ts-loader

What is ts-loader?

The ts-loader package is a TypeScript loader for webpack that allows you to transpile TypeScript files (.ts, .tsx) to JavaScript while bundling with webpack. It enables you to integrate TypeScript into your webpack build process.

What are ts-loader's main functionalities?

Transpilation of TypeScript to JavaScript

This feature allows you to compile TypeScript files into JavaScript, enabling you to use TypeScript in your webpack projects. The code sample shows a webpack configuration that uses ts-loader to process files with .ts or .tsx extensions.

module.exports = {
  mode: 'development',
  entry: './src/index.ts',
  module: {
    rules: [
      {
        test: /\.tsx?$/,
        use: 'ts-loader',
        exclude: /node_modules/
      }
    ]
  },
  resolve: {
    extensions: ['.tsx', '.ts', '.js']
  },
  output: {
    filename: 'bundle.js',
    path: path.resolve(__dirname, 'dist')
  }
};

Integration with webpack's watch mode

ts-loader works seamlessly with webpack's watch mode, which recompiles your code when changes are detected. This feature is useful for development as it provides a fast feedback loop.

webpack --watch

Source map support

ts-loader supports the generation of source maps, which help in debugging by mapping the compiled code back to the original TypeScript source code. The code sample shows how to enable inline source maps in your webpack configuration.

module.exports = {
  devtool: 'inline-source-map',
  // ... other webpack configuration
};

Other packages similar to ts-loader

awesome-typescript-loader

Similar to ts-loader, awesome-typescript-loader is another TypeScript loader for webpack. It offers features like Babel integration and type checking in a separate process. However, it is no longer actively maintained, and users are recommended to switch to ts-loader or other alternatives.

babel-loader

While not a TypeScript-specific loader, babel-loader can be used in conjunction with @babel/preset-typescript to transpile TypeScript code. It is part of the Babel ecosystem and is often used for its broader transformation capabilities and plugin ecosystem.

esbuild-loader

esbuild-loader uses the esbuild bundler to transpile TypeScript (and other files) at a much faster rate than traditional loaders. It is known for its speed and efficiency, making it a strong alternative to ts-loader, especially in large projects where build time is a concern.

README

The README file is missing

Changelog

v0.8.2

• Elided imports are now watched (#156, #169)
• Declaration files for .d.ts files are now emitted (thanks @rob-bateman) (#174, #175)