Typescript setup with Node.js

Ronak Tanwar — Sat, 13 Jun 2026 12:07:55 +0000

Before setting up TypeScript, it's important to understand one key concept: TypeScript does not run directly. Instead, TypeScript code is first converted into JavaScript, and then the JavaScript code is executed.

And interestingly, browsers do not understand TypeScript natively. Browsers can only execute JavaScript, so the TypeScript compiler translates your .ts files into .js files that the browser can understand and run.

Now lets see how to setup the typescript with node :-

1. Initialize the node project using any package manager -->

npm init -y

NOTE :- You can use any other package manger like bun, yarn etc.

2. Install the dev Dependencies -->

npm install -D typescript nodemon @types/node @types/express ts-node

Now lets understand the above command:-
-D or --save-dev installs packages as development dependencies because hese packages are needed while developing the application but are not required when running the production build.
npm install -D typescript installs the typescript compiler that Converts TypeScript (.ts) files into JavaScript (.js) files and also Performs type checking to catch errors during development.
@types/node and @types/express are the type definitions for node and express framework. They provide type information for these built-in features, enabling:
Autocomplete
Type checking
Better editor support
ts-node Allows us to run TypeScript files directly without manually compiling them first.

3. Add a tsconfig.json file in your project -->

Either add it manually :-
create a file as tsconfig.json and paste the following code snippet.

{
    "compilerOptions": {
        "target": "ES6",
        "module": "commonjs",
        "outDir": "./dist",
        "rootDir": "./src",
        "strict": true,
        "esModuleInterop": true
    },
    "include": ["src/*"],
    "exclude": ["node_modules"] 
}

Or run this command :-

tsc --init

Now lets understand few things here :-

outDirspecifies the folder where the compiled JavaScript files will be placed.
rootDir pecifies the root folder containing your TypeScript source code.
And no need to keep the same names of outDir and rootDir, these all settings can be changed according to developers thinking.

Note :- make sure you have created two folders same as you have given inside outDirand rootDir.

4. make few changes inside the package.json file -->

Change the value of main :-

"main":"dist/index.js"

Your index.ts(the main entry file) will be compiled into index.js and placed in the outDirdirectory (./dist in this case).

update the script :-
paste the following scripts,

"scripts": {
    "start": "tsc && nodemon dist/index.js",
    "dev": "nodemon --exec \"npm run start\" --ext ts --watch src"
  }

start is used for production. It compiles the TypeScript code and then executes the generated index.js file.

dev is used for development. It watches for changes to .ts files in the src directory and automatically reruns the application (via the start script) whenever changes are detected.

Finally

after doing all this stuff we are ready to start our project using typescript.

Forward Deployed Engineer role is getting attention

Ronak Tanwar — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 03:31:12 +0000

One role that has been gaining significant attention in the tech industry recently is the Forward Deployed Engineer (FDE).

Many people assume that an FDE's responsibility is limited to building and deploying applications. However, the role extends far beyond software development and implementation.

A key aspect of being an FDE is working closely with client teams to understand their business challenges, operational workflows, and strategic goals. FDEs serve as a bridge between technology and business, partnering directly with customers to design, customize, and deliver solutions that drive measurable outcomes.

Unlike traditional engineering roles, FDEs operate in highly dynamic environments where technical expertise must be combined with strong customer engagement and problem-solving abilities.

or in simple terms, an FDE :
Works closely with customers to understand their problems.
Writes production code to integrate the company's software with customer systems.
Builds custom solutions, dashboards, APIs, or workflows.
Troubleshoots technical issues on-site or remotely.
Acts as a bridge between engineering, product, and customers.
Helps turn customer feedback into product improvements.

required skills for this role :

Technical
Strong programming skills
APIs and integrations
Cloud platforms
System design and debugging

Business & Communication
Customer-facing communication
Requirements gathering
Project management
Problem-solving under ambiguity

DEV Community: Ronak Tanwar

Typescript setup with Node.js

Finally

Forward Deployed Engineer role is getting attention