Debugging TypeScript with Visual Studio Code

Debugging TypeScript with Visual Studio Code

Developers of all levels know how challenging it can be to find and fix bugs in code. When working with TypeScript, debugging can be especially tricky due to the compiled nature of the language. Thankfully, Visual Studio Code - an integrated development environment (IDE) - provides robust debugging features, allowing you to quickly identify and address issues.

Setting Up for Debugging

Before you can start debugging your TypeScript code, you’ll need to set up the debugger in VS Code. To do this, click the “Run” button in the top left corner, then select “Add Configuration.” This will open a dropdown menu with various debug configurations. Select “TypeScript - Attach Program.”

Once you’ve chosen a configuration, you’ll need to specify some settings. This includes the program name (typically “ts-node”), as well as the JavaScript file containing the code you want to debug (e.g. “index.js”). Once these settings are configured, you should be ready to start debugging.

Debugging in Action

When debugging in VS Code, you have several tools at your disposal. The first is breakpoints, which pause your script on a specific line of code. This allows you to examine the state of the program at that point in time. You can also hover over variables to view their values.

Another useful tool is the “Step Into” command. This allows you to step through the code line-by-line, making it easy to identify where bugs may be occurring. You can also use the “Watch” tab to observe specific variables as your program executes.

Conclusion

Debugging TypeScript code can be a challenge, but thankfully Visual Studio Code makes it easier. With a few simple setup steps, you can access powerful debugging features like breakpoints, “Step Into” commands, and variable watches. Armed with these tools, finding and fixing bugs in TypeScript is a breeze.