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Programming TypeScript: Making Your JavaScript Applications Scale
Any programmer working with a dynamically typed language will tell you how hard it is to scale to more lines of code and more engineers. That's why Facebook, Google, and Microsoft invented gradual static type layers for their dynamically typed JavaScript and Python code. This practical book shows you how one such type layer, TypeScript, is unique among them: it makes programming fun with its powerful static type system.
If you're a programmer with intermediate JavaScript experience, author Boris Cherny will teach you how to master the TypeScript language. You'll understand how TypeScript can help you eliminate bugs in your code and enable you to scale your code across more engineers than you could before.
In this book, you'll:
Start with the basics: Learn about TypeScript's different types and type operators, including what they're for and how they're used
Explore advanced topics: Understand TypeScript's sophisticated type system, including how to safely handle errors and build asynchronous programs
Dive in hands-on: Use TypeScript with your favorite frontend and backend frameworks, migrate your existing JavaScript project to TypeScript, and run your TypeScript application in production
If you're a programmer with intermediate JavaScript experience, author Boris Cherny will teach you how to master the TypeScript language. You'll understand how TypeScript can help you eliminate bugs in your code and enable you to scale your code across more engineers than you could before.
In this book, you'll:
Start with the basics: Learn about TypeScript's different types and type operators, including what they're for and how they're used
Explore advanced topics: Understand TypeScript's sophisticated type system, including how to safely handle errors and build asynchronous programs
Dive in hands-on: Use TypeScript with your favorite frontend and backend frameworks, migrate your existing JavaScript project to TypeScript, and run your TypeScript application in production
302 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2019
223 people are currently reading
587 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
December 22, 2019
This is definitely the book to learn TypeScript from.
It’s an introduction to the language at exactly the pace I prefer – no time is wasted on beginner stuff (like explaining what a “for” loop is) and subjects are covered in just the right amount of detail – enough to get a proper sense of how things work without needing to try them, but not too much to bog you down in trivia.
Pretty much the whole language is covered. I highly recommend it if you’re learning TypeScript. You can then follow it up with “Effective TypeScript”.
P.S.: TypeScript is amazing and so is Visual Studio Code.
It’s an introduction to the language at exactly the pace I prefer – no time is wasted on beginner stuff (like explaining what a “for” loop is) and subjects are covered in just the right amount of detail – enough to get a proper sense of how things work without needing to try them, but not too much to bog you down in trivia.
Pretty much the whole language is covered. I highly recommend it if you’re learning TypeScript. You can then follow it up with “Effective TypeScript”.
P.S.: TypeScript is amazing and so is Visual Studio Code.
December 6, 2019
Just read the docs, the explanations are far better than this book.
March 13, 2021
Solid intro to the language.
There was a lot to love in this book: in-depth explanations of how the language works and how is it different from JS without being overwhelming to a novice TypeScripter; the right amount of reference materials – enough that I reread a couple of chapters, but not too much to make book bulkier and outdated quickly; reasonable amount of examples, especially those of advanced type scenarios – without them this part would be quite abstract.
If it were me, I would lose most of the jokes, they were cliched at best.
You should read this book if you:
✅ Have decent understanding of JavaScript and its ecosystem.
✅ Want to learn TypeScript in more than superficial level without getting deep into the internals.
✅ Either have or don't have much experience with type systems – the book deals well with explaining the basic ideas.
There was a lot to love in this book: in-depth explanations of how the language works and how is it different from JS without being overwhelming to a novice TypeScripter; the right amount of reference materials – enough that I reread a couple of chapters, but not too much to make book bulkier and outdated quickly; reasonable amount of examples, especially those of advanced type scenarios – without them this part would be quite abstract.
If it were me, I would lose most of the jokes, they were cliched at best.
You should read this book if you:
✅ Have decent understanding of JavaScript and its ecosystem.
✅ Want to learn TypeScript in more than superficial level without getting deep into the internals.
✅ Either have or don't have much experience with type systems – the book deals well with explaining the basic ideas.
July 8, 2019
Quite an extensive dive into TypeScript. Helped me fill in a few gaps, especially the advanced types section.
I expected more info on React (and possibly Redux) with examples of typing out HOC's, defaultProps, reducers, etc. but I can see how the author wanted to focus more on general topics and only briefly mention popular libraries.
I was also surprised to not see so much as a single mention of Flow.js and how it compares to TypeScript (especially since Boris, being at FB, surely is very much familiar with it).
All in all, I'd definitely recommend it to anyone looking to deepen TS knowledge in one sitting.
I expected more info on React (and possibly Redux) with examples of typing out HOC's, defaultProps, reducers, etc. but I can see how the author wanted to focus more on general topics and only briefly mention popular libraries.
I was also surprised to not see so much as a single mention of Flow.js and how it compares to TypeScript (especially since Boris, being at FB, surely is very much familiar with it).
All in all, I'd definitely recommend it to anyone looking to deepen TS knowledge in one sitting.
September 9, 2021
That was a great intro to Typescript as I'm learning it for the first time, I did get stuck in some of the concepts he was trying to deliver but overall it gave me a broad idea of how to work with typescript and its main features, how it builds over JavaScript and even compiles to it, I haven't read the entire book of course but I'm planning on using it as a reference when working with typescript in the future alongside the docs of course!
It took some time and effort to walk through it but it was worth it
It took some time and effort to walk through it but it was worth it
May 7, 2020
Overall, this was a really solid intro to Typescript. A couple words of caution, though. First, if you don't already have some background with Javascript, this book might be difficult. The author does not really cover the syntax of the language itself so much as focusing on the type annotations. Second, there are definitely some typos. At a quick glance, it looked like they were present in both the print and electronic editions. If you have a general idea of what you're doing, they likely won't give you any trouble. Perhaps a later printing/release will address them.
In the end, this is a really solid and approachable overview of Typescript. If you are at least vaguely familiar with Javascript or take a bit of time to review modern Javascript syntax, you'll be able to get a lot out of this book.
In the end, this is a really solid and approachable overview of Typescript. If you are at least vaguely familiar with Javascript or take a bit of time to review modern Javascript syntax, you'll be able to get a lot out of this book.
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February 1, 2023Lol try and stop me from logging this...
February 23, 2020
I've been wanting to learn more about Typescript for a few years and this book definitely helped. My background is 10 years of C#. About 2 years ago I decided to learn and work with a Javascript stack and I've been working daily with React and Node.
Having a statically-typed compiler that sits on top of Javascript is something I've been wanting to implement in my projects for a while but finding the time has been hard>
This book does a good job ox explaining all the options, the different types, generic,s interfaces and how you can set-up and configure a project.
I think the end of the book felt a little rushed/it could have been written a little easier. Up to about 70 % of the book I found it really easy to read and understand. I found myself skipping a few bits towards the end as lots and lots of code on a kindle is difficult to follow>
Asides from that I recommend it. I now use typescript in my code and it makes finding bugs a lot easier.
Having a statically-typed compiler that sits on top of Javascript is something I've been wanting to implement in my projects for a while but finding the time has been hard>
This book does a good job ox explaining all the options, the different types, generic,s interfaces and how you can set-up and configure a project.
I think the end of the book felt a little rushed/it could have been written a little easier. Up to about 70 % of the book I found it really easy to read and understand. I found myself skipping a few bits towards the end as lots and lots of code on a kindle is difficult to follow>
Asides from that I recommend it. I now use typescript in my code and it makes finding bugs a lot easier.
July 1, 2020
Like all books that I have read on _secondary_ languages, this one assumes a fair amount of familiarity with JavaScript. I don't think it's possible yet to be a TypeScript developer without knowing JavaScript first, so, this is not a major problem.
The book is extremely detailed. The section on types and advanced types felt very long and I reached the point of saying "Wow... this is so cool but I don't think I'll ever need that". Which is a good thing. I prefer computer books to leave me with questions about when I would use a tool, instead of how I would use a tool.
The humor every now and then was nice :)
I'd recommend this book for anyone learning TypeScript.
The book is extremely detailed. The section on types and advanced types felt very long and I reached the point of saying "Wow... this is so cool but I don't think I'll ever need that". Which is a good thing. I prefer computer books to leave me with questions about when I would use a tool, instead of how I would use a tool.
The humor every now and then was nice :)
I'd recommend this book for anyone learning TypeScript.
January 3, 2020
JavaScript is everywhere, and taking such a widely used and powerful yet deeply flawed technology and making it better in such an intelligent and gentle way is TypeScript's grand achievement. Boris Cherny's book illuminates this achievement brilliantly and with humour. Recommended for all JS developers, regardless if you've started using TS or not.
August 25, 2019
I haven't had this much fun reading a language book in awhile.
One of the best books on TypeScript and also serves as a great reference.
Highly recommend it to anyone starting with TypeScript.
One of the best books on TypeScript and also serves as a great reference.
Highly recommend it to anyone starting with TypeScript.
May 6, 2023
Great resource, went through it quite quickly but will remain within reach. Author makes some jokes from time to time which makes it a fun read too.
July 15, 2023
"Programmieren in TypeScript" von Boris Cherny ist ein hervorragendes Buch, das den Einstieg in TypeScript erleichtert und gleichzeitig eine gründliche Einführung in Typen und Typsysteme bietet. Zusätzlich präsentiert das Buch umfangreiche Backend-Projekte, die das Gelernte in die Praxis umsetzen. Diese Rezension ist hierbei aus der perspektive eines kompletten TypeScript-Anfängers geschrieben, wobei ich bereits vorher Grundkentnisse im Umgang mit JavaScript hatte.
Ein herausragendes Merkmal des Buches ist die klare und einfache Erklärung des Einstiegs in TypeScript. TypeScript ist eine superset-Sprache von JavaScript, die statische Typisierung ermöglicht und die Entwicklung von skalierbaren und robusten Anwendungen erleichtert. Cherny führt die Leser schrittweise in TypeScript ein und erklärt die Grundlagen der Sprache, wie z.B. die Verwendung von Typen, Variablen, Funktionen und Klassen. Die präzisen Erklärungen und praxisnahen Beispiele ermöglichen es den Lesern, TypeScript leicht zu verstehen und in ihren eigenen Projekten anzuwenden.
Ein weiterer wichtiger Aspekt des Buches ist die ausführliche Erläuterung von Typen und Typsystemen. Cherny zeigt den Lesern, wie sie Typen richtig definieren, Schnittstellen verwenden und generische Typen einsetzen können. Er erklärt auch fortgeschrittene Konzepte wie Typüberprüfung, Type Inference und Type Guards. Durch diese gründliche Darstellung der Typisierung in TypeScript erlangen die Leser ein solides Verständnis der Typsysteme und sind in der Lage, typsicheren Code zu schreiben und Fehler frühzeitig zu erkennen.
Die Betonung von Typen und Typsystemen ist von großer Bedeutung für die Entwicklung von qualitativ hochwertigem Code. Durch die Verwendung von Typen können Entwickler Fehler leichter erkennen und beheben, die Code-Qualität verbessern und die Wartbarkeit von Anwendungen erhöhen. Cherny vermittelt den Lesern die Bedeutung von Typen und Typsystemen, indem er nicht nur die theoretischen Konzepte erklärt, sondern auch praktische Anwendungen und bewährte Methoden vorstellt.
Zusätzlich zu den detaillierten Erklärungen und Beispielen zu TypeScript präsentiert "Programmieren in TypeScript" umfangreiche Backend-Projekte. Cherny führt die Leser durch die Entwicklung von Backend-Anwendungen und zeigt, wie sie TypeScript in realen Anwendungsfällen einsetzen können. Die Projekte umfassen Themen wie Datenbankintegration, RESTful APIs, Authentifizierung und mehr. Diese Praxisprojekte bieten den Lesern die Möglichkeit, das Gelernte in konkreten Anwendungsszenarien anzuwenden und ihre Fähigkeiten als TypeScript-Entwickler zu verbessern.
Insgesamt ist "Programmieren in TypeScript" von Boris Cherny ein herausragendes Buch für Entwickler, die TypeScript lernen oder ihre Kenntnisse erweitern möchten. Ich würde dieses Buch besonders Personen empfehlen, welche bereits JavaScript kentnisse haben und in TypeScript schnuppern wollen. Die klare und einfache Erklärung des Einstiegs in TypeScript erleichtert den Lesern den Einstieg in die Sprache. Die umfangreiche Darstellung von Typen und Typsystemen ermöglicht es den Lesern, qualitativ hochwertigen und typsicheren Code zu schreiben. Die präsentierten Backend-Projekte bieten eine wertvolle Gelegenheit, das Gelernte in die Praxis umzusetzen und umfangreiche Anwendungen zu entwickeln. Dieses Buch ist eine wertvolle Ressource für Entwickler, die ihre TypeScript-Fähigkeiten erweitern und hochwertige Anwendungen entwickeln möchten.
Ein herausragendes Merkmal des Buches ist die klare und einfache Erklärung des Einstiegs in TypeScript. TypeScript ist eine superset-Sprache von JavaScript, die statische Typisierung ermöglicht und die Entwicklung von skalierbaren und robusten Anwendungen erleichtert. Cherny führt die Leser schrittweise in TypeScript ein und erklärt die Grundlagen der Sprache, wie z.B. die Verwendung von Typen, Variablen, Funktionen und Klassen. Die präzisen Erklärungen und praxisnahen Beispiele ermöglichen es den Lesern, TypeScript leicht zu verstehen und in ihren eigenen Projekten anzuwenden.
Ein weiterer wichtiger Aspekt des Buches ist die ausführliche Erläuterung von Typen und Typsystemen. Cherny zeigt den Lesern, wie sie Typen richtig definieren, Schnittstellen verwenden und generische Typen einsetzen können. Er erklärt auch fortgeschrittene Konzepte wie Typüberprüfung, Type Inference und Type Guards. Durch diese gründliche Darstellung der Typisierung in TypeScript erlangen die Leser ein solides Verständnis der Typsysteme und sind in der Lage, typsicheren Code zu schreiben und Fehler frühzeitig zu erkennen.
Die Betonung von Typen und Typsystemen ist von großer Bedeutung für die Entwicklung von qualitativ hochwertigem Code. Durch die Verwendung von Typen können Entwickler Fehler leichter erkennen und beheben, die Code-Qualität verbessern und die Wartbarkeit von Anwendungen erhöhen. Cherny vermittelt den Lesern die Bedeutung von Typen und Typsystemen, indem er nicht nur die theoretischen Konzepte erklärt, sondern auch praktische Anwendungen und bewährte Methoden vorstellt.
Zusätzlich zu den detaillierten Erklärungen und Beispielen zu TypeScript präsentiert "Programmieren in TypeScript" umfangreiche Backend-Projekte. Cherny führt die Leser durch die Entwicklung von Backend-Anwendungen und zeigt, wie sie TypeScript in realen Anwendungsfällen einsetzen können. Die Projekte umfassen Themen wie Datenbankintegration, RESTful APIs, Authentifizierung und mehr. Diese Praxisprojekte bieten den Lesern die Möglichkeit, das Gelernte in konkreten Anwendungsszenarien anzuwenden und ihre Fähigkeiten als TypeScript-Entwickler zu verbessern.
Insgesamt ist "Programmieren in TypeScript" von Boris Cherny ein herausragendes Buch für Entwickler, die TypeScript lernen oder ihre Kenntnisse erweitern möchten. Ich würde dieses Buch besonders Personen empfehlen, welche bereits JavaScript kentnisse haben und in TypeScript schnuppern wollen. Die klare und einfache Erklärung des Einstiegs in TypeScript erleichtert den Lesern den Einstieg in die Sprache. Die umfangreiche Darstellung von Typen und Typsystemen ermöglicht es den Lesern, qualitativ hochwertigen und typsicheren Code zu schreiben. Die präsentierten Backend-Projekte bieten eine wertvolle Gelegenheit, das Gelernte in die Praxis umzusetzen und umfangreiche Anwendungen zu entwickeln. Dieses Buch ist eine wertvolle Ressource für Entwickler, die ihre TypeScript-Fähigkeiten erweitern und hochwertige Anwendungen entwickeln möchten.
October 19, 2021
This book is written for JavaScript developers that want to know more about TypeScript. So, the book will not waste time presenting JavaScript syntax and basic language constructors like if/else, while, and the like.
As the book and language suggest, the most interesting part is the two chapters that talk about types. I started to read it in the first place exactly because there were some Type Constructions that I did not understand only by trying to infer what was going on. There are some of them that are very different from other languages I know. This book explains them very well with good examples so now I have more options to choose when solving a problem and use them with confidence because I will understand what is going on.
This book also provides a good sense of what changes when you move from JavaScript. Things like how is the transpiling/building process, how better manage JavaScript dependencies both locally or within libs, and how to migrate a JavaScript project to TypeScript iteratively.
As the book and language suggest, the most interesting part is the two chapters that talk about types. I started to read it in the first place exactly because there were some Type Constructions that I did not understand only by trying to infer what was going on. There are some of them that are very different from other languages I know. This book explains them very well with good examples so now I have more options to choose when solving a problem and use them with confidence because I will understand what is going on.
This book also provides a good sense of what changes when you move from JavaScript. Things like how is the transpiling/building process, how better manage JavaScript dependencies both locally or within libs, and how to migrate a JavaScript project to TypeScript iteratively.
August 22, 2021
Programming TypeScript is a comprehensive, yet concise reference to TypeScript. While a well-written book that I think TypeScript programmers in general will find very useful, it might be a little much for someone just getting started in TypeScript. The deep dive into TypeScript's type system that the book does (especially Chapter 6) can be a little daunting if you don't already have some intuition for it built up through some experience. Even still, I think the author did a commendable job making these difficult topics approachable, and this is definitely a book that I can see myself referencing again and again in the future.
February 27, 2022
The book is a bit too advanced but the author's subtle sense of humour makes it quite a delight to read. The contents doesn't feel monotonous at all & is very informative. The only caveat though, I highly doubt the book was written keeping a beginner developers in mind.
The first few chapters start out basic & sheds a brief insight into what TypeScript is & why is it necessary. But then the learning curve steepens significantly. Any beginner developer who has no idea about statically typed language & only limited experience with dynamic languages like Python/JavaScript will find a hard time to digest the contents.
The first few chapters start out basic & sheds a brief insight into what TypeScript is & why is it necessary. But then the learning curve steepens significantly. Any beginner developer who has no idea about statically typed language & only limited experience with dynamic languages like Python/JavaScript will find a hard time to digest the contents.
October 23, 2025
Programming TypeScript strikes an ideal balance between accessibility and depth: it goes beyond the basics without getting too abstract. I appreciated how the explanations of generics, type inference, and type theory improved my understanding of TypeScript in a way I could immediately apply to my work. The book challenged me just enough, revealing the academic foundations behind features I use every day and offering several "aha" moments. Some recommendations are a bit dated now, given that it was published in 2019, but overall it's a rewarding read that deepened my appreciation for the language and made me want to explore its advanced features even more.
May 16, 2021
It's very good book for people who are currently learning TypeScript. There's a bunch of information that was really useful for me as I'm not used to a structural typed languages. I'd recommend this book to people who are currently learning TypeScript but have minimal experience with it, this book has no advanced topics for people who have already knowledge of TypeScript, and doesn't cover very good the basic topics.
October 16, 2022
A solid introductory book about Typescript. I highly recommed reading the book and going through the examples if you want to upgrade your level and understanding of TypeScript. Also, the author doesn't spent time to elaborate on basic concepts such as for loop and etc.
As a prerequisite, you need some basic understanding of JavaScript.
As a prerequisite, you need some basic understanding of JavaScript.
November 9, 2022
Great book if you are moving from dynamically typed language. In past i have used little bit of JavaScript for my Angular and React applications so i was little bit familiar with typescript but the book taught me many things which will be helpful to me in my daily life. overall a well written programming book and great intro to Typescript.
December 8, 2020
A well-rounded book on TypeScript. Even experienced developers may want to glance at it in order to fill up certain blind spots. Not every piece of information will be novel, but this book helps to place it all in context.
May 22, 2022
Много претензий к книге, начиная от фантазий автора о соблазнении баристы в тех литературе и прочих сомнительных и неуместных шуток, заканчивая неудачными реализациями перегрузок и плохими объяснениями статической типизации через ковариантность
June 26, 2019
Short book
December 25, 2019
One of the few technical books that I've read and thoroughly enjoyed. I learned something new with each chapter. Definitely a book I recommend for anyone wanting to dive deep on TypeScript.
August 27, 2020
Programming TypeScript is a complete guide to TypeScript, from the ground up to advanced patterns and usage. Highly suggested read for anyone wanting to refine their skills on the topic.
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August 28, 2020It was an excellent book to learn about the various aspects of Typescript
October 5, 2020
Nice
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2021
A good introduction to TypeScript's type system.
February 4, 2022
Excellent
September 22, 2023
It’s a bible of types oriented programming. A must read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews