Importing lodash into Angular2 + TypeScript application

Leveraging Lodash

Optimizing Performance and Bundles

By selectively importing only necessary methods, lodash integration becomes significantly more efficient. A handy trick to minimize bundle size and fast track load times:

import { max, min } from 'lodash'; // "Because Math.min and Math.max are too mainstream"
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Opting for lodash-es and Baking Tree Shaking

If you're making use of the popular webpack, contemplate switching to the lodash-es package which supports ES modules, paving the way for effective tree shaking resulting in smaller bundles:

npm install lodash-es --save
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Boosting webpack optimization with lodash-webpack-plugin

Complement your lodash usage with lodash-webpack-plugin to further optimize and generate smaller lodash builds:

npm install lodash-webpack-plugin --save-dev // "Because size does matter...in JavaScript bundles"
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Path mapping to the rescue

With complex projects, TypeScript's compilerOptions.paths in tsconfig.json simplifies imports, just like your GPS simplifies navigation:

"paths": {
  "lodash": ["node_modules/lodash-es/lodash.js"]
}
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Import Hiccups and Resolutions

Ensuring version compatibility

Make sure your @types/lodash correspond correctly to the lodash version installed. Version inconsistencies can often result in type errors during compilation. Stay updated with the latest changes by checking lodash's changelog from time to time.

Keeping Module compatibility in check

Webpack configurations may necessitate adjustments to maintain compatibility with lodash import syntax. Divulge into the module resolution configurations of webpack to avoid gruesome errors.

Configuring SystemJS

For those using SystemJS, update the configuration files to map lodash modules correctly and ensure systemjs.config.js is aligned with the right path and main file for lodash.

Deep Dive: Common Scenarios

Robust Testing with Karma and lodash

If you're integrating lodash into Karma for testing, include lodash.js in files array of your Karma configuration for a seamless experience.

Angular Seed Projects

Angular seed projects may have predefined configurations. Ensure to review and edit project.config.ts to correctly incorporate lodash utility.

TypeScript typings for lodash

The @types/lodash package provides TypeScript's static type system with essential information. Reference the type declarations present on the package's NPM page for specific imports.

ES6 import syntax

The concise ES6 syntax proves to be ideal for importing the whole lodash library and its specific functions:

// For the whole block
import _ from 'lodash'; 

// Or just a piece of the block, can't always eat the whole cake, right?
import map from 'lodash/map';
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Import slices for optimization

Importing lodash functions individually significantly improves performance:

import cloneDeep from 'lodash/cloneDeep'; // "I prefer my objects like my food, deepie-clone-fried"
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Advanced Coding Techniques

Browse through medium articles and developer forums for advanced lodash tips and tricks like debouncing and throttling.