Deno Runtime Brings Inlay Hints to Elevate JavaScript and TypeScript Coding
The latest update to the Deno runtime, Deno 1.27, introduces inlay hints as a valuable addition to JavaScript and TypeScript development. Released on October 27, this new feature enhances the coding experience by inserting small, informative hints directly into the code. These inlay hints help clarify code functionality and improve readability by providing quick context, reducing ambiguity, and helping developers navigate complex codebases more intuitively.
A notable aspect of Deno’s inlay hint implementation is its integration with TypeScript 4.4, which introduced native support for this feature. Inlay hints are especially beneficial in strongly-typed environments, where they can automatically display type information, function parameters, and other contextual insights inline. By leveraging these hints, developers can quickly understand code behavior without needing to refer back to documentation or jump between files, making the coding process more efficient and minimizing potential errors.
For developers using Microsoft’s Visual Studio Code (VS Code), Deno’s support for inlay hints aligns well with the editor’s native inlay hint capabilities. The Deno VS Code extension has been updated to allow users to configure inlay hints to suit their preferences, providing flexibility in how hints appear based on their coding style. This alignment with VS Code means Deno developers can smoothly adopt inlay hints without needing significant adjustments to their existing workflows.
Beyond inlay hints, Deno has also introduced improved registry completions, enhancing the developer experience in editors that support it. Although this specific feature isn’t exclusive to the Deno 1.27 release, it complements the overall improvements by simplifying code completion and package management. Together, these updates make the Deno runtime a more powerful tool for JavaScript and TypeScript development, especially for those seeking streamlined, in-editor coding insights.