Understanding Why Your Node.js + TypeScript App with Babel Isn't Using Optional Chaining

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The Problem

Example of the Issue:

Your original code:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

After transpilation, it looks like:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

This is more complex than you intended, and it can lead to performance issues and confusion.

Your Current .babelrc Configuration:

Here’s a snapshot of your .babelrc file:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

The Solution

Step-by-Step Guide:

Update Your .babelrc Configuration:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Why This Works:

By specifying "targets": { "node": 14 }, you tell Babel that your code will run in an environment that supports optional chaining and nullish coalescing. Therefore, Babel will not transpile these features, keeping your code clean and efficient.

Test Your Changes:

After you update your configuration, re-run the Babel transpilation command:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Check the output to ensure that the optional chaining syntax remains intact.

Conclusion

Understanding how Babel interacts with modern JavaScript features can greatly enhance your development experience. By configuring Babel correctly, you maintain the simplicity and performance of your code. If you ever find that Babel is not preserving the features you expect, a review of your .babelrc file is a good place to start. Always ensure that you’re targeting the appropriate environment to take advantage of the most recent language specifications.