Contributing to Definitely Typed

Definitely Typed is a community-driven repository. If you notice missing or outdated type definitions for a library, you can contribute by adding or updating them. Contributing ensures better TypeScript support for the developer community.

Key Topics

Prerequisites

Before contributing to DefinitelyTyped, ensure you meet the following prerequisites:

  • Basic knowledge of TypeScript and type definitions.
  • A GitHub account to fork and clone repositories.
  • Node.js and npm installed on your system.

Steps to Contribute

Follow these steps to contribute type definitions to DefinitelyTyped:

  1. Fork the DefinitelyTyped repository on GitHub.
  2. Clone the forked repository to your local system.
  3. Navigate to the types directory and create or update the library's folder.
  4. Write or edit the type definitions in a index.d.ts file.
  5. Add a test file in the tests folder to validate your definitions.
  6. Commit your changes and push them to your forked repository.
  7. Create a pull request on the DefinitelyTyped repository for review.

Testing Your Type Definitions

Use the dtslint tool to test your type definitions locally before submitting them. Install it globally using npm:

npm install -g dtslint

Run dtslint in the library's folder to validate the type definitions:

dtslint types/[library-name]

Explanation: The dtslint tool checks for syntax errors, incorrect types, and adherence to DefinitelyTyped guidelines.

Key Takeaways

  • Community Contribution: DefinitelyTyped thrives on contributions from developers worldwide.
  • Structured Process: Follow the repository's structure and guidelines for adding or updating type definitions.
  • Testing: Use dtslint to validate your definitions locally before submission.
  • Collaboration: Engage with reviewers during the pull request process to ensure high-quality contributions.