How To Install TypeScript : Step-by-Step Beginner Guide

In this article, we'll take a look at Hide

1) Key Benefits:

2) Prerequisites: Node.js and npm

2.1) Step 1: Check if Node.js is installed

3) Step-by-Step Installation of TypeScript

3.1) Step 2: Install TypeScript Globally

3.2) Step 3: Verify TypeScript Installation

3.3) Step 4: Initialize a TypeScript Project (Optional but Recommended)

3.4) Step 5: Writing Your First TypeScript Code

4) Optional: Installing TypeScript Locally (Per Project)

TypeScript is a powerful, open-source programming language developed and maintained by Microsoft. It builds on JavaScript by adding optional static types, interfaces, and modern ES6+ features, making large-scale application development easier, more reliable, and helping you catch errors early. If you’re ready to take your JavaScript to the next level, here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started with installing TypeScript.

Key Benefits:

Type safety
Improved code readability
Powerful tooling with IDE support
Easier debugging
Better scalability for large projects

Prerequisites: Node.js and npm

Before installing TypeScript, make sure you have the following:

Node.js and npm installed: Node.js is a JavaScript runtime that includes npm (Node Package Manager), which we’ll use to install TypeScript.

Step 1: Check if Node.js is installed

Open your terminal or command prompt and run:

node -v

node -v

If you see a version number, Node.js is installed. If not, download and install it from https://nodejs.org. After installation, verify npm:

npm -v

npm -v

Step-by-Step Installation of TypeScript

Step 2: Install TypeScript Globally

Now that you have npm ready, install TypeScript globally so you can use the tsc (TypeScript Compiler) command from anywhere:

npm install -g typescript

1	npm install -g typescript

The -g flag installs TypeScript globally on your machine.

Step 3: Verify TypeScript Installation

Once installed, check the TypeScript version to confirm everything worked:

tsc -v

tsc -v

You should see something like:

Version 5.x.x

1	Version 5.x.x

Congratulations! TypeScript is now installed.

Step 4: Initialize a TypeScript Project (Optional but Recommended)

If you’re starting a new project, it’s best to initialize a tsconfig.json file that contains TypeScript configuration settings. Navigate to your project folder and run:

tsc --init

1	tsc --init

This will generate a tsconfig.json file. You can customize it according to your project needs.

Step 5: Writing Your First TypeScript Code

Create a new file called hello.ts:

function greet(name: string) {
  console.log("Hello, " + name + "!");
}

greet("World");

function greet(name: string) {

console.log("Hello, " + name + "!");

}

greet("World");

Now compile it to JavaScript using:

tsc hello.ts

1	tsc hello.ts

This will generate a hello.js file. Run it using Node.js:

node hello.js

1	node hello.js

Output:

Hello, World!

1	Hello, World!

Optional: Installing TypeScript Locally (Per Project)

Sometimes, you might want to install TypeScript only for a specific project:

Initialize npm in your project folder:

npm init -y

1

npm init -y
Install TypeScript locally:

npm install --save-dev typescript

1

npm install --save-dev typescript

You can then run the compiler via:

npx tsc

npx tsc

This ensures everyone working on the project uses the same TypeScript version.

Installing TypeScript is straightforward, even for beginners. With just a few steps, you unlock a powerful toolset that helps you write better, safer, and more maintainable code. Happy coding with TypeScript!