This article aims to provide guidance on how to debug TypeScript in Visual Studio Code.
Debugging TypeScript can be accomplished using two common options: NodeJS and Deno.
The first option involves cross compilation and enabling source maps through the installation of ts-node and typescript locally, adding a launch.json file, and initiating the debugger from the index.ts file. However, issues such as ‘Process exited with code 1’ or ‘Unknown file extension .ts’ may arise.
The second option, Deno, does not require cross compilation but necessitates the installation of an extension and Deno CLI. This alternative provides a debugging solution for TypeScript in Visual Studio Code.
It is important to note that the information presented here is based on a question asked on Stack Overflow and may not encompass all potential scenarios or solutions.
Installation and Configuration
The installation and configuration process for debugging TypeScript in Visual Studio Code involves several steps:
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Install ts-node and typescript locally on your machine. This can be done using npm or yarn.
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Create a launch.json file in your project’s .vscode folder. This file contains the necessary configurations for debugging TypeScript.
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Open up the index.ts file in Visual Studio Code.
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Start the debugger. If everything is set up correctly, the debugger should start and you can begin debugging your TypeScript code.
Debugging Options
One option for debugging TypeScript in a popular integrated development environment is by utilizing NodeJS. This involves enabling source maps and cross compilation.
To use this approach, developers need to install the necessary dependencies, such as ts-node and typescript, locally.
Additionally, a launch.json file needs to be added to the project. This file specifies the necessary configurations for debugging.
To start debugging, developers can open up the desired TypeScript file, such as index.ts, and start the debugger. They can then step through their code and identify any issues.
However, it is important to note that sometimes the debugging process may encounter errors. For example, the process may exit with code 1 or encounter an unknown file extension .ts. In such cases, it may be necessary to troubleshoot the configuration or seek assistance from the developer community.
Troubleshooting Tips
To address any issues encountered during the debugging process, it is helpful to have a set of troubleshooting tips readily available. Here are some tips to troubleshoot common problems when debugging TypeScript in Visual Studio Code.
Firstly, if the debugger exits with code 1, it usually indicates a compilation error in the TypeScript code. Check the terminal output for any error messages and fix them accordingly.
Secondly, if Visual Studio Code shows an ‘Unknown file extension .ts’ error, make sure that the necessary TypeScript extensions are installed. Additionally, ensure that the file has the correct file extension (.ts) and that the launch.json file is properly configured.
Finally, if using NodeJS for debugging, ensure that cross compilation and source maps are enabled.
By following these troubleshooting tips, developers can effectively debug their TypeScript code in Visual Studio Code.
