Angular Interview Practice

What is the purpose of transpilation in relation to TypeScript?

1. Converts JavaScript to HTML

2. Compiles TypeScript code directly to machine code

3. Converts TypeScript to JavaScript for browser execution

4. Generates TypeScript documentation

The correct answer is: Converts TypeScript to JavaScript for browser execution

Transpilation in the context of TypeScript primarily involves converting TypeScript code into JavaScript code that can be executed in web browsers. TypeScript is a superset of JavaScript that provides static typing and other features not present in standard JavaScript. However, web browsers only understand JavaScript. Therefore, to utilize TypeScript's advanced features, developers must transpile their TypeScript code into standard JavaScript. This process ensures compatibility with existing JavaScript engines in browsers, enabling developers to leverage TypeScript's benefits while ensuring their applications run smoothly across different environments. The other options do not accurately describe the process of transpilation related to TypeScript. Converting JavaScript to HTML is not part of TypeScript's functionality. Compiling TypeScript directly to machine code doesn't occur; instead, TypeScript is converted to JavaScript first, which is then executed by the JavaScript engine, not directly by the machine. Lastly, generating documentation is a separate process that may utilize TypeScript code but is not part of the transpilation process itself.