Microsoft just made a groundbreaking decision—it’s rewriting the TypeScript compiler in Go. While TypeScript remains one of the most influential languages in modern web development, its compiler has always had performance issues. This shift promises massive speed improvements and a better developer experience. But why choose Go? And how will this impact TypeScript developers? Let’s explore.
The Problem with TypeScript’s Compiler
The biggest issue with TypeScript is that its compiler is written in TypeScript itself. While this ensures feature compatibility, it also introduces serious inefficiencies:
- Slow compilation times, especially in large codebases.
- Limited low-level optimizations due to TypeScript’s reliance on JavaScript engines.
- No direct memory access or native multi-threading, leading to sluggish performance.
For years, developers have felt the pain of slow compilation times, especially in massive projects. Microsoft has finally decided to fix this by rewriting the compiler in Go—a move that has already led to significant speed improvements.
Why Did Microsoft Pick Go Over Other Languages?
Many expected Microsoft to choose C++, Rust, or even C#, but Go was selected for three key reasons:
Performance and Compilation Speed
Go is a compiled language, meaning that code is translated directly into machine code instead of being interpreted. This drastically reduces execution time, making TypeScript compilation much faster.
Memory Management and Simplicity
Unlike C++ or Rust, Go has automatic garbage collection, reducing the complexity of memory management while still maintaining great performance. This makes Go developer-friendly while ensuring efficiency.
Portability and Easy Migration
This is not a full rewrite—it’s a port of the TypeScript compiler to Go. Microsoft is converting TypeScript’s existing compiler logic into Go without changing its behavior. This means:
- The core compiler logic remains the same.
- TypeScript’s syntax and functionality will not change.
- Developers will simply experience faster compilation.
Insights from Microsoft’s Official Announcement
According to Microsoft’s official blog post, the TypeScript team highlighted several benefits of this transition:
- Editor performance improvements: Large projects will see faster response times in VS Code.
- Reduced memory footprint: The new Go-based compiler will consume less RAM, improving overall efficiency.
- Smoother development experience: Faster compilation means quicker feedback loops for developers.
How Will This Affect TypeScript Developers?
This rewrite means big improvements for all TypeScript users:
- Faster Compilation – VS Code and large TypeScript projects will compile much quicker.
- Improved Performance – Editing large TypeScript files will feel smoother and more responsive.
- Seamless Transition – Developers won’t need to learn anything new; they’ll just enjoy a better experience.
However, these improvements won’t arrive immediately. The new compiler is set to debut in TypeScript 7, which means we might have to wait several months (or even years) before seeing the full benefits.
What’s Next for TypeScript?
This move signals a shift in how Microsoft approaches performance optimization. By embracing Go, Microsoft shows a willingness to step outside its own ecosystem for the best tools. While some developers are surprised by this decision, the performance gains are undeniable.
Until TypeScript 7 arrives, we’ll have to wait and see just how much faster this new compiler truly is. But one thing’s for sure—TypeScript is about to become a lot more powerful.
If Typescript is wrriten in Go, should we just skip Typescript and write Go