Introduction to Migrating Codebases
When did JavaScript become popular, and why is it still the foundation of so many web projects? Since its breakthrough in the late 90s, JavaScript has grown into the go-to language for building interactive websites and applications. But as apps got bigger and more complex, developers started looking for ways to catch errors earlier and keep their code easier to manage — that’s where TypeScript comes in.
Nowadays, moving from JavaScript to TS is a smart move for many teams. Whether you’re working on a small project or a large-scale system, making this change can boost your code’s reliability and make future updates simpler. The key is to plan well and use the right tools to keep the transition smooth.
Ready to start your JS to TS convert? Reach out to MaybeWorks, and let our experts help you assess your codebase for a smooth transition.
Why Convert JavaScript to TypeScript?
Expert Advice from MaybeWorks
Serhii, CTO
Key Benefits of Converting JS to TS
TS offers static type checking, which can catch errors early, improve collaboration, and boost productivity. For software engineers maintaining large JavaScript codebases, adding type definitions means more reliable builds and better long-term maintainability.
When It Makes Sense to Migrate Your App
It’s practical to convert JavaScript to TypeScript when your team needs better tooling support, stricter code quality, or is preparing for a large-scale upgrade. If you’re experiencing bugs due to dynamic typing or complex logic, migrating could make your codebase more robust and easier to refactor. This conversion allows you to define each function with clear types, restructure loosely defined classes, and use a transpiler to safely translate dynamic scripts into more predictable code. Over time, this helps transfer knowledge across teams and makes your code easier to maintain.
Preparing Your Project Before Migration
Clean Up and Refactor Code for Consistency
Before diving in, clean up your code: remove unused variables, simplify nested logic, and align your file structure. A tidy base will make the translation process smoother and help avoid false positives during type checking.
For teams working with React, following React clean code best practices before migration ensures your components and hooks stay maintainable during the transition.
Learn TypeScript Basics for a Smooth JS to TS Conversion
To convert JS to TS effectively, understanding TypeScript fundamentals is essential. Learn how to use interfaces, enums, and generics. This will make it easier to translate existing functions and classes during the conversion.
Review Third-Party JavaScript Libraries and Dependencies
Some libraries may not provide type definitions, which could complicate the transition. Check for @types packages or prepare to write custom types if needed. This step will help you anticipate issues early.
If your project uses React or Next.js, understanding how Next.js is different from React can guide your migration strategy, especially regarding server-side rendering and routing considerations.
Unlock the full potential of your codebase with TS. Reach out to MaybeWorks today, and let’s make your migration from JavaScript efficient, reliable, and tailored to your needs.
Conversion Approaches: From Script to Superset
Using Online JS to TS Converter Tools
If you’re just exploring or working with small files, a JS-to-TS-converter can be a helpful starting point. These tools can automatically add basic type definitions, rename JavaScript file extensions, and handle simple syntax differences. However, they rarely handle edge cases well and may need further adjustments, especially when working in a Node environment.
Manual, Incremental Workflow
A more stable path is to start converting JS to TS incrementally. Begin with leaf modules or utility scripts and work your way up. This lets you test parts of your application progressively and avoid blocking your main development pipeline.
Combining JS-to-TS-converter Tools with Manual Fixes
Often, the best method is a hybrid: run a convertor, then manually adjust function definitions, script annotations, and class types to ensure correctness. This is especially useful when working with legacy JavaScript code that includes dynamic logic or loosely defined modules.
Setting Up TypeScript in Your JavaScript Project
Install TS and Required Packages
Use Node’s package manager to install TypeScript and related types. This is the first step to transpile your JavaScript code and unlock TS’s features. Many projects also require additional setup for testing and linting tools. This setup is especially relevant for NodeJS application developers aiming to upgrade backend or full-stack projects with TypeScript.
Configure the Project with tsconfig.json
Your tsconfig.json file defines how TS interprets and compiles your code. Set compiler options, include/exclude paths, and adjust settings for gradual typing. It’s your project’s central definition for how code should be handled.
Enable Strict Checks for Better Code Quality
Strict mode enforces best practices and helps identify potential issues. During the JavaScript convert to TypeScript process, it’s especially helpful, as it forces you to confront untyped values and ambiguous logic early on — something a simple convertor change won’t catch.
Need expert help setting up TypeScript for your project? Our experienced developers can guide you through a seamless migration from JavaScript — reach out to MaybeWorks today.
Code-by-Code: Transitioning a Project
Change File Extensions to .ts or .tsx
To begin the change, rename JavaScript .js files to .ts. For files containing JSX, convert JS to TSX. This triggers the TypeScript compiler to transpile rather than decompile your files, applying type checks along the way.
Add Annotations and Interfaces Gradually
Start adding type annotations to parameters and return values. Define interfaces for objects and classes, especially for shared models and configuration files. This makes your types reusable and scalable.
Define Explicit Structures for Complex Data
For deeply nested or dynamic data, write custom types or interfaces. This makes your code easier to reason about and reduces unexpected bugs caused by shape mismatches during runtime.
Resolve Issues with Untyped Libraries
Use DefinitelyTyped (@types) or create your own module declarations if no type definitions are available. This is a necessary step for maintaining safety in your TS code, especially when relying on external packages.
Adjust Dynamic Code to a Static Context
JavaScript allows more dynamic patterns (like adding properties on the fly), which don’t translate cleanly to TypeScript. You’ll need to restructure such parts into explicit type-safe alternatives.
Common Challenges During the Process
Understanding Type Inference and the Any Type
TypeScript’s inference system is powerful, but it’s not magic. Overusing any defeats the purpose of static typing. Aim to use concrete types instead and leverage tools like unknown when type information is uncertain.
Fixing Compatibility with External Modules
When you convert JS to Typescript, some modules might not be fully compatible. In such cases, add shims or write type guards to bridge the gap and keep your project stable.
Dealing with Legacy or Unstructured JavaScript Code
Older JavaScript code may mix concerns, lack proper separation, or use non-standard practices. In these cases, it’s helpful to refactor the codebase before or during the transfer process to TypeScript.
Key Gains from Migrating
Better Editor Support and IntelliSense
With TS, editors provide smarter autocompletion, in-line documentation, and real-time error detection. This alone can justify the move, especially for large teams. Harnessing the TypeScript power means tapping into advanced type checking and tooling that significantly improve code quality and developer experience.
Fewer Bugs in Production
By catching mistakes at build time, you reduce runtime issues. Static analysis means more reliable deployments and fewer surprises.
Stronger Foundation for Scaling
TypeScript supports larger, more complex applications by making code easier to understand, share, and maintain. It also creates a common language for engineers working across multiple layers of a project.
Conclusion: Should You Convert Your JS Code to TypeScript?
Migrating your codebase is not an all-or-nothing process. You can convert JS to TS step by step, using a mix of automation and manual refinement. While there’s a learning curve, the long-term benefits of stronger tooling, improved safety, and scalable architecture are worth the investment. Whether you’re exploring how to start or planning a full upgrade, TypeScript gives you the tools to future-proof your code.
Considering a full migration but unsure where to start? Contact MaybeWorks for a tailored migration plan that fits your team and project needs.
FAQ
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Do I need to rewrite my entire JavaScript project in TypeScript?
No, a full rewrite is not necessary. TypeScript supports gradual adoption, so you can start by converting a single JavaScript file to .ts and continue from there. Many teams begin by converting JavaScript to TypeScript incrementally, focusing on critical modules first and expanding to the whole project over time.
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Can I use JS and TS files together in one project?
Yes, TypeScript is designed to support mixed environments. You can continue working with .js files while introducing .ts ones within the same project. Enabling allowJs in your compiler settings makes this possible, helping you maintain momentum during the migration process.
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Does it change runtime behavior?
No. TypeScript is a static type system that transpiles to plain JavaScript. It does not alter runtime behavior. The compiled output remains standard JavaScript, so your functions, classes, and logic continue to behave as they did before the conversion.
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Are there tools to speed up the transition?
Yes, several tools can streamline the process. A JS to TS converter or a conversion tool like ts-migrate can help automatically rename files, infer basic types, and scaffold type definitions. Some developers also use online converters to migrate. These solutions are particularly helpful in larger projects.
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What are the hardest parts of converting JavaScript to TS in large apps?
The most complex challenges in converting JS to TypeScript typically involve dynamic typing, lack of type definitions for third-party libraries, and legacy patterns such as loosely scoped variables or framework-specific features. Converting legacy Angular apps or integrating older tools like Protractor may require additional care when updating modules or migrating to a typed model.
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How long does it take to upgrade a JavaScript codebase to TypeScript?
Timelines vary depending on the size and complexity of the project. Small applications may be fully migrated in a matter of days. Larger codebases may require several weeks or more, especially when refactoring is involved. A phased approach — focus on core modules, then gradual transfer to TS — is often the most effective strategy.
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Can I use TypeScript features in existing JavaScript files?
Yes, to a limited extent. By enabling allowJs and using JSDoc annotations, you can introduce type checking into existing .js files without fully converting them. This allows teams to benefit from TypeScript’s tooling and compiler feedback even before performing a full JavaScript to TypeScript convert.
