Sysbender’s Notes

TS Developer Curriculum

16 min read

TypeScript Developer Curriculum

Complete Learning Path from Beginner to Expert

📋 Overview

This comprehensive curriculum guides aspiring TypeScript developers from foundational concepts to advanced mastery. Designed for developers with basic programming knowledge, it starts with JavaScript fundamentals since TypeScript is a superset of JavaScript.

Timeline: 3-6 months (20-40 hours/week)
Prerequisites: Basic programming concepts
Outcome: Professional TypeScript developer ready for industry roles

🎯 Learning Objectives

By the end of this curriculum, you will:

  • Master TypeScript’s type system and advanced features
  • Build full-stack applications with TypeScript
  • Integrate TypeScript into modern development workflows
  • Apply best practices and design patterns
  • Contribute to TypeScript projects and communities

📚 Module 1: Prerequisites - JavaScript Fundamentals

Duration: 2-3 weeks | Level: Foundation

Core JavaScript Mastery

TypeScript builds on JavaScript, so solid JS knowledge is essential.

🎯 Learning Objectives

  • Understand JavaScript syntax and core concepts
  • Implement modern ES6+ features
  • Master asynchronous programming patterns
  • Build interactive web applications

📖 Topics Covered

Syntax & Fundamentals

  • Variables: var, let, const and their scoping rules
  • Data types: primitives (string, number, boolean, null, undefined, symbol, bigint)
  • Complex types: objects, arrays, functions
  • Operators: arithmetic, comparison, logical, ternary
  • Control structures: if/else, loops (for, while, for…of, for…in), switch

Functions Deep Dive

  • Function declarations vs expressions
  • Arrow functions and their this binding
  • Parameters: default values, rest parameters, destructuring
  • Higher-order functions: map(), filter(), reduce(), forEach()
  • Callback functions and function composition

Scope & Closures

  • Lexical scoping rules
  • Hoisting behavior for variables and functions
  • Block scope vs function scope
  • Closure patterns and practical applications
  • Module patterns using closures

Object-Oriented JavaScript

  • Prototype chain and inheritance
  • ES6 Classes: constructors, methods, inheritance
  • extends and super keywords
  • Getters and setters
  • Static methods and properties

Asynchronous Programming

  • Callback patterns and callback hell
  • Promises: creation, chaining, error handling
  • async/await syntax and best practices
  • Error handling with try/catch/finally
  • Promise utilities: Promise.all(), Promise.race(), Promise.allSettled()

Modern JavaScript (ES6+)

  • Template literals and tagged templates
  • Destructuring assignment (objects and arrays)
  • Spread and rest operators
  • Default parameters and enhanced object literals
  • Import/export syntax and module systems
  • Arrow functions and lexical this

Data Structures & Manipulation

  • Array methods: splice(), slice(), concat(), find(), some(), every()
  • Object manipulation: Object.assign(), spread operator, computed properties
  • ES6 Collections: Set, Map, WeakSet, WeakMap
  • JSON parsing and stringification

DOM & Browser APIs (for browser-based development)

  • Document selection: querySelector(), getElementById()
  • Event handling: addEventListener(), event delegation
  • Event flow: bubbling, capturing, preventing defaults
  • DOM manipulation: creating, modifying, removing elements
  • Fetch API for HTTP requests

Debugging & Development

  • Console methods: log(), warn(), error(), table(), group()
  • Browser developer tools
  • Common JavaScript pitfalls and debugging strategies
  • Type coercion and truthiness/falsiness

🛠️ Hands-On Project: Vanilla JavaScript Todo App

Build a feature-rich todo application demonstrating all learned concepts:

Features to implement:

  • Add, edit, delete, and toggle todos
  • Filter by status (all, active, completed)
  • Persistent storage using localStorage
  • Async data fetching from a mock API (JSONPlaceholder)
  • Responsive design with modern CSS

Code structure:

  • Use ES6 modules to organize code
  • Implement classes for Todo items and TodoManager
  • Use async/await for API interactions
  • Apply event delegation for dynamic elements

✅ Module 1 Assessment

  • Quiz: 20 questions on JavaScript fundamentals
  • Code Review: Todo app implementation
  • Practical Test: Debug and refactor provided JavaScript code

📚 Module 2: TypeScript Basics

Duration: 2-3 weeks | Level: Beginner

Introduction to TypeScript

Learn TypeScript’s core concepts and type system fundamentals.

🎯 Learning Objectives

  • Install and configure TypeScript development environment
  • Understand the TypeScript compilation process
  • Apply basic type annotations and type inference
  • Convert JavaScript projects to TypeScript

📖 Topics Covered

Environment Setup

  • Node.js and npm installation
  • TypeScript compiler installation: npm install -g typescript
  • Project initialization: npm init, tsc --init
  • Basic tsconfig.json configuration
  • IDE setup (VS Code recommended) with TypeScript extensions

TypeScript Fundamentals

  • Compilation process: TypeScript → JavaScript
  • Type annotations vs type inference
  • The role of .d.ts declaration files
  • TypeScript compiler options and flags
  • Understanding compilation errors

Primitive Types

  • Basic types: string, number, boolean
  • Special types: null, undefined, symbol, bigint
  • Type annotations: let name: string = "Alice"
  • Type inference: let age = 25 (inferred as number)
  • Literal types: let status: "pending" | "complete"

Special Types

  • any: escape hatch (use sparingly!)
  • unknown: safer alternative to any
  • never: represents unreachable code
  • void: for functions that don’t return values
  • Type assertions: value as Type or <Type>value

Arrays and Tuples

  • Array syntax: string[] vs Array<string>
  • Readonly arrays: ReadonlyArray<T> or readonly T[]
  • Tuples: [string, number] for fixed-length arrays
  • Optional tuple elements: [string, number?]
  • Rest elements in tuples: [string, ...number[]]

Object Types

  • Object type annotations: { name: string; age: number }
  • Optional properties: { name?: string }
  • Index signatures: { [key: string]: any }
  • Readonly properties: { readonly id: number }

Interfaces

  • Basic interface syntax and usage
  • Optional properties with ?
  • Readonly properties
  • Method signatures in interfaces
  • Extending interfaces with extends
  • Index signatures in interfaces

Enums

  • Numeric enums (auto-incrementing)
  • String enums for better debugging
  • Heterogeneous enums (mixed types)
  • Const enums for performance
  • Reverse mapping in numeric enums

Functions in TypeScript

  • Parameter type annotations
  • Return type annotations
  • Optional parameters: param?: Type
  • Default parameters: param: Type = defaultValue
  • Rest parameters: ...args: Type[]
  • Function overloads
  • void vs undefined return types

Union and Intersection Types

  • Union types: string | number
  • Intersection types: Type1 & Type2
  • Discriminated unions (tagged unions)
  • Type narrowing with type guards
  • Literal types in unions

Basic Generics

  • Introduction to generic syntax: <T>
  • Generic functions: function identity<T>(arg: T): T
  • Generic interfaces: interface Container<T>
  • Generic type aliases
  • Constraint with extends: <T extends string>

🛠️ Hands-On Project: TypeScript Todo App Conversion

Convert the JavaScript todo app from Module 1 to TypeScript:

Implementation requirements:

  • Define interfaces for Todo items and API responses
  • Type all function parameters and return values
  • Use enums for todo status and filter types
  • Implement generic utility functions
  • Add proper error handling with typed exceptions
  • Configure strict TypeScript settings

New TypeScript-specific features:

  • Custom type guards for runtime type checking
  • Union types for different app states
  • Generic functions for API interactions
  • Type-safe event handling

✅ Module 2 Assessment

  • Quiz: TypeScript basics and type system
  • Code Review: TypeScript todo app with proper typing
  • Practical Test: Add new features with proper TypeScript implementation

📚 Module 3: Intermediate TypeScript - Structures and Patterns

Duration: 3-4 weeks | Level: Intermediate

Advanced Type System Features

Master complex type definitions and real-world TypeScript patterns.

🎯 Learning Objectives

  • Implement complex class hierarchies with TypeScript
  • Design sophisticated type definitions
  • Apply advanced generic patterns
  • Create type-safe APIs and libraries

📖 Topics Covered

Classes in TypeScript

  • Constructor parameters and initialization
  • Access modifiers: public, private, protected
  • Parameter properties shorthand
  • Abstract classes and methods
  • Static members and methods
  • Class expressions vs declarations

Inheritance and Polymorphism

  • extends keyword for class inheritance
  • super calls in constructors and methods
  • Method overriding and override modifier
  • Polymorphism through interfaces
  • Multiple interface implementation

Advanced Interface Concepts

  • Interface merging (declaration merging)
  • Extending multiple interfaces
  • Hybrid types (functions with properties)
  • Call signatures and construct signatures
  • Method overloading in interfaces

Modules and Namespaces

  • ES6 modules vs TypeScript namespaces
  • Import/export syntax variations
  • Default exports vs named exports
  • Barrel files (index.ts) for clean imports
  • Module resolution strategies
  • Triple-slash directives

Utility Types Deep Dive

  • Partial<T>: make all properties optional
  • Required<T>: make all properties required
  • Readonly<T>: make all properties readonly
  • Pick<T, K>: select specific properties
  • Omit<T, K>: exclude specific properties
  • Record<K, T>: create object with specific key-value types
  • Extract<T, U> and Exclude<T, U>
  • NonNullable<T>: exclude null and undefined

Advanced Generics

  • Generic constraints with extends
  • Multiple generic parameters
  • Generic inference and contextual typing
  • Generic interfaces and classes
  • Default generic parameters
  • Conditional types with generics

Type Guards and Narrowing

  • typeof type guards
  • instanceof type guards
  • User-defined type guards with is keyword
  • Discriminated unions for type narrowing
  • Control flow analysis
  • Assertion functions

Mapped Types

  • Basic mapped type syntax: { [K in keyof T]: ... }
  • Key remapping with as clause
  • Template literal types in mapped types
  • Homomorphic vs non-homomorphic mapped types
  • Modifying mapped types with +/- modifiers

Error Handling Patterns

  • Custom error classes with proper typing
  • Result types: Result<T, E> pattern
  • Error unions in function return types
  • Type-safe error handling with discriminated unions
  • Assertion functions for runtime validation

Literal Types and Template Literals

  • String literal types and their uses
  • Number literal types
  • Boolean literal types
  • Template literal types for string manipulation
  • Conditional types with template literals

Decorator Basics (Experimental)

  • Understanding the @decorator syntax
  • Method decorators
  • Property decorators
  • Class decorators
  • Parameter decorators
  • Metadata reflection (basic concepts)

🛠️ Hands-On Project: Chess Game Engine

Build a typed class-based chess game engine demonstrating advanced concepts:

Core features:

  • Piece classes with inheritance hierarchy
  • Board representation with generics
  • Move validation using discriminated unions
  • Game state management with enums
  • Type-safe event system
  • Serialization/deserialization with branded types

Advanced TypeScript usage:

  • Abstract base classes for chess pieces
  • Generic utility functions for board operations
  • Custom type guards for piece identification
  • Mapped types for board position calculations
  • Template literal types for chess notation

✅ Module 3 Assessment

  • Project Evaluation: Chess engine implementation
  • Code Review: Focus on type safety and design patterns
  • Technical Interview: Explain design decisions and TypeScript usage

📚 Module 4: Advanced TypeScript Features

Duration: 4-5 weeks | Level: Advanced

Type-Level Programming and Ecosystem Integration

Master sophisticated TypeScript features and integrate with popular frameworks.

🎯 Learning Objectives

  • Master conditional and mapped type programming
  • Integrate TypeScript with React and Node.js ecosystems
  • Implement advanced type safety patterns
  • Optimize TypeScript performance and compilation

📖 Topics Covered

Conditional Types Deep Dive

  • Conditional type syntax: T extends U ? X : Y
  • Distributive conditional types
  • infer keyword for type inference
  • Nested conditional types
  • Practical applications in utility types

Advanced Mapped Types

  • Recursive mapped types
  • Conditional mapped types
  • Key filtering with never
  • Writable/readonly modifications
  • Template literal keys in mapped types

Module System Mastery

  • Declaration merging patterns
  • Global augmentation techniques
  • Ambient declarations with declare
  • Triple-slash directives deep dive
  • Module resolution configuration

Higher-Kinded Types (Experimental/Advanced)

  • Simulating higher-kinded types with generics
  • Functor and Monad patterns
  • Type-level computation patterns
  • Brand types for nominal typing

React Integration

  • @types/react package essentials
  • Function component typing: FC<Props>
  • Hook typing: useState, useEffect, useContext
  • Event handler typing
  • Ref handling: useRef<T>
  • Custom hook development
  • HOC (Higher-Order Component) typing
  • Render prop patterns

Node.js Integration

  • @types/node package
  • File system operations with proper typing
  • HTTP server development with Express
  • Typed middleware development
  • Database integration (TypeORM, Prisma)
  • Environment variable typing
  • Stream and Buffer handling

Ambient Declarations

  • Writing .d.ts files
  • Augmenting third-party libraries
  • Global variable declarations
  • Module declarations for untyped packages
  • UMD module declarations

Strict Mode Configuration

  • noImplicitAny enforcement
  • strictNullChecks benefits
  • noImplicitReturns and noFallthroughCasesInSwitch
  • exactOptionalPropertyTypes (TS 4.4+)
  • Migration strategies for strict mode

Type Inference Optimization

  • Understanding TypeScript’s inference algorithm
  • Contextual typing scenarios
  • Generic parameter inference
  • Control flow analysis optimization
  • Performance implications of complex types

Branded Types and Nominal Typing

  • Creating unique types with brands
  • Runtime validation with branded types
  • ID types for different entities
  • Preventing primitive obsession

🛠️ Hands-On Project: Full-Stack TypeScript Application

Build a complete full-stack application with advanced TypeScript usage:

Backend (Node.js + Express):

  • RESTful API with typed endpoints
  • Database integration with TypeORM or Prisma
  • Middleware typing and error handling
  • JWT authentication with proper types
  • Input validation with branded types
  • Real-time features with Socket.io

Frontend (React + TypeScript):

  • Complex state management (Redux Toolkit or Zustand)
  • Custom hooks with advanced generics
  • Form handling with proper validation
  • API client with typed responses
  • Error boundary implementation
  • Performance optimization with React.memo

Shared Types Package:

  • Monorepo setup with shared types
  • API contract definitions
  • Utility types for both frontend and backend
  • Build and deployment configuration

✅ Module 4 Assessment

  • Full-Stack Application: Complete project evaluation
  • Architecture Review: System design and type safety
  • Performance Analysis: Build time and runtime optimization

📚 Module 5: TypeScript Ecosystem and Tools

Duration: 2-3 weeks | Level: Professional

Development Workflows and Toolchain Integration

Master the complete TypeScript development ecosystem.

🎯 Learning Objectives

  • Configure advanced TypeScript build systems
  • Integrate with modern development tools
  • Implement comprehensive testing strategies
  • Optimize development workflows

📖 Topics Covered

Advanced tsconfig.json Configuration

  • Compiler options deep dive
  • Path mapping with paths and baseUrl
  • Project references for monorepos
  • Include/exclude patterns
  • Source map configuration
  • Declaration file generation

Build Tools Integration

  • Webpack: ts-loader vs babel-loader + @babel/preset-typescript
  • Vite: Native TypeScript support and configuration
  • esbuild: Ultra-fast TypeScript compilation
  • Rollup: Library bundling with TypeScript
  • Parcel: Zero-configuration TypeScript builds
  • Watch mode and incremental compilation

Testing with TypeScript

  • Jest: Configuration with ts-jest
  • Vitest: Modern testing with native TypeScript support
  • Testing Library: Component testing with proper types
  • Type testing with @types/jest or vitest
  • Mocking with proper TypeScript support
  • Test-driven development patterns

Code Quality Tools

  • ESLint: @typescript-eslint parser and rules
  • Prettier: Code formatting integration
  • Husky: Git hooks for type checking
  • lint-staged: Pre-commit code quality
  • SonarJS: Advanced code analysis

IDE and Editor Setup

  • VS Code: Essential extensions and settings
  • IntelliSense: Maximizing autocomplete and navigation
  • Refactoring tools: Rename, extract, organize imports
  • Debugging: Breakpoints in TypeScript source
  • Workspace configuration: Multi-root workspaces

Monorepo Management

  • Yarn Workspaces: Package management and linking
  • npm Workspaces: Native monorepo support
  • Lerna: Versioning and publishing
  • Nx: Advanced monorepo tooling
  • Shared TypeScript configuration
  • Cross-package type dependencies

Browser and Runtime Integration

  • ES module compilation targets
  • Polyfill strategies for older browsers
  • Web Worker typing and integration
  • Service Worker development
  • Progressive Web App (PWA) typing

Performance Optimization

  • Type-only imports: import type for better tree shaking
  • skipLibCheck: Balancing build speed vs type safety
  • incremental compilation
  • Project references for large codebases
  • Build caching strategies

Migration Strategies

  • Gradual migration from JavaScript
  • allowJs and checkJs options
  • JSDoc type annotations
  • Automated migration tools
  • Team adoption strategies

🛠️ Hands-On Project: TypeScript Development Toolkit

Create a complete development setup for a TypeScript monorepo:

Setup requirements:

  • Multi-package monorepo structure
  • Shared TypeScript configuration
  • Automated testing pipeline
  • Code quality enforcement
  • Build optimization
  • CI/CD integration

Packages to include:

  • Shared utility library
  • React component library
  • Node.js API server
  • CLI tool package
  • Documentation site

✅ Module 5 Assessment

  • Monorepo Setup: Complete development environment
  • Tool Integration: Demonstrate workflow efficiency
  • Performance Metrics: Build time and bundle size optimization

📚 Module 6: Best Practices, Patterns, and Advanced Topics

Duration: 3-4 weeks | Level: Expert

Professional TypeScript Development

Master industry-standard practices and advanced architectural patterns.

🎯 Learning Objectives

  • Apply enterprise-level TypeScript patterns
  • Implement scalable architecture designs
  • Contribute to open-source TypeScript projects
  • Lead TypeScript adoption in teams

📖 Topics Covered

TypeScript Best Practices

  • Interfaces vs Type Aliases: When to use each
  • Avoiding any: Strategies for type safety
  • Strict mode benefits: Comprehensive configuration
  • Exhaustive checks: Using never for completeness
  • Prefer unknown over any
  • Type assertions: When and how to use safely

Design Patterns in TypeScript

  • Creational Patterns:
    • Singleton with private constructors
    • Factory with generic type parameters
    • Builder pattern with fluent interfaces
  • Structural Patterns:
    • Adapter pattern with interface compatibility
    • Decorator pattern with method enhancement
  • Behavioral Patterns:
    • Observer with typed event systems
    • Strategy with generic implementations
    • Command pattern with type-safe operations

SOLID Principles with TypeScript

  • Single Responsibility: Type-driven module design
  • Open/Closed: Extension through interfaces
  • Liskov Substitution: Proper inheritance hierarchies
  • Interface Segregation: Focused interface design
  • Dependency Inversion: Injection with generic containers

Advanced Error Handling

  • Result<T, E> Pattern: Functional error handling
  • Either Types: Left/Right discriminated unions
  • Error Boundary Patterns: React error handling
  • Typed Exception Hierarchies: Custom error classes
  • Validation Libraries: Integration with Zod, Yup, or Joi

Performance Optimization

  • Type-level Performance: Avoiding deep recursion
  • Compilation Speed: Optimizing complex types
  • Runtime Performance: Zero-cost abstractions
  • Bundle Size: Tree shaking with TypeScript
  • Memory Usage: Efficient type definitions

Security Considerations

  • Input Validation: Runtime type checking
  • SQL Injection Prevention: Typed query builders
  • XSS Prevention: Template literal safety
  • CSRF Protection: Typed token handling
  • API Security: Contract-first development

Accessibility and Developer Experience

  • Self-Documenting Types: Clear naming conventions
  • IDE Integration: Maximizing developer productivity
  • Error Messages: Writing helpful type errors
  • Documentation: TSDoc for API documentation
  • Type-Driven Development: Design with types first

Staying Current

  • TypeScript Release Cycle: Major updates every 6 months
  • Migration Guides: Updating between versions
  • Community Resources: Following TypeScript developments
  • Experimentation: Using TypeScript nightly builds
  • Contributing: Bug reports and feature requests

Community and Open Source

  • DefinitelyTyped: Contributing type definitions
  • Writing Declaration Files: .d.ts best practices
  • Library Development: Publishing typed packages
  • Code Review: TypeScript-specific considerations
  • Teaching: Mentoring and knowledge sharing

Edge Cases and Advanced Topics

  • Circular Type References: Handling recursive types
  • Variadic Tuples: Working with rest elements
  • satisfies Operator: Type checking without widening
  • Template Literal Recursion: String manipulation at type level
  • Const Assertions: as const for precise inference

🛠️ Hands-On Project: Open Source Contribution

Contribute to a real open-source TypeScript project:

Project options:

  • Add TypeScript support to a JavaScript library
  • Improve type definitions in DefinitelyTyped
  • Create a useful TypeScript utility library
  • Contribute to a major TypeScript-based project

Requirements:

  • Follow project’s contribution guidelines
  • Write comprehensive tests
  • Document all changes
  • Engage with maintainers and community
  • Present contribution in portfolio

✅ Module 6 Assessment

  • Open Source Contribution: Merged pull request or published package
  • Architecture Design: Design document for large TypeScript system
  • Teaching Exercise: Create educational content or mentor another developer

🏆 Assessment and Certification Path

Skill Level Progression

Beginner Level (Modules 1-2)

Requirements:

  • Complete JavaScript fundamentals assessment
  • Build and deploy typed todo application
  • Pass TypeScript basics quiz (80%+ score)
  • Demonstrate understanding of type system basics

Skills Acquired:

  • Solid JavaScript foundation
  • Basic TypeScript syntax and types
  • Simple type annotations
  • Basic project setup

Intermediate Level (Modules 3-4)

Requirements:

  • Implement complex class-based project
  • Integrate TypeScript with React or Node.js
  • Code review with senior developer
  • Technical interview simulation

Skills Acquired:

  • Advanced type system features
  • Framework integration
  • Design pattern implementation
  • Professional development practices

Advanced Level (Modules 5-6)

Requirements:

  • Complete full-stack TypeScript application
  • Open source contribution or library creation
  • Architecture design presentation
  • Mentor another developer

Skills Acquired:

  • Expert-level TypeScript usage
  • Tool chain mastery
  • Leadership and teaching abilities
  • Industry best practices

Career Progression

  • Junior TypeScript Developer: After Module 3
  • Mid-Level TypeScript Developer: After Module 4
  • Senior TypeScript Developer: After Module 5
  • TypeScript Architect/Lead: After Module 6

📚 Essential Resources

Official Documentation

Books and Deep Learning

  • “Effective TypeScript” by Dan Vanderkam - Advanced patterns
  • “Programming TypeScript” by Boris Cherny - Comprehensive guide
  • “TypeScript Quickly” by Yakov Fain - Practical examples

Practice Platforms

Community and Support

Tools and Extensions

🎯 Success Metrics

Technical Skills

  • Write type-safe code with minimal any usage
  • Design complex type systems and APIs
  • Integrate TypeScript with modern frameworks
  • Debug and optimize TypeScript applications
  • Mentor others in TypeScript best practices

Professional Development

  • Contribute to open-source TypeScript projects
  • Lead TypeScript adoption in teams
  • Architect large-scale TypeScript applications
  • Stay current with TypeScript ecosystem
  • Share knowledge through teaching or writing

🚀 Next Steps

After completing this curriculum:

  1. Specialize in a specific domain (React, Node.js, Mobile, etc.)
  2. Contribute to TypeScript community and open source
  3. Lead TypeScript adoption and best practices in your organization
  4. Stay Updated with TypeScript releases and ecosystem changes
  5. Teach Others through mentoring, blogging, or speaking

This curriculum ensures comprehensive TypeScript mastery through a perfect blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on practice, preparing you for real-world TypeScript development challenges.

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