zsh: command not found: tsc

Breiz Heurope

3 min read

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11-03-2025

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The error "zsh: command not found: tsc" is a common frustration for developers, particularly those working with TypeScript. This comprehensive guide will walk you through troubleshooting and resolving this issue, ensuring you can get back to coding swiftly. This problem arises because your system's shell (zsh, in this case) can't locate the TypeScript compiler (tsc).

Understanding the Error

The message "zsh: command not found: tsc" simply means your operating system's Z shell (zsh) cannot find an executable file named tsc in your system's PATH environment variable. The tsc command is the TypeScript compiler, essential for compiling TypeScript code into JavaScript.

Common Causes and Solutions

Several factors contribute to this error. Let's break down the most frequent causes and how to fix them:

1. TypeScript is Not Installed

The most obvious reason is that TypeScript itself isn't installed on your system. Let's rectify this:

Solution:

• Using npm (Node Package Manager): TypeScript is typically installed via npm, which comes bundled with Node.js. Open your terminal and run these commands:

npm install -g typescript

This installs TypeScript globally, making tsc accessible from anywhere in your terminal. The -g flag ensures a global installation.

• Using yarn: If you prefer yarn, use this command instead:

yarn global add typescript

After installation, try running tsc --version to verify the installation. You should see the installed version number.

2. PATH Environment Variable Issues

Even if TypeScript is installed, the tsc command might not be accessible if your system's PATH environment variable isn't configured correctly. The PATH variable tells your shell where to look for executable files.

Solution:

• Check your PATH: The exact method for checking your PATH varies slightly by operating system. Search online for "[Your OS] check PATH environment variable" for detailed instructions.

• Add TypeScript to your PATH (if necessary): If TypeScript's installation directory isn't in your PATH, you'll need to add it. Again, the precise method depends on your OS. Refer to online resources for your specific OS and shell (zsh). You'll typically need to edit a system configuration file (like .zshrc for zsh) and add the path to your TypeScript installation's bin directory.

• Restart your shell: After modifying your PATH, restart your terminal or shell session for the changes to take effect.

3. Incorrect Installation

Sometimes, the installation process might fail silently or not install the tsc executable correctly.

Solution:

• Reinstall TypeScript: Try uninstalling TypeScript and reinstalling it using the commands from step 1. This ensures a clean installation.
• Check for errors during installation: Carefully review the output from the installation command (npm install -g typescript or yarn global add typescript). Look for any error messages that might provide clues.

4. Using a Virtual Environment (e.g., venv, conda)

If you're using a virtual environment, TypeScript might not be installed within that environment.

Solution:

• Activate your virtual environment: Make sure your virtual environment is activated before running tsc.
• Install TypeScript within the virtual environment: Run the npm install or yarn add command inside your activated virtual environment to install TypeScript locally within that environment.

5. Conflicting Versions or Packages

Occasionally, conflicts between different versions of Node.js or npm/yarn can cause problems.

Solution:

• Update Node.js and npm/yarn: Ensure you're using the latest versions of Node.js, npm, and/or yarn. Updating these often resolves compatibility issues.
• Check for conflicting packages: If you have multiple versions of TypeScript installed, try removing older versions.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Verify Node.js Installation: Make sure Node.js is correctly installed and added to your PATH. Run node --version and npm --version to verify.
• Restart your computer: Sometimes a simple restart resolves system-level glitches.
• Check for typos: Double-check the spelling of tsc in your commands.
• Consult online resources: Search for more specific error messages if you encounter additional issues during installation or troubleshooting.

By systematically working through these solutions, you should be able to resolve the "zsh: command not found: tsc" error and get your TypeScript projects compiling smoothly. Remember to restart your terminal after making changes to your environment variables.