Exploring TypeScript Support in Eclipse

Update: Since this article was initially published, Genuitec has added advanced TypeScript support to their free Eclipse plugin, Webclipse. Give it a try!

TypeScript is an open source superset of JavaScript that adds class based objects that compile to JavaScript plain code. Currently there are two main options to support TypeScript in Eclipse. I’m going to discuss their features and pros and cons of each.

Palantir’s TypeScript (Version 1.6.0.v20151006)

This plugin offers minimal support for TypeScript and uses the official TypeScript compiler.

Example of Palantir’s TypeScript

Pros

• Installation is simple

Cons

• Outline view doesn’t display return type and arguments for methods
• “Open definition” doesn’t work for standard types and it doesn’t support definitions file
• Limited documentation

TypEcs (Version 4.0)

This plugin polishes some of the rough edges of the Palantir plugin and adds some interesting features like debug support for Node.js and web apps.

Example of TypEcs TypeScript

Pros

• Installation is simple
• Better highlighting support than Palantir plugin
• Adds New>TypeScript file menu item
• Open Declaration works as expected
• Debug support for Node.js and web projects
• More attractive TypeScript file icons
• Helpful documentation with screenshots and feature descriptions
• Continuous updates

Cons

• Outline view doesn’t display return type and arguments for methods

Comparison of Features

The following table shows the features for both of the plugins:

Conclusion

The current options for supporting TypeScript in Eclipse are limited. In my opinion, the best option is to use TypEcs for TypeScript support in Eclipse since it improves upon Palantir’s plugin by adding the debug support for Node.js and WebRemote. 

Thanks to Sal Cabrera for his assistance in this article.