terminal check ts version

Breiz Heurope

2 min read

·

10-03-2025

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Knowing your TypeScript version is crucial for ensuring compatibility with libraries, frameworks, and other tools. This article shows you several ways to quickly check your TypeScript version directly from your terminal. We'll cover different scenarios and operating systems, making it easy for everyone to find the right method.

Why Check Your TypeScript Version?

Before diving into the how-to, let's understand why checking your TypeScript version is important. Different versions of TypeScript can have:

• Breaking Changes: Updates may introduce incompatible changes, requiring code adjustments.
• New Features: Newer versions offer enhanced features and improvements.
• Bug Fixes: Keeping TypeScript updated helps avoid known issues.
• Library Compatibility: Certain libraries require specific TypeScript versions for optimal functionality.

Knowing your version helps troubleshoot problems and ensures your projects remain up-to-date.

Methods to Check Your TypeScript Version

Here are several methods to check your TypeScript version in your terminal, catering to different setups and preferences:

1. Using the tsc --version Command (Most Common)

This is the simplest and most direct method. Open your terminal and type:

tsc --version

This command invokes the TypeScript compiler (tsc) with the --version flag, displaying the installed version directly. This works if TypeScript is correctly installed globally or locally within your project. If you get an error, ensure TypeScript is installed and added to your system's PATH environment variable.

Example Output:

Version 5.0.4

2. Using npx tsc --version (Reliable Alternative)

npx is a package runner that comes with npm (Node Package Manager). Using npx avoids potential conflicts with globally installed versions of TypeScript:

npx tsc --version

This method runs the latest TypeScript version available, even if you haven't installed it locally or globally. It's particularly useful when working on multiple projects with varying TypeScript requirements.

3. Checking package.json (For Locally Installed TypeScript)

If you've installed TypeScript locally within a project using npm or yarn, the version is specified in your package.json file. Open the file and look for the "devDependencies" section (or "dependencies" if it's a runtime dependency):

{
  "devDependencies": {
    "typescript": "^5.0.4"
  }
}

This shows the installed version. Remember that the ^ indicates a version range; your actual installed version might vary slightly.

4. Using npm list typescript or yarn why typescript

These commands provide more detailed information about your TypeScript installation:

• npm list typescript: This command displays the TypeScript version and its location in your project's dependency tree.
• yarn why typescript: (If you use Yarn) This command shows the reason for installing the specific TypeScript version.

This is helpful for troubleshooting dependency conflicts or understanding the version's origin within your project.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues checking your TypeScript version:

• TypeScript not installed: Use npm install -g typescript (global installation) or npm install --save-dev typescript (local installation) to install TypeScript. Remember to restart your terminal after installation.
• PATH issues: Ensure the directory containing the tsc executable is added to your system's PATH environment variable. This allows your terminal to locate the TypeScript compiler.
• Incorrect commands: Double-check the commands for typos.

Conclusion

Checking your TypeScript version is a simple yet crucial step for maintaining project health and compatibility. By using the methods outlined in this guide, you can easily determine your TypeScript version and ensure smooth development. Remember to regularly update TypeScript to benefit from the latest improvements and bug fixes. Happy coding!