https://i.sstatic.net/lGmOD.png).

After making changes and saving the ts file, a popup might appear stating "The file has changed." Look for a checkbox that says "AutoRestore if no changes detected" (paraphrased), select it, and choose "Yes to All" to refresh the js file. Subsequent changes to the ts file will update the js file accordingly.

This method may not be perfect, but I found it quite handy in replicating the preview of JavaScript shown in tutorials or courses.

Answer №4

To ensure proper functionality in Visual Studio 2017, it is essential to add the "Node.js development" Workload either during the initial installation phase or by adjusting your current setup through the New Project dialog accessed by selecting the "Not finding what you're looking for? Open Visual Studio Installer" link.

Afterwards, navigating to File > New > Project... will display a selection of Javascript and Typescript project templates under the Installed category.

Answer №5

After recently installing web essentials 2017, I am unsure if it is a mandatory step. My current query revolves around the process of opening two files side by side in VS 2017; specifically dealing with a typescript file alongside its corresponding js file.

To achieve this, there are specific steps that need to be followed:

To begin, open both files simultaneously by double-clicking on them from the Solution Explorer.

https://i.sstatic.net/fKVMm.jpg

Following that, locate the identified red box as highlighted above and drag down the Car.js file tab.

https://i.sstatic.net/iMmXs.jpg

You will then notice five small squares, encircled within a red square box. Hover your cursor over any of the four outer small squares - I have chosen the right one in the demonstration below.

https://i.sstatic.net/CELjv.jpg

There you have it.

It seems this functionality does not rely on web essentials and exists within VS as a feature. Feel free to share if you were successful in performing this task without having web essentials installed.

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