ts-node vs ts-node-dev: What are the differences?

ts-node and ts-node-dev are both tools used for running TypeScript code directly in Node.js environments. Let's explore the key differences between them.

1. Compilation Process: ts-node performs just-in-time TypeScript compilation, which means it compiles TypeScript files on the fly. On the other hand, ts-node-dev utilizes a more efficient and faster compilation process. It only compiles files that have changed since the last compilation, reducing the overall compilation time.

2. Hot-Reloading: ts-node does not support hot-reloading by default, meaning you need to restart the application manually every time you make changes to the code. In contrast, ts-node-dev automatically restarts the application whenever a file is changed, enabling hot-reloading functionality for a smoother development experience.

3. Performance: ts-node-dev is generally faster compared to ts-node because it recompiles only the necessary files, avoiding unnecessary recompilation. This can be particularly beneficial in large projects with a substantial number of TypeScript files.

4. Command-Line Options: ts-node-dev provides additional command-line options compared to ts-node. For example, with ts-node-dev, you can specify a directory to watch for file changes, enable source map support, or ignore specified directories for compilation.

5. Compatibility with Build Tools: ts-node-dev is more suitable for development environments and build tools that need recompilation and hot-reloading functionality. In contrast, ts-node is more commonly used in production environments, where the code is precompiled and the runtime performance is prioritized over development features.

6. Debugging Support: ts-node-dev has better debugging support compared to ts-node. It allows you to attach debuggers to the running application, making it easier to debug TypeScript code in real-time.

In summary, ts-node simplifies the execution of TypeScript code in Node.js environments, while ts-node-dev enhances the development experience by automatically restarting the Node.js process upon file changes, aiding in a smoother development workflow.