How to Organize TypeScript Types in Your React Projects

Introduction

Organizing TypeScript types in React projects is crucial for code maintainability and readability. A well-structured approach helps reduce technical debt and simplifies onboarding for new developers. On the other hand, poorly organized types can lead to debugging challenges and make scaling the application difficult.

In this guide, we’ll discuss two popular approaches to managing TypeScript types in React projects, exploring their pros and cons to help you choose the best fit for your project.

1. Centralized Type Definitions

This method involves creating a separate file, typically named types.ts, where all the types for your project are defined. These types are then imported into the necessary components as needed.

Advantages of Centralized Types

Consistency: Centralizing shared types ensures uniformity across components. For instance, if multiple components rely on a shared data model (e.g., Price), defining it in one place ensures consistency.

Reduced Redundancy: With a single source of truth, you avoid repeating the same type definitions in multiple components, which simplifies maintenance.

When to Use Centralized Types

Large or Complex Projects: If your project involves multiple components that share data models, centralizing types can help maintain consistency and avoid duplication.