TypeScript Coding Standards
Purpose
Progressive disclosure of TypeScript coding standards for agents writing TypeScript code.
Authoritative Source: docs/explanation/software-engineering/programming-languages/typescript/README.md
Usage: Auto-loaded for agents when writing TypeScript code. Provides quick reference to idioms, best practices, and antipatterns.
Quick Standards Reference
Naming Conventions
Types and Interfaces: PascalCase
- Types:
UserAccount,PaymentDetails - Interfaces:
IPaymentProcessororPaymentProcessor(no prefix preferred) - Type aliases:
type UserId = string
Functions and Variables: camelCase
- Functions:
calculateTotal(),findUserById() - Variables:
userName,totalAmount - Constants:
UPPER_SNAKE_CASE(MAX_RETRIES,API_ENDPOINT)
Files: kebab-case
user-account.ts,payment-processor.ts
Modern TypeScript Features
Type Inference: Let TypeScript infer when obvious
const name = "John"; // string inferred
const count = 42; // number inferred
Union Types: Use for multiple possible types
type Result = Success | Error;
type Status = "pending" | "completed" | "failed";
Type Guards: Use for type narrowing
function isString(value: unknown): value is string {
return typeof value === "string";
}
Generics: Use for reusable type-safe code
function identity<T>(value: T): T {
return value;
}
Utility Types: Leverage built-in utilities
Partial<T>: Make all properties optionalPick<T, K>: Select specific propertiesOmit<T, K>: Remove specific propertiesReadonly<T>: Make all properties readonly
Error Handling
Result Pattern: Prefer over throwing exceptions
type Result<T, E> = { ok: true; value: T } | { ok: false; error: E };
Error Types: Define specific error types
class ValidationError extends Error {
constructor(
public field: string,
message: string,
) {
super(message);
this.name = "ValidationError";
}
}
Testing Standards
Jest/Vitest: Primary testing frameworks
describe()for test suitesit()ortest()for individual testsbeforeEach(),afterEach()for setup
Type-safe Tests: Ensure tests are type-checked
it("should return user", () => {
const user: User = findUser("123");
expect(user.name).toBe("John");
});
Security Practices
No any: Avoid any type
- Use
unknownfor truly unknown types - Use generics for flexible typing
Input Validation: Validate external data
- Use Zod or similar for runtime validation
- Validate before processing
XSS Prevention: Sanitize user input
- Use framework escaping (React, Angular)
- Never use
dangerouslySetInnerHTMLwithout sanitization
Comprehensive Documentation
For detailed guidance, refer to:
- Idioms - TypeScript-specific patterns
- Best Practices - Clean code standards
- Anti-Patterns - Common mistakes
Test-Driven Development
TDD is required for all TypeScript code changes. Write the failing Vitest test first, confirm it
fails for the right reason, implement the minimum code to pass, then refactor. For TypeScript the
primary levels are Unit (Vitest with every OS-facing dependency injected), Integration (real
isolated local resources with no network), E2E (Playwright or another real public boundary), and
property/fuzz (fast-check for invariants). Every active Gherkin scenario requires Unit proof.
The owning test:unit target collects native line coverage and hard-fails below 99%; only a narrow,
enumerated boundary adapter with named Integration/E2E runtime proof may leave its denominator.
Canonical reference: Test-Driven Development Convention
Related Skills
- docs-applying-content-quality
- repo-practicing-trunk-based-development