Question 1

How does ReScript compare to TypeScript for type safety?

Accepted Answer

ReScript offers a more robust type system with no `any` type and reliable inference, ensuring every value is typed at compile-time. However, TypeScript has a larger ecosystem and more flexible type definitions for JavaScript libraries. ReScript's approach eliminates common pitfalls like unexpected undefined values.

Question 2

Can I use ReScript with my existing React project?

Accepted Answer

Yes, ReScript has excellent React support through the rescript-react package, allowing gradual adoption. You can write new components in ReScript while keeping existing JavaScript code, and the compiler outputs clean, readable JavaScript that integrates seamlessly with React tooling.

Question 3

What's the learning curve for ReScript if I only know JavaScript?

Accepted Answer

ReScript has a steeper learning curve due to its OCaml-based syntax and functional concepts, but the documentation provides guides for JavaScript developers. The type system helps catch errors early, and with practice, it becomes intuitive for building reliable applications.

Question 4

How to handle JavaScript libraries without type definitions in ReScript?

Accepted Answer

You can write external bindings using ReScript's FFI (Foreign Function Interface) with the `external` keyword to import JavaScript functions and objects. This allows minimal type annotations, and the compiler generates appropriate JavaScript code, though it may require manual effort for complex libraries.

Question 5

Is ReScript faster than Babel or other transpilers?

Accepted Answer

ReScript's compiler is designed for speed and often outperforms Babel in compilation times, especially for large codebases. It provides fast feedback loops without heavy language servers, making it efficient for development and CI builds, as emphasized in the README.

Question 6

ReScript or ReasonML: which one should I choose?

Accepted Answer

ReScript is optimized for JavaScript compilation with better tooling and seamless integration, making it the preferred choice for web development. ReasonML is more aligned with the OCaml ecosystem and native compilation, so for JavaScript targets, ReScript is recommended due to its focus on clean output and interoperability.

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