Unlock the Power of Vanilla TypeScript: Building a REST API from Scratch
When it comes to building fast and scalable applications, developers often rely on libraries and frameworks to get the job done quickly. However, have you ever wondered what lies beneath the surface of these tools? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the inner workings of TypeScript and explore how to build a REST API using only native modules.
Why Vanilla TypeScript?
TypeScript is a superset of JavaScript that compiles to plain JavaScript during runtime. Its type system enables catching errors at compile time rather than runtime, making it an attractive choice for building robust applications. By using vanilla TypeScript, you can gain a deeper understanding of the code running at the core of your apps. This approach also allows you to create packages that other developers can use to speed up their development workflow.
Setting Up TypeScript with Node.js
To get started, you’ll need to install Node.js on your computer and create a project folder. Initialize your project using npm init -y and configure Node to run TypeScript code by installing the TypeScript Node package. Create a tsconfig.json file with default compile options using tsc --init. Finally, install ts-node to execute your TypeScript code and add a @types/node library to your project.
Creating a Simple HTTP Server
With your TypeScript setup ready, let’s create a basic HTTP server using the HTTP native module. Create an src folder and add an index.ts file. Import the HTTP module and set up a server instance using the createServer() function. Define a response message and start the server, listening for connections on port 3000.
Building a CRUD REST API
Now that you have a basic HTTP server up and running, let’s build a REST API that uses CRUD (create, read, update, and delete) methods. Start by storing your sample to-do list in a JSON file and create a store.json file inside the src folder.
Defining the Task Structure
Use interfaces to define the structure of the task data. Create an ITask.ts file and define the task properties. This will create a model that defines the domain data, ensuring strong typing throughout your code.
Adding API Controllers
Create a controller.ts file and add imports for each CRUD operation. Define functions for fetching tasks, adding a new task, updating a task, and deleting a task. Each controller will handle the logic for its respective endpoint.
Setting Up the Server and Task Routes
Once your controllers are set, create and expose endpoints for creating, reading, updating, and deleting tasks. Navigate to your ./src/index.ts file and set up your method endpoints using the HTTP methods GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE.
Running Your Application
Your to-do list API is now ready to run. Use npm start to start testing different endpoints. By building your application using vanilla TypeScript, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the code running at the core of your apps. This approach may require more lines of code, but it provides a sense of accomplishment and control over your application’s architecture.
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