tsconfig.json can seem extremely scary. But really, it's only 2 or 3 decisions you need to make.

This package makes those decisions even easier. Based on my TSConfig Cheat Sheet.

1. Install:

npm install --save-dev @total-typescript/tsconfig

2. Choose which tsconfig.json you need from the list below.

3. Add it to your tsconfig.json:

{
  // I'm building an app that runs in the DOM with an external bundler
  "extends": "@total-typescript/tsconfig/bundler/dom/app"
}

The tricky thing about tsconfig.json is there is not a single config file that can work for everyone. But, with two or three questions, we can get there:

If yes, use this selection of configs in your tsconfig.json for typechecking:

{
  // tsconfig.json
  "extends": "@total-typescript/tsconfig/tsc/typechecking/dom", // If your code runs in the DOM
  "extends": "@total-typescript/tsconfig/tsc/typechecking/no-dom", // If your code doesn't run in the DOM
}

and this selection of configs in your tsconfig.build.json for build (use script tsc -p tsconfig.build.json):

{
  // tsconfig.build.json
  // My code runs in the DOM:
  "extends": "@total-typescript/tsconfig/tsc/dom/app", // For an app
  "extends": "@total-typescript/tsconfig/tsc/dom/library", // For a library
  "extends": "@total-typescript/tsconfig/tsc/dom/library-monorepo", // For a library in a monorepo

  // My code _doesn't_ run in the DOM (for instance, in Node.js):
  "extends": "@total-typescript/tsconfig/tsc/no-dom/app", // For an app
  "extends": "@total-typescript/tsconfig/tsc/no-dom/library", // For a library
  "extends": "@total-typescript/tsconfig/tsc/no-dom/library-monorepo" // For a library in a monorepo
}

If no, you're probably using an external bundler. Most frontend frameworks, like Vite, Remix, Astro, Nuxt, and others, will fall into this category. If so, use this selection of configs:

{
  // My code runs in the DOM:
  "extends": "@total-typescript/tsconfig/bundler/dom",

  // My code _doesn't_ run in the DOM (for instance, in Node.js):
  "extends": "@total-typescript/tsconfig/bundler/no-dom",
}

Mostly relevant for when you're transpiling with tsc. If you want to change the output directory of your compiled files, you can set the outDir option in your tsconfig.json:

{
  "extends": "@total-typescript/tsconfig/tsc/no-dom/library",
  "compilerOptions": {
    "outDir": "dist"
  }
}

I don't yet cover framework-specific options, like vite, next, remix, etc. With enough persuasion, I might add them in the future.

The @tsconfig/bases package is a great resource for TypeScript configurations. However, I disagree with the idea that there is a single "recommended" configuration that works for everyone.

Also, I wanted a set of tsconfig.json files that I controlled so I could use them to keep my Total TypeScript Course Repos up to date.

If you're looking for a great TypeScript course, check out Total TypeScript.