Why should TypeScript interfaces be utilized in Angular services for defining type information?

What are the benefits of creating an interface for an Angular service as opposed to simply exporting the service class and using that for type information?

For example:

class Dashboard {
    constructor(ui: IUiService){}
}

vs

class Dashboard {
    constructor(ui: UiService){}
}

Is there a performance advantage? What will happen if I opt to only use the service class for type information?

It may seem like extra effort without any clear advantages, unless you have multiple implementations of a service with a common base. Or in situations where you want to mock services in unit tests instead of utilizing them directly.

Edit: I am curious about how the TypeScript compiler handles imports that are solely used for type information. Will it instantiate a constructor or modify the require statement (ES6)? Would it create a new instance of the class?

Answer №1

Not focusing on TypeScript, this question revolves around the usefulness of interfaces. To put it briefly, interfaces help to abstract the implementation details of a service requested by a client. While your current UiService meets your requirements, there may come a time when you need a different implementation or want to create mocks for testing purposes.

Consider a scenario where UiService is upgraded to ProUiService throughout the system. Changing the injection types everywhere in the codebase would be unnecessary hassle.

Reiterating the key point: Clients should be shielded from knowing the concrete implementation of a service they request.

In response to the edit:

The TypeScript compiler needs guidance on where to locate these Class/Interface types. You can achieve this by configuring tsconfig.json or using references (comments) in your code to specify the declaration locations. Whether it's a class or interface type, the location must be made clear to TypeScript.

Remember, when you import a class in ES6 style but only use it for typing purposes without instantiation, the compiler will eliminate it since purely typed entities are not retained in JavaScript. However, if the imported class is utilized like this:

var ui = new UiService(); // This usage will be reflected in the generated JavaScript code

The import statement will not be removed by the compiler.

Answer №2

When you have varying implementations of a service with a shared base or when you need to simulate services in unit tests rather than using them directly.

This is the exact reason why. There is no speed advantage to using interfaces because they do not appear in the transpiled JavaScript.

If you prefer, you can use the service class for type reference, as demonstrated in the Angular Step by Step Guide—just look at how they "Create a class for the array property and inject into component".

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