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Bridget Amana
Bridget Amana

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Little Tips and Mistakes I've Learned Using TypeScript

Yay!!! This short write-up made it to your feed. Here are a few tips I've picked up while using TypeScript.

1. Type Safety

One of the best things about TypeScript is type safety. It helps you catch errors early, saving you from those pesky bugs that love to pop up unexpectedly. But here's a tip: Avoid ignoring type errors. If TypeScript flags something, it's for a reason. Once you see that red line, fix it because it will be there waiting for you in production. You'll thank yourself later!

2. The any Trap

TypeScript offers a type called any, which might seem like a convenient escape hatch. But be careful—using any too much is like switching off TypeScript's safety features. You might as well stick to JavaScript if you keep using any. It's tempting to use any when you're in a hurry, but it's better to specify the exact type or use unknown if you're not sure. This way, you keep your code safe and sound.

3. Beware of the Boxed Objects

TypeScript has two sets of types for things like numbers, strings, and booleans: the primitive types (number, string, boolean) and their object counterparts (Number, String, Boolean). Here's a simple rule: Always use the lowercase versions. The uppercase versions are rarely needed and can cause unexpected behavior. So, stick with string instead of String—it's simpler and safer.

And there you have it—just a few tips I've learned along the way. These pointers can help you write cleaner, more reliable code. Happy coding!

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