Post

Setting Up TypeScript: A Step-by-Step Journey

Posted Updated
By Lijo Sebastian
2 min read
Setting Up TypeScript: A Step-by-Step Journey

Imagine stepping into the world of web development and discovering a tool that can enhance JavaScript with powerful static typing, making your code more scalable and error-free. That’s where TypeScript comes in! But before we can wield this mighty tool, we need to prepare our system—starting with Node.js.

What is Node.js and Why Do You Need It?

Think of Node.js as the bridge that allows JavaScript to transcend its browser-bound existence. Traditionally, JavaScript was confined to web browsers, but Node.js unlocked its potential for server-side development, opening doors to high-speed backend applications. So, why does TypeScript need Node.js? Simple! Node.js comes with npm (Node Package Manager), which helps in managing the packages we need—including TypeScript itself.

Installing Node.js on Windows & macOS

To begin your journey, follow these steps to install Node.js:

Download Node.js

  • Visit the official Node.js website and grab the latest LTS (Long-Term Support) version for your OS.

Install Node.js

  • Windows: Run the .msi installer and follow the simple wizard.
  • macOS: Open the .pkg file and complete the setup process

Verify Installation

  • Open a terminal (Command Prompt for Windows, Terminal for macOS) and type: node -v
  • If you see a version number, congratulations! Node.js is successfully installed.

Check npm Version

  • Run: npm -v
  • This ensures npm is set up correctly, as we’ll need it next.

Installing TypeScript Using npm

Now that Node.js is ready, let’s install TypeScript:

Global Installation

  • Type the following command in the terminal: npm install -g typescript
  • The -g flag ensures TypeScript is available throughout the system

Verify Installation

  • Check the TypeScript version with: tsc -v
  • If you see a version number, TypeScript is now part of your toolkit!

Project-Specific Installation (Optional)

  • If you want TypeScript installed only within a specific project, navigate to the project folder and run:

npm install --save-dev typescript

  • This keeps TypeScript as a development dependency.

Common Issues & Their Solutions

Even seasoned developers stumble upon issues during installation. Here are the most common ones:

1. npm Command Not Found

✅ Solution: Ensure Node.js was installed correctly. If issues persist, reinstall Node.js and try again.

2. Permission Errors While Installing TypeScript

✅ Solution: Use the administrator mode in Windows or sudo in macOS: sudo npm install -g typescript

3. ‘tsc’ Not Recognized

✅ Solution: Restart the terminal or add npm’s global path manually:

  • Windows: Add C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Roaming\npm to your system’s PATH.
  • macOS/Linux: Add export PATH=$PATH:$(npm bin -g) to your .bashrc or .zshrc.

4. Incorrect Node.js Version

✅ Solution: Update Node.js using:

1
2

npm install -g n
n latest

Final Thoughts

Setting up TypeScript is like crafting the perfect foundation for a grand structure. With Node.js as the backbone and TypeScript adding clarity and robustness, developers can build more reliable, scalable projects.

Would love to hear from you—what’s been your experience installing TypeScript? Have you run into any surprises along the way?

Enjoy this blog? Buy Me A Coffee 💖 Sponsor on GitHub
blog, archives
Typescript install node node js install node package manager npm install typescript
This post is licensed under CC BY 4.0 by the author.