tsconfig.json basics

Last reviewed May 28, 2026 Content v20260528

Track mode

client_typescript

Means

In-browser TS

Reading

~1 min

Level

intermediate

This lesson

This lesson teaches tsconfig.json basics—the ideas, syntax, and habits you need before moving on in TypeScript.

Strict compiler settings are the default on professional TS projects; learn them before a codebase fights you.

You will apply tsconfig.json basics in contexts like: Modern front-end apps, Node APIs, and any team that standardizes on TS-first tooling.

Write TypeScript, compile in the browser, run the emitted JavaScript, and check understanding with MCQs.

Toward the end of the track—use it to consolidate patterns before the capstone or summary lessons.

Key options:

target — emitted JS version
module — ESM vs CommonJS
strict — enables strict family flags
include / exclude — which files compile

Starter template

{
  "compilerOptions": {
    "target": "ES2020",
    "module": "ESNext",
    "strict": true,
    "skipLibCheck": true,
    "moduleResolution": "bundler"
  },
  "include": ["src"]
}

Self-check

What does include control versus files?

Tip: Check include/exclude when files mysteriously lack type checking.

Playground

Runs in your browser in a sandboxed frame. Backend runners appear when this track’s profile allows them.

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