How to import library with TypeScript Playground

Question

TypeScript Playground does not seem to work the right way with this import:

import * as _ from "underscore";

until you try to use it, like:

const equalResult = _.isEqual('ABC', '123');

Then, it generates the error:

[ERR]: Executed JavaScript Failed:
[ERR]: Cannot use import statement outside a module

The playground seems to understand the library because it gives JSDoc, so I'm thinking that this can work, but how?

Answer 1

TypeScript Playground isn't a fully fledged sandbox solution. It's merely meant as a simple type explorer that doesn't need dependencies.

For your use case I would recommend using CodeSandbox instead. It comes with a whole bunch of TypeScript templates to choose from when creating a sandbox. TypeScript Playground also has an export menu where you can open your code in CodeSandbox directly.

The UI is based off of VS Code, so if you're used to that you will feel just at home.