How to Run TypeScript Directly in Node.js Without Transpilation

Mar 5, 2026

Problem

I was tired of waiting for TypeScript to compile every time I made a small change. For quick scripts and prototypes, the compile step felt unnecessary. I just wanted to write TypeScript and run it directly like I would with JavaScript.

I tried running a TypeScript file with Node.js:

node app.ts

And it worked. No errors, no transpilation needed. That’s when I realized Node.js 23+ can run TypeScript natively.

How It Works

Starting from Node.js 23.6.0, the --experimental-strip-types flag is enabled by default. This means Node.js can execute TypeScript files directly by stripping type annotations at runtime.

Quick Start

Create a simple TypeScript file:

interface User {
  name: string;
  age: number;
}

function greet(user: User): string {
  return `Hello, ${user.name}! You are ${user.age} years old.`;
}

const user: User = { name: "Alice", age: 30 };
console.log(greet(user));

Run it directly:

node app.ts

That’s it. No tsc, no build step.

Configuration Requirements

For this to work reliably, you need a proper tsconfig.json. The key settings are:

{
  "compilerOptions": {
    "target": "ESNext",
    "module": "NodeNext",
    "moduleResolution": "NodeNext",
    "noEmit": true,
    "erasableSyntaxOnly": true,
    "verbatimModuleSyntax": true
  }
}

Let me break down what each option does:

noEmit: Tells TypeScript not to output compiled JavaScript files (Node.js handles this)
target: ESNext: Uses the latest JavaScript features
module: NodeNext: Uses ES modules (required for native TypeScript support)
moduleResolution: NodeNext: Matches the module setting
erasableSyntaxOnly: Ensures you only use TypeScript syntax that can be stripped (no enums, namespaces, etc.)
verbatimModuleSyntax: Requires explicit imports/exports, enabling cleaner type stripping

Enhanced TypeScript Support with TSX

For even better development experience, you can use tsx - it provides hot reloading and faster execution:

npm install -D tsx
node --import=tsx app.ts

Or use the tsx binary directly:

npx tsx app.ts

The --import=tsx approach lets you keep using the node command while getting tsx’s enhanced features.

Limitations

This feature is experimental and has constraints:

Erasable Syntax Only (By Default)

Node.js strips type annotations by replacing them with whitespace. Some TypeScript features require actual code transformation, not just stripping:

// This works (erasable syntax)
type Status = "pending" | "active" | "done";
const status: Status = "active";

// This requires transformation (not erasable)
enum Color {
  Red = "red",
  Blue = "blue",
}

To enable transformation for non-erasable syntax, use:

node --experimental-transform-types app.ts

No Type Checking

Node.js does NOT perform type checking when running TypeScript directly. It simply strips types and runs the code. Your types could be completely wrong and Node.js won’t care.

For type checking, you still need:

npx tsc --noEmit

Production Warning

This feature is experimental. Do NOT use it in production:

Performance is not optimized
Behavior may change between Node.js versions
Some edge cases may fail silently

For production, always compile with tsc and deploy the JavaScript output.

When to Use This

Run TypeScript directly in Node.js for:

Quick prototypes and experiments
Small scripts and automation
Learning TypeScript without build tools
Development workflows with hot reloading

Still use traditional compilation for:

Production applications
Complex projects with build pipelines
When you need type checking during development
When you need maximum performance

Final Words + More Resources

My intention with this article was to help others share my knowledge and experience. If you want to contact me, you can contact by email: Email me

Here are also the most important links from this article along with some further resources that will help you in this scope:

👨‍💻 Node.js TypeScript Documentation

Oh, and if you found these resources useful, don’t forget to support me by starring the repo on GitHub!