How to Create a Declaration File for Your Library's Entrypoint in TypeScript

Learn how to generate a single declaration file for the entry point of your TypeScript library while managing interface imports correctly.
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How to Create a Declaration File for Your Library's Entrypoint in TypeScript

Understanding the Problem

When you bundle your TypeScript code, the TypeScript compiler generates declaration files for each individual module. Here's a simplified view of what this looks like:

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Additional Challenge: Interface Imports

Along with managing bundle declaration files, another common issue arises when keeping interfaces in separate files. If you import an interface in your modules, the generated declaration file will include these imports as import statements. While this works, it can clutter the declaration file and make it harder to read for users of your library.

The Solution

Step 1: Using dts-bundle-generator

Install dts-bundle-generator: Run the following command in your project directory:

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Step 2: Handling Imported Interfaces

Here’s how to achieve this:

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By doing so, when the dts-bundle-generator runs, it will include the interfaces in the declaration file directly instead of as imports.

Conclusion

Creating a single declaration file for your TypeScript library's entry point and managing interface imports properly can seem daunting. However, with the right tools and configurations, you can streamline the process effectively. By using dts-bundle-generator and exporting your interfaces correctly, you'll provide a cleaner, more manageable interface for users of your library.

If you follow this guide, you'll make your TypeScript library more user-friendly and easier to maintain. Happy coding!