TypeScript Coding Standards

Principles

Type Safety

• Enable strict mode in tsconfig.json
• Avoid ‘any’ type – use ‘unknown’ when type is truly uncertain
• Use const assertions for literal types (as const)
• Prefer type inference over explicit types when obvious
• Use discriminated unions for complex state modeling

Naming Conventions

• Use PascalCase for types, interfaces, and classes
• Use camelCase for variables, functions, and properties
• Use UPPER_SNAKE_CASE for constants
• Prefix interfaces with ‘I’ only when necessary to avoid conflicts
• Use descriptive names that reveal intent

Type Definitions

• Prefer interfaces for object types (extensible)
• Use type aliases for unions, intersections, and utilities
• Define types close to where they’re used
• Export types from index files for library modules
• Use utility types (Partial, Pick, Omit, Record, etc.)

Function Signatures

• Always specify return types for public functions
• Use optional parameters with default values sparingly
• Prefer function overloads for complex signatures
• Use generics for reusable, type-safe functions

Error Handling

• Use typed errors with discriminated unions
• Prefer Result<T, E> pattern over throwing exceptions
• Document thrown exceptions in JSDoc comments
• Handle all error cases explicitly

Best Practices

Imports

• Use path aliases for cleaner imports (@/ prefix)
• Group imports: external -> internal -> relative
• Use named imports over default imports when possible
• Avoid circular dependencies

Code Organization

• One component/class per file (exceptions for small helpers)
• Co-locate related files (component + styles + tests)
• Use index files for barrel exports
• Keep files under 300 lines when possible

Documentation

• Use JSDoc comments for public APIs
• Document complex type definitions
• Explain non-obvious type assertions
• Keep comments up-to-date with code changes

Anti-Patterns

Avoid

• Type assertions (as Type) without justification
• Non-null assertions (!) without null checks
• Empty interfaces extending other types
• Excessive use of Pick/Omit (indicates poor type design)
• Magic numbers – use named constants
• Mutating function parameters

Code Quality

Linting

• Configure ESLint with TypeScript plugin
• Enable recommended TypeScript rules
• Use Prettier for consistent formatting
• Fix all linting errors before commit

Testing

• Type test critical type utilities
• Test type narrowing logic
• Verify discriminated unions exhaustiveness