When do I need a triple slash reference?
module, typescript
Solution
You need a triple slash reference in two scenarios:
- When you are referencing JavaScript type definitions e.g. definitions for node, jQuery, etc. for a great collection see : https://github.com/DefinitelyTyped/DefinitelyTyped
- When we want to compile using `--out` you can reference your files using `/// <reference`.
You need a `import/require` combo when using external modules i.e. `amd`/`commonjs`. If you don't know what these mean (amd/commonjs are javascript terms, not specific to typescript) you don't have to care. Just use `/// <reference` and compile with `--out`.
PS: I have a video tutorial on internal vs. external modules: TypeScript Modules Demystified : Internal, AMD with RequireJS, CommonJS with NodeJS
Update:
Please use `tsconfig.json` for new projects instead of reference comments : https://basarat.gitbook.io/typescript/project/compilation-context
Problem
When Anders Hejlsberg is talking about external modules around 35:00 in the following video... Anders Hejlsberg: Introducing TypeScript ... why does the file `server.ts` require a triple slash reference to node.d.ts where as `hello.ts` doesn't require a similar reference to `server.ts`? In particular in `hello.ts` he mentions that intellisense is present plus he gets to use the exported item from `server.ts`. So what more could the triple slash reference add?