myHotTake

Tag: TypeScript optimization

  • How to Speed Up TypeScript Builds: A Winning Strategy

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    I like to think of optimizing TypeScript projects for faster build times as if I were organizing a sports tournament. I’m the head coach, and my team is getting ready for a big event. We have numerous players, each with a specific role, and to win, we need to ensure everything runs smoothly and efficiently.

    First, I focus on my star players, the ones who make the most impact. In the world of TypeScript, these are like the key files and modules that form the backbone of my project. By identifying these players, I can ensure they’re in top form, just as I make sure my code is lean, clean, and well-structured.

    Next, I set up training drills. These drills are similar to using incremental builds in TypeScript. Rather than starting from scratch every practice, I build on what we’ve already accomplished, reducing redundancy. This is like configuring TypeScript to only recompile files that have changed, saving us time and energy.

    Just like I would with my team, I use strategies to manage our resources wisely. In TypeScript, this means leveraging tools like caching to store previous results, much like how I’d recall past game strategies and outcomes to inform my next move. This ensures that we don’t waste time redoing what’s already been done.

    I also assign positions to players based on their strengths, much like using project references in TypeScript. By organizing code into modules and linking them efficiently, I ensure each part of the project knows its role, just as each player knows their position on the field.

    And, of course, I constantly review and optimize our playbook, akin to refining my TypeScript configuration. I make sure my rules are clear and concise, allowing my team to execute plays without hesitation. This mirrors how I’d remove unnecessary complexity from the codebase, optimizing the TypeScript configuration for speed.

    In the end, by treating my TypeScript project like a well-organized sports tournament, I ensure that we’re always ready to perform at our best. And when it’s game time, we’re not just prepared—we’re optimized to win.


    Star Players and Key Files

    In a TypeScript project, I identify key files that need special attention. For instance, consider a Player.ts module:

    // Player.ts
    export class Player {
      constructor(public name: string, public position: string) {}
    
      perform() {
        console.log(`${this.name} is playing as ${this.position}.`);
      }
    }

    By keeping this module focused and efficient, I ensure it compiles quickly.

    Incremental Builds

    Just like practicing drills, incremental builds prevent unnecessary work. In TypeScript, I enable incremental builds in my tsconfig.json:

    // tsconfig.json
    {
      "compilerOptions": {
        "incremental": true,
        "outDir": "./dist"
      }
    }

    This setting helps TypeScript remember previous compilations, reducing build times by only compiling files that have changed.

    Caching

    To manage resources wisely, I use tools like babel-loader with caching in Webpack:

    // webpack.config.js
    module.exports = {
      module: {
        rules: [
          {
            test: /\.tsx?$/,
            use: 'babel-loader',
            options: {
              cacheDirectory: true
            }
          }
        ]
      }
    };

    Caching in Webpack avoids re-processing unchanged files, similar to recalling past strategies.

    Project References

    Like positioning players efficiently, I use project references to organize code:

    // tsconfig.json
    {
      "compilerOptions": {
        "composite": true
      },
      "references": [
        { "path": "./modules/core" },
        { "path": "./modules/utils" }
      ]
    }

    This setup ensures modules are linked properly, reducing build time by compiling only necessary parts.

    Refined Configuration

    Finally, I refine my TypeScript configuration to avoid unnecessary complexity:

    // tsconfig.json
    {
      "compilerOptions": {
        "strict": true,
        "noUnusedLocals": true
      }
    }

    These options enforce strict type-checking and remove unused code, much like streamlining the playbook.

    Key Takeaways

    • Identify Key Files: Focus on optimizing critical parts of your codebase for faster compilation.
    • Use Incremental Builds: Enable incremental builds to avoid recompiling unchanged files.
    • Implement Caching: Use caching in build tools to save time on processing.
    • Organize with Project References: Structure your project to compile efficiently.
    • Refine Configuration: Strip down your TypeScript configuration to avoid unnecessary checks.
  • How to Optimize TypeScript Builds with Incremental Compilation

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    I’m a book editor working on a series of novels. Every time the author submits a new draft, I don’t want to reread the entire series to find the changes; instead, I want to focus just on the new chapters or any revised sections. This way, I can efficiently keep the entire series polished without wasting time on parts that haven’t changed.

    In the world of TypeScript, this is similar to how I configure the TypeScript compiler for incremental builds. Think of each chapter of the book as a file in my TypeScript project. When I enable incremental builds, it’s like setting up a system where I only review the chapters that have been updated or are new. This is done by creating a sort of “memory” of past edits, which in TypeScript terms is a cache of previous compilations.

    To set this up, I dive into my tsconfig.json file—this is like my editor’s notebook where I jot down important guidelines for my editing process. Here, I add "incremental": true, which is equivalent to writing a note to myself: “Remember changes between drafts.” I also specify a "tsBuildInfoFile" to store this memory, ensuring I know exactly where to look when I pick up the next draft.

    Every time the author gives me a new version, my editing process swiftly skips over unchanged chapters, allowing me to focus my energy and attention on only what’s new or modified. This efficiency means I can keep up with the fast pace of submissions without getting overwhelmed. So, just like my editing system helps me manage novels effectively, incremental builds keep my TypeScript projects running smoothly and efficiently.


    In the world of TypeScript, our tsconfig.json file is like my editor’s notebook. By adding "incremental": true, I’m telling the TypeScript compiler to remember past compilations, similar to how I remember past edits in the book series. Here’s how I set it up:

    {
      "compilerOptions": {
        "incremental": true,
        "tsBuildInfoFile": "./.tsbuildinfo",
        "outDir": "./dist"
      },
      "include": ["src/**/*"]
    }

    In this configuration:

    • "incremental": true is like making a note to remember changes between drafts, so I don’t have to start fresh each time.
    • "tsBuildInfoFile": "./.tsbuildinfo" specifies where this memory or cache is stored, just like keeping an organized file of past edits.
    • "outDir": "./dist" tells the compiler where to put the compiled JavaScript files, akin to deciding where the final edited chapters will be stored.

    When I run the TypeScript compiler using tsc, it now uses this setup to only recompile files that have changed or have dependencies that changed. This is like focusing only on new or revised chapters, rather than rereading the whole series. This process can significantly speed up build times, especially in large projects.

    Key Takeaways

    1. Incremental Builds: By enabling incremental builds in TypeScript, we can improve the efficiency of our build process by reusing information from previous compilations.
    2. Configuration Matters: Setting "incremental": true in tsconfig.json and specifying a "tsBuildInfoFile" are essential steps to enable this feature.
    3. Efficiency in Large Projects: Just as I save time by only editing new or changed chapters, incremental builds allow developers to focus on modified files, speeding up the development process.
    4. Practical Use: This setup is particularly useful for large projects where recompiling everything from scratch would be time-consuming.
  • How to Eliminate Unnecessary any in TypeScript Code?

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    I am the captain of a ship, setting sail on a long voyage. My ship, once filled with a diverse crew, has just undergone a major upgrade. We’ve replaced some old sails and ropes with new, more efficient ones. However, as we set sail, I notice that some of my crew members are acting like “any” sailors—they’re not specialized and can be doing anything, which makes it hard to know if they’re truly needed or if they’re doing their jobs correctly.

    I start by gathering the crew on deck. I need to identify these “any” sailors who are not performing specific roles. I ask each crew member to tell me their specific duties. If someone says they are just “any” sailor, I dig deeper. I need to understand where they fit in this ship’s journey. Are they really needed on the crow’s nest, manning the sails, or steering the ship? Or are they just drifting from task to task without adding real value?

    Once I identify these “any” sailors, I begin retraining them. I give them specific roles and responsibilities, such as a navigator, a quartermaster, or a helmsman. This way, each person has a clear purpose, and my ship sails more smoothly and efficiently. Now, everyone knows what they are supposed to do, and I can trust that each task is handled by an expert.

    As we continue our voyage, I regularly check in with my crew. I ensure that no one slips back into being an “any” sailor. By doing so, my ship becomes a well-oiled machine, ready to face any storm or challenge that the sea might throw our way. If you found this analogy helpful, feel free to like or share!


    Here’s an example of what I might find:

    let cargo: any = "gold";
    cargo = 100; // Initially a string, now a number
    
    function processCargo(cargo: any): void {
      console.log("Processing", cargo);
    }
    
    processCargo(cargo);

    In this code, the use of any means I could be passing anything into processCargo, and it could lead to unexpected results. Just like my crew needed specific roles, my variables need specific types to ensure everything functions smoothly.

    To fix this, I start by examining each any usage. I question its purpose and try to replace it with a more specific type. Here’s how I might refactor the code:

    let cargo: string = "gold";
    // cargo = 100; // This would now cause a type error
    
    function processCargo(cargo: string): void {
      console.log("Processing", cargo);
    }
    
    processCargo(cargo);

    Now, I’ve assigned a specific type to cargo, ensuring consistency and preventing type-related errors. If I need to handle multiple types, I might use union types or create a more structured approach:

    type Cargo = string | number;
    
    let cargo: Cargo = "gold";
    cargo = 100;
    
    function processCargo(cargo: Cargo): void {
      if (typeof cargo === "string") {
        console.log("Processing string cargo:", cargo);
      } else {
        console.log("Processing numeric cargo:", cargo);
      }
    }
    
    processCargo(cargo);

    Key Takeaways:

    1. Identify and Examine: Just like identifying “any” sailors, scrutinize each any usage to understand its purpose and necessity.
    2. Assign Specific Types: Replace any with more specific types to enhance code readability and reliability.
    3. Use Union Types: If variables can hold multiple types, consider using union types for clarity and flexibility.
    4. Regular Maintenance: Continuously review your code to prevent unnecessary any usages from slipping back in, much like monitoring a crew.