@theomessin/ts-builder

ts-builder is a simple script that enables Node.js to require TypeScript files. It is similar to ts-node.

It uses tsc --build to build a TypeScript project including any references. The new TypeScript build mode is quite fast as it uses a cache to perform smart incremental builds.

Installation

Install the package from npm:

npm install --save-dev @theomessin/ts-builder

You may then use ts-builder by registering it with Node.js:

node -r @theomessin/ts-builder foobar.ts

Behind the Scenes

ts-builder will register itself as the handler for all *.ts files. When a *.ts file is required the following steps will be performed.

The corresponding tsconfig.json for that file will be found.
The project will be built using tsc --build. This will build any project references. The outDir will be unaltered so compiled files will be saved as configured in tsconfig.json.
The contents of the compiled .js file of the given .ts file will be returned.

Using with Mocha

ts-node does not support project references, which means that Mocha could not be used with TypeScript project references and the new build system. However, ts-builder can be used instead.

Just run mocha with -r @theomessin/ts-builder/register. Alternatively, register ts-builder in your .mocharc.js:

module.exports = {
  extension: ['ts'],
  require: [
    '@theomessin/ts-builder/register',
  ],
};