TypeScript is an open-source programming language developed by Microsoft, serving as a superset of JavaScript that can be compiled into pure JavaScript. It offers a type system and support for ES6+, enhancing the efficiency and maintainability of developing large applications.
TypeScript files come in two extensions: .ts and .tsx. The main difference between these two extensions lies in the content they support:
-
.tsfiles: This is the standard extension for TypeScript. It is used for regular TypeScript files that can include type definitions, functions, classes, and all basic and advanced features of TypeScript, but it does not support JSX directly within the file. -
.tsxfiles: This extension is used for TypeScript files containing JSX. JSX is a syntax extension commonly found in the React framework, enabling developers to write HTML-like element structures within JavaScript. Thus, when a TypeScript file includes JSX, it should use the.tsxextension.
Example
Suppose you are developing a React project using TypeScript as the development language. You may have the following two types of files:
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Regular TypeScript file (
App.ts):typescriptfunction getAppName(): string { return 'My Awesome App'; } console.log(getAppName());This file contains only TypeScript code and no JSX, so it uses the
.tsextension. -
TypeScript file containing JSX (
App.tsx):typescriptimport React from 'react'; const App: React.FC = () => ( <div> Hello, welcome to my awesome app! </div> ); export default App;This file contains JSX code (e.g.,
<div>Hello, welcome to my awesome app!</div>), so it uses the.tsxextension.
In summary, the choice between .ts and .tsx primarily depends on whether JSX is needed within the file. For projects using React or similar libraries, you may frequently use the .tsx extension. Otherwise, generally use the .ts extension.