What is the difference between TypeScript interfaces and types?

What is the difference between TypeScript interfaces and types?

In TypeScript, both interfaces and types can be used to define the shape of an object, but they have some differences. Interfaces are specifically designed for object shapes and can be extended or implemented, while types can represent any valid TypeScript type, including primitives, unions, and intersections.

Can you give me an example of when to use an interface?

Sure! Use an interface when you want to define a contract for classes or objects that will implement it. For example, if you have a class that represents a user, you might define an interface like this: interface User { name: string; age: number; }.

What about using types? When should I prefer them?

You might prefer types when you need to create complex types, such as unions or intersections. For instance, you can define a type that can be either a string or a number like this: type StringOrNumber = string | number;.

Are there any performance differences between using interfaces and types?

Generally, there are no significant performance differences between interfaces and types in TypeScript. The choice often comes down to readability and maintainability of your code.