How to define global function in TypeScript?

Question

I want to define a global function that is available everywhere, without the need to import the module when used.

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Answer 1

You're defining the type for the compiler, but not actually attaching it to the global namespace — window in the browser, global in node. Instead of exporting it from the module, attach it. For isomorphic use, use something like...

function s() { ... }

// must cast as any to set property on window
const _global = (window /* browser */ || global /* node */) as any
_global.s = s

You can also ditch the .d.ts file and declare the type in the same file using declare global, e.g.

// we must force tsc to interpret this file as a module, resolves
// "Augmentations for the global scope can only be directly nested in external modules or ambient module declarations."
// error
export {}

declare global {
  function s(someObject: T | null | undefined, defaultValue?: T | null | undefined) : T;
}

const _global = (window /* browser */ || global /* node */) as any
_global.s = function(object: T | null | undefined, defaultValue: T | null = null) : T {
  if (typeof object === 'undefined' || object === null)
    return defaultValue as T;
  else
    return object;
}