- dont need wsl as we are on mac
- type checking is builtin an dstrict by default in TS.. types are part of the languages core usage
- in typescript we use backtiks `
- errors dont go away until you save the file
Below is a structured plan that breaks down the path to using TypeScript effectively in the Eliza project, followed by answers to your questions about the Windows references in the docs, and guidance on transitioning from Python to TypeScript.
- Outline of Key TypeScript Topics to Learn Since your goal is to contribute to (or build upon) the Eliza framework—especially to implement an agent that interacts with the Solana meme coin market—these are the TypeScript topics you should become comfortable with. Another AI (like ChatGPT) can guide you step-by-step through these topics later, but first, here’s the outline:
Core TypeScript Fundamentals Basic Types and Interfaces:
Understanding the basic types (string, number, boolean, any, unknown, never, etc.) Defining interfaces and object shapes
Using type aliases versus interface Generics:
Understanding generic types and functions Applying generics to utility functions and data structures Enums and Literal Types:
Using string and numeric enums Employing union and literal types for more precise constraints Classes and Inheritance:
Defining classes and constructors Inheritance, abstract classes, and polymorphism Understanding public, private, protected modifiers Functions and Type Inference:
Typing function parameters and return values Understanding parameter properties, optional params, and default values Using type inference and when to be explicit
- learning typescript, starting with index.ts and having ai take me through the below topics.
Advanced Concepts
Type Narrowing & Control Flow:
Narrowing types with type guards (e.g., using typeof, instanceof, custom type guards)
Modules and Namespaces:
Importing and exporting modules in Node.js (ESM vs. CJS) Understanding local versus global type declarations Working with External Libraries (Eliza, Solana, etc.):
Using DefinitelyTyped (@types) packages for type definitions Understanding how to write .d.ts files if no type definitions are available Asynchronous Programming & Promises:
Using async/await with type safety Typing asynchronous functions and their return values TypeScript Configuration:
Understanding the tsconfig.json file Configuring paths, strict mode, and compiler options to suit the Eliza environment
Specific to the Eliza Project Project Structure and Monorepos:
Navigating the project structure as shown in the docs Understanding the conventions used by the Eliza framework (e.g., character files, plugin structure) Type-Safe Integration with Plugins and Adapters:
Writing custom actions and ensuring their handlers conform to the expected interfaces (Action, IAgentRuntime, Memory, etc.) Using the provided interfaces for services (e.g., Service, ISpeechService) and adapting them to your needs Interfacing with External APIs (Solana):
Using typed clients for blockchain operations (e.g., Solana web3.js types) Ensuring that your code handles external responses, JSON-RPC calls, and errors with appropriate TypeScript types
--- END OF TRAINING --- 2. The Windows/WSL References in the Docs The documentation references Windows and WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux) because some developers might be running Windows and need guidance on setting up a Linux-like environment. The Eliza project’s instructions provide a WSL guide so Windows users can have a smooth development experience close to a native Linux environment.
Do you need this on a Mac?
If you’re on a Mac, you do not need to worry about the WSL setup. The instructions for WSL are for users who are on Windows machines and want a Unix-like environment. On macOS, you can typically follow the Linux/Unix setup instructions directly. For development on macOS: Use Homebrew for installing any dependencies (like ffmpeg, python3, git) Set up Node.js and pnpm directly in your macOS terminal You can follow the "Local Development Guide" directly as macOS is already Unix-based and will likely be simpler than Windows in this regard. 3. Coding in TypeScript as a Python Developer As a Python developer, switching to TypeScript can feel different, but many concepts carry over. Here’s a guide to help translate your Python knowledge into TypeScript thinking:
Differences and Similarities Typing:
Python: Uses type hints with mypy, but is often optional. TypeScript: Type checking is built-in and strict by default. Types are part of the language’s core usage. Classes and OOP:
Python: Object-oriented approach with class keyword, self references, and dynamic attributes. TypeScript: Similar class syntax, but everything is strongly typed, so attributes and methods must be declared. this is always typed. Access modifiers (public/private/protected) let you control visibility more explicitly. Functions:
Python: Dynamically typed parameters and returns—type hints are optional. TypeScript: Function parameters and return types are explicitly typed. Overloading is possible. Rest parameters and default values are similar to Python. Async/Await:
Python: async def and await for async operations. TypeScript: async function and await are similar. Just ensure promises return the correct typed responses. Modules:
Python: Uses import statements and a directory structure to manage modules. TypeScript: Uses import/export. The concept is similar, but you’ll need to be mindful of relative paths and tsconfig.json paths configurations. Tips for Transitioning Start with Strict Mode: Use strict mode in tsconfig.json to enforce type safety. This will help you quickly learn proper TypeScript patterns.
Rely on the Compiler: The TypeScript compiler (tsc) gives you immediate feedback. Use it to fix type issues as they arise.
Use Editor Intellisense: In VS Code or other editors, TypeScript provides rich IntelliSense. Hovering over functions and objects will show you types and help you learn by doing.
From Dynamic to Statically Typed:
In Python, you might just write data = get_something() and figure out the structure at runtime. In TypeScript, declare interfaces upfront, for example: typescript Copy code interface TokenData { symbol: string; price: number; volume: number; }
async function getTokenData(symbol: string): Promise { // ... } This ensures that your code always knows what getTokenData returns, improving reliability and reducing bugs. Working with APIs (Solana) and External Libraries:
In Python, you might just import requests and parse JSON. In TypeScript, you’ll also parse JSON, but with strict type checking: typescript Copy code interface SolanaResponse { data: { price: number; // More fields... }; }
async function fetchSolanaPrice(): Promise { const resp = await fetch("https://solana-api.example.com/price"); const json = (await resp.json()) as SolanaResponse; return json.data.price; } This approach ensures you know exactly what json.data.price should be (a number), and the compiler will warn you if you try to treat it like a string or if the field might not exist. Practical Steps Set Up a Sample Project: Initialize a new TypeScript project:
bash Copy code mkdir eliza-agent && cd eliza-agent pnpm init pnpm install typescript @types/node npx tsc --init Then start writing a simple .ts file, run npx tsc, and learn from the feedback.
Gradual Complexity: Start by writing simple functions and classes, then integrate with the Eliza framework’s interfaces, and eventually, use the Solana plugin code. For each step, rely on TypeScript’s type inference and error messages to guide you.
Compare Python Examples: Take a small Python script you have and try to rewrite it in TypeScript. This exercise will help solidify the differences and similarities.
In Summary:
You don’t need WSL if you’re on a Mac; the instructions are provided for Windows users. On macOS, just install the required packages and proceed normally.
To learn TypeScript for the Eliza project, first cover the fundamentals (types, interfaces, generics), then the advanced concepts, and finally the project-specific patterns (plugins, character files, etc.).
As a Python developer, treat TypeScript as Python with very strict and integrated static typing. Lean on the compiler, editor tooling, and documentation. Over time, you’ll find that the upfront typing effort leads to more robust code.