ReScript

Free plan LinuxWeb

What ReScript is

ReScript is a free, open-source language that compiles strongly typed source code into optimized, readable JavaScript. The maker describes it for JavaScript, Node, and React applications, including mission-critical products. Its type system is designed so applications are fully typed without any types, while the compiler and build system target fast feedback across codebases. ReScript can use JavaScript libraries, expose ReScript libraries to JavaScript, and generate TypeScript types. It can be introduced into an existing JavaScript project and later removed while retaining generated JavaScript. Project templates support Next.js or Vite with React and Tailwind CSS, and @rescript/react supplies React bindings. Installation requires Node.js 22 or later; npm, Yarn, pnpm, Bun, and Deno are listed. Editor tooling covers VS Code, Vim/Neovim, and Zed, with IntelliJ IDEA and Emacs community-supported rather than official.

Who it suits

ReScript suits developers building JavaScript, Node, or React applications who want static typing and JavaScript interoperability. It also fits teams adopting a typed language gradually inside existing projects.

What it does well

Open-source and free
Compiles to optimized readable JavaScript
No any types in its type-system design
Generates TypeScript types
React starter templates included

What to know first

Requires Node.js 22 or later
Yarn versions above 1 need nodeLinker configuration
IntelliJ IDEA and Emacs are community-supported

Limits

Yarn versions above 1 require `nodeLinker` set to `node-modules`. The editor’s exception analysis does not understand generic exceptions.

Getting started

Install Node.js 22 or later
Choose npm, Yarn, pnpm, Bun, or Deno
Generate a starter with Next.js or Vite, React, and Tailwind CSS
Install an editor plugin for VS Code, Vim/Neovim, or Zed
Add ReScript to an existing JavaScript project if desired

Verdict

ReScript offers typed source development while retaining access to the JavaScript ecosystem. Its gradual adoption path and React tooling are useful, but installation and editor-support requirements should be checked first.

Questions

Is ReScript free?

Yes. ReScript is free and open source, with a free plan and no free trial.

Which platforms does ReScript support?

The listed platforms are Linux and web. ReScript-compiled JavaScript can also run in Node.js.

What editors have support?

Officially listed editors are VS Code, Vim/Neovim, and Zed. IntelliJ IDEA and Emacs are community supported rather than officially supported.

Can ReScript work with JavaScript?

Yes. It can use JavaScript libraries, export ReScript libraries to JavaScript, generate TypeScript types, and keep generated JavaScript after removal from a project.

Does ReScript support React?

Yes. The official generator offers React starters for Next.js or Vite with Tailwind CSS, and `@rescript/react` provides bindings for React and related modules.

Facts from ReScript's own pages

Build speed: ReScript describes its compiler and build system as designed for fast feedback loops across codebases of any size. · rescript-lang.org, 4 Oct 2026
Community support: Official questions can be posted in the forum or GitHub repositories, while Stack Overflow is described as not frequently monitored. · rescript-lang.org, 11 Oct 2026
Community supported editors: The editor guide lists IntelliJ IDEA and Emacs as community supported and says they are not officially supported. · rescript-lang.org, 4 Oct 2026
Compatibility limit: The installation guide notes that Yarn versions above 1 require nodeLinker set to node-modules. · rescript-lang.org, 11 Oct 2026
Compiler: The compiler generates optimized, readable JavaScript and the manual says a Hello World program generates 20 bytes of JavaScript. · rescript-lang.org, 11 Oct 2026
Ecosystem: Existing JavaScript package managers, bundlers, frameworks, and test runners work with ReScript. · rescript-lang.org, 11 Oct 2026
Editor support: The editor plugin provides syntax highlighting, autocomplete, type hints, formatting, code navigation, and code analysis; the guide lists VS Code, Vim/Neovim, and Zed. · rescript-lang.org, 4 Oct 2026
Editor tooling: The project documents a VS Code extension and says it provides memory-friendly VS Code and Vim plugins. · rescript-lang.org, 11 Oct 2026
Founded: 2015 · rescript-lang.org, 28 Sept 2026
Gradual adoption: The homepage says ReScript can be adopted gradually and a project can continue functioning with its generated JavaScript after removing ReScript source files. · rescript-lang.org, 11 Oct 2026
Intended users: The maker describes ReScript as suitable for JavaScript, Node, and ReactJS applications, including mission-critical products. · rescript-lang.org, 4 Oct 2026
JavaScript interop: ReScript can import JavaScript and TypeScript code, export code to JavaScript, and generate TypeScript types with genType. · rescript-lang.org, 11 Oct 2026
Node.js: ReScript-compiled JavaScript can run in Node.js, and installation requires Node.js version 22 or later. · rescript-lang.org, 11 Oct 2026
Open source: The ReScript Association describes ReScript as an open source platform supported by industrial users. · rescript-association.org, 11 Oct 2026
Open source and organization: The ReScript Association describes ReScript as an open source platform and says it supports development of the language and its OCaml technical foundation. · rescript-association.org, 4 Oct 2026
Package managers: The installation guide lists npm, Yarn, pnpm, Bun, and Deno as supported package manager options. · rescript-lang.org, 11 Oct 2026
Project templates: The official project generator provides starter projects for Next.js or Vite with React and Tailwind CSS. · rescript-lang.org, 4 Oct 2026
Purpose: ReScript is a strongly typed language that compiles to clean, efficient JavaScript. · rescript-lang.org, 11 Oct 2026
React: The official site offers first-class React bindings and starter templates using React and Tailwind CSS. · rescript-lang.org, 11 Oct 2026
React integration: The `@rescript/react` package provides bindings for React, ReactDOM, ReactDOMServer, React events, and other React modules. · rescript-lang.org, 4 Oct 2026
Runtime and package managers: The installation guide requires Node.js version 22 or later and lists npm, yarn, pnpm, bun, and deno as package manager options. · rescript-lang.org, 4 Oct 2026
Security analysis: The editor code analyzer can detect dead code and unhandled exceptions, and the guide notes that its exception analysis does not understand generic exceptions. · rescript-lang.org, 4 Oct 2026
Type system: The type system infers types and guarantees that values not marked nullable will not be undefined. · rescript-lang.org, 11 Oct 2026
What it does: ReScript is a strongly typed language that compiles to clean, efficient JavaScript. · rescript-lang.org, 4 Oct 2026

Where ReScript stands on Freedom251

Code Transpilers#24 of 28