title: Using Visual Studio to build an HTA (or single-page local HTML file application) with TypeScript
body: <p>I have a rather large HTA that I still need to maintain. I originally wrote it using Notepad++, but because of its growth I am now interested in the Intellisense capabilities offered by TypeScript. It would also be helpful to have Visual Studio's HTML and CSS development tools.</p>
  
  <p>I am aware that I'll have to add type annotations to the application, but it is still worth my while, and can be done gradually.</p>
  
  <p>Using the <strong>File -> New Project -> HTML Application with TypeScript</strong> outputs a DLL for use with IIS Express or another web server. The output I need is the HTML, CSS and TypeScript compiled to Javascript with references adjusted in the HTML.</p>
  
  <p>In short, I need the following:</p>
  
  <ol>
  <li>Output HTML/CSS files instead of a DLL (The extension should be renamed to <strong>.hta</strong> but I can do that in a post-build step.</li>
  <li>Output TypeScript files as Javascript</li>
  <li>Intellisense for all TypeScript/Javascript files included in the project</li>
  <li>Optionally, allow adding Javascript/TypeScript libraries via Nuget (I can add them by hand, but I would prefer not to).</li>
  <li>Optionally, Visual Studio debugging (Using the <code>debugger</code> keyword in Javascript allows me to start a debugging session with Visual Studio, once the HTA is started using the <code>mshta.exe</code> executable. However, it would be nice to set breakpoints in the editor window without modifying the code.)</li>
  </ol>
  
  <p>How can I use Visual Studio (2013 Professional) for this scenario?</p>
  
  <p>NB. I have extensive experience using Visual Studio for desktop applications (C#/VB.NET and WPF) but I have no experience in Web development. I have a fair knowledge of HTML, CSS and Javascript in the HTA environment.</p>
  
  <p><hr>
  <strong>Update</strong></p>
  
  <p>I tried creating a new web site (<strong>File -> New Web Site ...</strong>) but I cannot add TypeScript files to the site.</p>