myHotTake

Tag: unit testing

  • How to Validate TypeScript Migration with Unit Tests?

    If you find this story helpful, feel free to like or share it with others who might enjoy it too!


    I’m a detective in a world where code is akin to a mansion, filled with rooms that represent different parts of the project. Each room is designed with specific furniture, representing the code’s logic and structure. My task is to ensure that every piece of furniture in each room is exactly where it should be, without any surprises or mismatches.

    When I decide to migrate the mansion from JavaScript to TypeScript, it’s like deciding to upgrade the entire mansion to a smarter, more organized version. TypeScript is like a set of blueprints that not only shows where everything should be but also ensures that each room is used correctly. It’s like having labels on every piece of furniture, ensuring that chairs are in the dining room and beds are in the bedroom.

    To validate this migration, I turn into a meticulous inspector using unit tests as my magnifying glass. These unit tests are like a checklist that ensures every room in the mansion is functional and that each piece of furniture serves its intended purpose. As I move from room to room, I carry out these checks to confirm that, after the migration, everything still works as it should.

    I check the living room to ensure the sofa still supports the weight it used to, just like I ensure a function still returns the correct output after migration. When I test the kitchen appliances, it’s like checking that the functions still operate under specific conditions and inputs. Each successful test is like a room confirmed to be in order, giving me confidence that the mansion is both elegant and functional under its new TypeScript design.

    By the time I finish my inspection, I can confidently say that the mansion not only looks good but functions impeccably, thanks to the precise guidance of the TypeScript blueprints and the thorough validation by my trusty unit test checklist.


    One of the rooms in the mansion symbolizes a function that calculates the area of a rectangle. In JavaScript, it might look like this:

    function calculateArea(length, width) {
      return length * width;
    }

    This room looks simple, but there are no labels on the furniture. Anyone could accidentally place a string like "five" or "ten" as the length or width, and the room would end up in disarray. I wouldn’t notice until something crashes down the line, like a piece of furniture suddenly falling apart.

    Now, by migrating to TypeScript, it’s like placing clear labels and instructions on each piece of furniture in the room:

    function calculateArea(length: number, width: number): number {
      return length * width;
    }

    With these types in place, I can ensure that only numbers enter the room, preventing any mismatches or potential disasters.

    To validate that everything still works after the transition, I use unit tests. These are my trusty checklist items:

    describe('calculateArea', () => {
      it('should return the correct area for positive numbers', () => {
        expect(calculateArea(5, 10)).toBe(50);
      });
    
      it('should return 0 if one of the dimensions is 0', () => {
        expect(calculateArea(0, 10)).toBe(0);
      });
    
      it('should handle negative numbers gracefully', () => {
        expect(calculateArea(-5, 10)).toBe(-50);
      });
    });

    These tests ensure that, no matter the input, the function behaves as expected. It’s like inspecting the room under various conditions to ensure its functionality.

    Key Takeaways:

    1. Type Safety: TypeScript adds a layer of safety by ensuring only the correct types interact with our functions, much like labeled furniture in a room.
    2. Validation with Unit Tests: Unit tests act as a checklist to verify that, even after changes, our code performs as expected under various conditions. They provide confidence in the stability of our codebase.
    3. Smooth Migration: Migrating from JavaScript to TypeScript is like upgrading a mansion with clear labels, reducing room for error and improving the overall structure.