@total-typescript/tsconfig

tsconfig.json can seem extremely scary. But really, it's only 2 or 3 decisions you need to make.

This package makes those decisions even easier. Based on my TSConfig Cheat Sheet.

Setup

1. Install:

npm install --save-dev @total-typescript/tsconfig

2. Choose which tsconfig.json you need from the list below.

3. Add it to your tsconfig.json:

{
  // I'm building an app that runs in the DOM with an external bundler
  "extends": "@total-typescript/tsconfig/bundler/dom/app"
}

List of TSConfigs

The tricky thing about tsconfig.json is there is not a single config file that can work for everyone. But, with two or three questions, we can get there:

Are You Using tsc To Turn Your .ts Files Into .js Files?

Yes

If yes, use this selection of configs:

{
  // My code runs in the DOM:
  "extends": "@total-typescript/tsconfig/tsc/dom/app", // For an app
  "extends": "@total-typescript/tsconfig/tsc/dom/library", // For a library
  "extends": "@total-typescript/tsconfig/tsc/dom/library-monorepo", // For a library in a monorepo

  // My code _doesn't_ run in the DOM (for instance, in Node.js):
  "extends": "@total-typescript/tsconfig/tsc/no-dom/app", // For an app
  "extends": "@total-typescript/tsconfig/tsc/no-dom/library", // For a library
  "extends": "@total-typescript/tsconfig/tsc/no-dom/library-monorepo" // For a library in a monorepo
}

No

If no, you're probably using an external bundler. Most frontend frameworks, like Vite, Remix, Astro, Nuxt, and others, will fall into this category. If so, use this selection of configs:

{
  // My code runs in the DOM:
  "extends": "@total-typescript/tsconfig/bundler/dom/app", // For an app
  "extends": "@total-typescript/tsconfig/bundler/dom/library", // For a library
  "extends": "@total-typescript/tsconfig/bundler/dom/library-monorepo", // For a library in a monorepo

  // My code _doesn't_ run in the DOM (for instance, in Node.js):
  "extends": "@total-typescript/tsconfig/bundler/no-dom/app", // For an app
  "extends": "@total-typescript/tsconfig/bundler/no-dom/library", // For a library
  "extends": "@total-typescript/tsconfig/bundler/no-dom/library-monorepo" // For a library in a monorepo
}

Options Not Covered:

jsx

If your app has JSX, you can set the jsx option in your tsconfig.json:

{
  "extends": "@total-typescript/tsconfig/bundler/dom/app",
  "compilerOptions": {
    "jsx": "react-jsx"
  }
}

outDir

Mostly relevant for when you're transpiling with tsc. If you want to change the output directory of your compiled files, you can set the outDir option in your tsconfig.json:

{
  "extends": "@total-typescript/tsconfig/tsc/no-dom/library",
  "compilerOptions": {
    "outDir": "dist"
  }
}

Framework-Specific Options

I don't yet cover framework-specific options, like vite, next, remix, etc. With enough persuasion, I might add them in the future.

Why Not Use @tsconfig/bases?

The @tsconfig/bases package is a great resource for TypeScript configurations. However, I disagree with the idea that there is a single "recommended" configuration that works for everyone.

Also, I wanted a set of tsconfig.json files that I controlled so I could use them to keep my Total TypeScript Course Repos up to date.

If you're looking for a great TypeScript course, check out Total TypeScript.