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tsup

A zero-config tool that bundles TypeScript libraries, built on esbuild. No longer maintained.

GitHub Download v9.0.0
Stars
11.3k
Forks
275
Licence
MIT
Language
TypeScript
Last update
5 days ago
Type
Dev tool

What it is

tsup takes TypeScript (and JavaScript) source files and packages them into ready-to-publish JavaScript output, using esbuild under the hood. It is aimed at people who write libraries and want a bundle without writing a complex build configuration. The README says it works with .js, .json, .mjs, .ts and .tsx files, and that CSS support is experimental. The project's README now warns that it is no longer actively maintained and recommends tsdown instead.

  • Bundle a TypeScript library entry file into a dist folder
  • Bundle several entry files in one command, such as an index and a CLI file
  • Prepare a package for publishing to npm

Great for

  • Developers who maintain a TypeScript library and want a simple build step
  • Existing projects already using tsup that do not need new features
  • People who want bundling with little or no configuration

Not ideal for

  • New projects: the README says the project is no longer actively maintained and suggests tsdown instead
  • Anyone needing ongoing bug fixes or new features, since maintenance has stopped
  • Users who need CSS bundling as a stable feature, since the README labels it experimental
Step-by-step guide: how to use tsupInstall, first run, examples, tips and FAQs

How to get it

  1. 1

    Install with a package manager

    You'll need: Node.js · npm, yarn or pnpm

    Install locally with npm

    npm i tsup -D

    Install locally with yarn

    yarn add tsup --dev

    Install locally with pnpm

    pnpm add tsup -D
  2. 2

    Run it

    • Install tsup as a dev dependency in your project folder
    • Run tsup with your entry file, for example: tsup src/index.ts
    • Check the dist folder for the output files
  3. 3

    Get the most out of it

    • Bundle multiple entry files in one run, such as src/index.ts and src/cli.ts, to get matching outputs
    • Read the docs at tsup.egoist.dev for the full list of options
    • Check the migration guide before starting a new project, since the README recommends tsdown

Downloads

Source code (.zip)main branch · straight from GitHubRelease v9.0.0Release notes and sourceOfficial website & docstsup.egoist.dev

Strengths

  • Simple command-line use with little configuration, according to the README
  • Built on esbuild, a fast bundler
  • Installs as a normal project dependency via npm, yarn or pnpm

Trade-offs

  • No longer actively maintained, per the README warning
  • CSS support is experimental
  • The README points to external docs for full configuration options

How it compares

ProjectStarsTypeLevelUpdatedBest for
tsup (this)11.3kDev toolbeginner5 days agoDevelopers who maintain a TypeScript library and want a simple build step
esbuild40.1kDev toolintermediate3 months agoDevelopers who want fast builds for JavaScript, TypeScript, or CSS projects

Stats synced from GitHub. The assessment above was drafted with AI from the project's README on 2026-10-29 and may miss recent changes — check the README before relying on a command. MIT licence: free to use, modify and distribute, including commercially, as long as you keep the copyright notice.