10 TypeScript Tips That Reduce Bugs by 50%

TypeScript's type system is your safety net. These patterns leverage it to prevent the most common JavaScript bugs.

1. Use Strict Mode

Set "strict": true in tsconfig.json. This enables all strict checks including null checks, implicit any detection, and stricter function types.

2. Prefer Union Types Over Enums

// Instead of enum
type Status = 'active' | 'inactive' | 'pending';
// Better: autocomplete, smaller bundle, exhaustive checking

3. Use the `satisfies` Operator

const config = {
  port: 3000,
  host: 'localhost'
} satisfies Config;
// Validates type without widening

4. Discriminated Unions for State

type State = 
  | { status: 'loading' }
  | { status: 'success'; data: User[] }
  | { status: 'error'; error: string };
// TypeScript narrows the type in switch/if

5. Use `as const` for Literals

const COLORS = ['red', 'blue', 'green'] as const;
type Color = typeof COLORS[number]; // 'red' | 'blue' | 'green'

Need Help?

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