Request for a new interface (or whatever) to declare object types in TypeScript

[jabbar-hafizh]

Feature Request

Describe the feature you'd like

I would like to be able to define a variable with the type of an object in TypeScript. Currently, the syntax let theObject: object is deprecated and there is no other way to declare a variable as an object type.

Describe how you'd like the feature to work

I propose adding a new interface called IObject, which would allow us to define variables with the type of an object in a way that is both clear and concise. Here is an example of what the interface might look like:

interface IObject {
  [key: string]: unknown;
}

With this interface, we could then define an object variable like this:

let myObject: IObject = {
  key1: "value1",
  key2: 42,
  key3: { nestedKey: true }
};

Provide examples of how the feature would be used

Here are some examples of how this new feature would be used in TypeScript:

let myObject: IObject = {
  key1: "value1",
  key2: 42,
  key3: { nestedKey: true }
};

let myOtherObject: IObject = {
  key1: "another value",
  key2: 99,
  key3: { nestedKey: false }
};

Describe any potential drawbacks or challenges

One potential challenge of this feature is that it may not be as performant as other object types, since the [key: string]: unknown syntax allows for any key-value pair. However, I believe that the flexibility and clarity of the IObject interface would outweigh any performance concerns.

Additional Context

What motivated you to propose this feature?

I find that declaring variables as object types already deprecated. I believe that the IObject interface would provide a clear and concise way to define variables as objects in TypeScript.

Are there any existing solutions or workarounds?

Currently, the object type is deprecated and there is no other built-in way to define a variable as an object type in TypeScript. However, we can use an index signature to define an object type, like so:

let myObject: { [key: string]: unknown } = {
  key1: "value1",
  key2: 42,
  key3: { nestedKey: true }
};

While this works, I believe that the IObject interface would provide a more elegant and readable solution.

Would you be willing to contribute this feature?

While I am not currently in a position to contribute to the development of this feature, I would be happy to provide feedback and testing during the development process.

[MartinJohns]

You forgot to fill out the issue template for feature requests.

See #39522 (comment):

We've opted to not include utility type aliases in the lib unless they're required for declaration emit purposes.

Besides that, the I prefix is highly unusual in TypeScript.

And lastly: There is already such a type: Record<string, unknown>.

[fatcerberus]

Also, since when is object deprecated?

[RyanCavanaugh]

object isn't deprecated. I don't see what problem this is solving in light of that information.

[typescript-bot]

This issue has been marked as "Declined" and has seen no recent activity. It has been automatically closed for house-keeping purposes.