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TypeScript: 10 Essential Things I Wish Knew Before Starting

By Aboli Jade

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TypeScript: 10 Essential Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting
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Introduction: When I first started with TypeScript, I assumed it would be just like JavaScript with a few small differences. After facing some errors and spending hours in frustration, I realized how wrong I was. This blog is a collection of all the “aha!” and “uh-oh” moments I experienced, so you can skip the confusion and become productive faster.


1) The JavaScript Trap

Coming from JavaScript, you might think you can write JS code and just “add types later.” That mindset works… until it doesn’t. TypeScript shines when you embrace static typing from the start — trying to retrofit types into messy JS logic is a painful experience.


2) TypeScript is Not Just “Types for JS”

TypeScript isn’t only about types — it’s about writing predictable, maintainable code. You’ll quickly discover it brings:
Better editor support
Fewer runtime bugs
Easier refactoring
Think of it as a superset of JavaScript with superpowers, not just a safety net.


3) Interfaces vs Types – Don’t Let Them Confuse You

You’ll often wonder: Should I use interface or type?
Here’s the simplified answer:

1) Use interface for object shapes and class contracts
2) Use type for everything else (union types, primitives, aliases)

They’re mostly interchangeable, but knowing this early avoids confusion.


4) Watch Out for “any”

Any type is TypeScript’s escape hatch. It lets you write unsafe code that bypasses the type checker — tempting when you’re in a hurry.


My advice :

Use any only when necessary, and always with a comment explaining why.

5) Type Inference is Your Best Friend (and Enemy)

TypeScript is smart — it infers types based on how variables are initialized.

Example:
const age = 25; // inferred as number

But if you’re not careful, it might imply too much or too little. Always check what TypeScript thinks your variable is. Use as const or explicit types when needed.


6) Avoid Overengineering with Types

One of my early mistakes was over-typing everything.
If you find yourself writing types longer than your code, pause. You probably don’t need to type every nested object or function signature right away.

Keep it simple.

Type as needed, not everything upfront.


7) Debugging Gets Easier with TypeScript

One of the biggest advantages I noticed after switching to TypeScript was how much easier debugging became. Since TypeScript catches many errors before you even run your code, I spent less time hunting down bugs in the browser. For example, simple issues like typos in variable names or incorrect data types are flagged instantly by the TypeScript compiler.

This helps reduce the number of runtime errors and gives you more confidence when pushing your code to production. Once you get used to these early warnings, going back to plain JavaScript feels like driving without a seatbelt.


8) Tooling Matters – Use These Extensions & Linters

The right tools make TypeScript easier:

  1. VS Code + TypeScript extension (best combo)
  2.  ESLint with TypeScript plugin
  3.  Prettier for auto-formatting
  4.  tsconfig.json tweaked for your project’s needs 

Good tooling reduces friction and improves code quality.


9) Must-Have Resources I Wish I Knew Earlier

TypeScript Docs (Beginner Friendly)
Type Challenges (Fun & Mind-blowing)
TypeScript Handbook Cheatsheet

10) You Don’t Need to Know Everything to Start

One last thing — don’t feel like you need to master all of TypeScript to begin using it. It’s okay to start small. Use types where it makes sense, get used to the syntax, and slowly expand your knowledge. The more projects you build, the more it will make sense naturally.

TypeScript has a lot to offer, but you can learn it step by step without getting overwhelmed.


Final Thoughts – My Advice to Beginners

  1.  Don’t rush it — learning TypeScript is a journey.
  2. Build something real with it — that’s when it clicks.
  3.  Ask yourself: “Do I understand why I’m typing this?”

TypeScript is worth the effort. It pays off in cleaner code, fewer bugs, and better collaboration.


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