Is it Possible to Have Bun Bundle My TypeScript on File Save in VS Code?

As a developer, you’re probably no stranger to the world of TypeScript and the wonders it brings to your coding experience. However, when it comes to bundling your TypeScript files, you might find yourself wondering if there’s a way to automate the process. Specifically, can you have Bun bundle your TypeScript files on file save in VS Code? The short answer is – yes! But, let’s dive deeper into the world of Bun, TypeScript, and VS Code to explore how to make this magic happen.

What is Bun?

Bun is a fast, zero-config JavaScript runtime that allows you to build, bundle, and run your code with ease. It’s designed to be a drop-in replacement for Webpack, Rollup, and other bundlers, making it an excellent choice for developers looking for a simple, yet powerful solution for their bundling needs.

Why Use Bun?

So, why would you want to use Bun over other bundlers? Here are a few compelling reasons:

• Speed: Bun is incredibly fast, often outperforming other bundlers in terms of build and reload times.
• Zero-config: Bun requires minimal configuration, making it a great choice for developers who want to focus on writing code rather than configuring their bundler.
• Simple: Bun’s API is designed to be intuitive and easy to use, making it a great choice for developers of all skill levels.

What is TypeScript?

TypeScript is a superset of JavaScript that adds optional static typing and other features to improve the development experience. It’s designed to help developers catch errors early, improve code maintainability, and enhance collaboration.

Why Use TypeScript?

So, why would you want to use TypeScript over plain JavaScript? Here are a few compelling reasons:

• Improved Code Quality: TypeScript’s static typing and other features help catch errors and improve code quality.
• Better Code Completion: TypeScript’s type information enables more accurate code completion, making it easier to write code.
• Easier Collaboration: TypeScript’s type information and other features make it easier for multiple developers to collaborate on a project.

Setting Up Bun and TypeScript in VS Code

Now that we’ve covered the basics of Bun and TypeScript, let’s dive into setting them up in VS Code.

Installing Bun and TypeScript

Before we begin, make sure you have Node.js installed on your system. Then, open your terminal and run the following commands:

npm install -g bun
npm install -g typescript

Configuring Bun and TypeScript in VS Code

Next, create a new folder for your project and open it in VS Code. Create a new file called `bunfig.js` and add the following configuration:

export default {
  targets: ["esnext"],
  entries: ["src/index.ts"],
  outfile: "dist/index.js",
};

This configuration tells Bun to bundle our `src/index.ts` file and output it to `dist/index.js`.

Creating a TypeScript Configuration File

Create a new file called `tsconfig.json` and add the following configuration:

{
  "compilerOptions": {
    "outDir": "dist",
    "sourceMap": true,
    "noImplicitAny": true,
    "moduleResolution": "node",
    "esModuleInterop": true,
    "allowSyntheticDefaultImports": true
  },
  "include": ["src/**/*"]
}

This configuration tells TypeScript to compile our `src` folder and output the compiled code to `dist`.

Automating Bun Bundling on File Save in VS Code

Now that we have Bun and TypeScript set up, let’s automate the bundling process on file save in VS Code.

Installing the Required Extensions

First, install the required extensions:

code --install-extension vscode-bun
code --install-extension vscode-ts-lint

Configuring the Task

Create a new file called `tasks.json` and add the following configuration:

{
  "version": "2.0.0",
  "tasks": [
    {
      "label": "bun",
      "type": "npm",
      "script": "bun",
      "isBackground": true,
      "problemMatcher": ["$tsc-watch"],
      "presentation": {
        "reveal": "always"
      },
      "watchOptions": {
        "ottef": "src/**/*"
      }
    }
  ]
}

This configuration tells VS Code to run the `bun` command in the background, watching for changes to our `src` folder.

Triggering the Task on File Save

Finally, add the following configuration to your `settings.json` file:

{
  "[typescript]": {
    "editor.defaultFormatter": "vscode.typescript-language-server"
  },
  "files.watcherExclude": {
    "**/.git/objects/**": true,
    "**/.git/subtree-cache/**": true,
    "**/node_modules/*/**": true
  },
  "[workspace]": {
    "task(auto-detect_true)": "bun"
  }
}

This configuration tells VS Code to trigger the `bun` task on file save.

Conclusion

And that’s it! With these configurations in place, Bun will automatically bundle your TypeScript files on file save in VS Code. This setup provides a seamless development experience, allowing you to focus on writing code rather than worrying about bundling and compiling.

Remember, Bun is a powerful tool that can be customized to fit your specific needs. Experiment with different configurations and features to take your development experience to the next level.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What if I’m using a different bundler?

A: While this article focuses on Bun, you can easily adapt the instructions to work with other bundlers like Webpack or Rollup. Simply update the `bunfig.js` file to use your preferred bundler and adjust the `tasks.json` file accordingly.

Q: How do I troubleshoot issues with my Bun setup?

A: If you encounter issues with your Bun setup, try checking the Bun documentation and issue tracker for solutions. You can also try debugging your `bunfig.js` file or `tasks.json` file to identify the source of the issue.

Q: Can I use Bun with other programming languages?

A: While Bun is primarily designed for JavaScript and TypeScript, it can be used with other languages that compile to JavaScript, such as CoffeeScript or Flow.

Language	Supported?
JavaScript	Yes
TypeScript	Yes
CoffeeScript	Yes
Flow	Yes

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, having Bun bundle your TypeScript files on file save in VS Code is not only possible but also relatively straightforward. By following these instructions, you can automate the bundling process and focus on writing high-quality code. Remember to experiment with different configurations and features to take your development experience to the next level.

Happy coding!

Frequently Asked Question

Unlock the power of VS Code with these answers to your burning questions about bundling TypeScript on file save!