Typescript in VS2012: (automatically) generating .js from .ts

Question

I've added file1.ts and I can see there's a dependent to it - namely file1.js.

I notice that any changes I made to file1.ts - file1.js doesn't get automatically re-generated.

The only workaround I have at the moment is by calling tsc.exe - as part of pre-build event.

My question is - are there any better workaround or maybe a setting somewhere I might've missed ?

I'm asking this because it seems in the playground (typescriptlang.org/Playground) - the .js file gets generated on the fly ! I feel a bit intimidated that the playground is kind of better than VS2012 :( — YS.
– YS., Commented Oct 2, 2012 at 2:37
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– John Saunders, Commented Oct 2, 2012 at 3:06

Lakerfield · Accepted Answer · 2012-10-03 19:43:08Z

23

Install the Web Essentials 2012 extension in Visual Studio 2012.

It will re-generate the .js file on every save of the .ts file.

http://visualstudiogallery.msdn.microsoft.com/07d54d12-7133-4e15-becb-6f451ea3bea6

answered Oct 3, 2012 at 19:43

Lakerfield

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4 Comments

Jason Kleban Over a year ago

But what about the CommonJS requires() stuff? I'm not getting that in my compiled code and I have to include all the files myself.

thomaux Over a year ago

@uosɐſ to compile your TS modules to AMD modules, you need to call the tsc compiler from a command prompt and pass the modules parameter: tsc --modules amd [list of filenames]

Nikos Over a year ago

How do you get the same thing to work in VS 2012 web express?

Maksim Vi. Over a year ago

For some reason it doesn't do it for me.

Ralph de Ruijter · Accepted Answer · 2012-10-03 18:21:07Z

6

You have to add a BeforeBuild target to your ASP.NET application's CSPROJ:

<Target Name="BeforeBuild">
<Exec Command="&quot;$(PROGRAMFILES)\Microsoft SDKs\TypeScript\0.8.0.0\tsc&quot;     @(TypeScriptCompile ->'&quot;%(fullpath)&quot;', ' ')" />
</Target>

tip: edit your csproj file with notepad.

answered Oct 3, 2012 at 18:21

Ralph de Ruijter

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3 Comments

Robert Dougan Over a year ago

If you're using Visual Studio Express you need to follow this step as Web Essentials is not supported for Express versions.

Bonnici Over a year ago

TypeScript for Visual Studio 2012 is supported on Express and it includes a project type under C# called "HTML Application with TypeScript" which includes this in the CSPROJ by default.

James Reategui Over a year ago

For Typescript 0.8.1 refer to this: typescript.codeplex.com/discussions/403394

Guy Schaller · Accepted Answer · 2013-11-13 13:00:06Z

4

Support for typescript has been removed from Web Essentials 2012 v3

you now need to download typescript support directly from microsoft:

http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=34790

answered Nov 13, 2013 at 13:00

Guy Schaller

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Comments

mohamed hegazy · Accepted Answer · 2012-10-02 16:56:08Z

0

In Visual Studio you need to invoke the build process for your files to be generated. The playground does not use the same build system, and it triggers the compilation once the source changes, so this is why you are seeing the difference in behavior.

answered Oct 2, 2012 at 16:56

mohamed hegazy

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1 Comment

YS. Over a year ago

note on this - the playground's probably using the tsc.js and as such can generate on the fly

Gluip · Accepted Answer · 2013-05-03 12:23:52Z

0

plug

You can use Install-Package TypeScript.Compile to add a afterbuild target that compiles all TypeScript files included in your project.

answered May 3, 2013 at 12:23

Gluip

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