What's needed for typescript to get my definitions when using node.js require?

I an using Visual Studio 2013 tools for Node.js with VS2013 Update 2.

I have the following code in a util.ts file:

var Util = function () {
    this.getSelectOption = function (elem, value) {
        var x = 99;
    }
module.exports = new Util();

and then in a base.ts file

// <reference path="../../Utils/util.ts" />
// <reference path="../../Utils/helpers.ts" />

var util = require('../../Utils/util.js');

When I hover over util then all I see is

(var) util: any

Can someone explain to me what might be wrong. I was expecting Typescript to be able to pick up the definition of the getSelectOption function?

You need to use TypeScript's import/export statements and not the standard commonjs pattern (var / require).

Also you will need to compile with the --module commonjs flag.

More : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDrWLMUY0R0&hd=1

Your code refactored

First file. Use a TypeScript container for your function. Like a module or a class. Also use export 

   module Util {
       export function getSelectOption (elem, value) {
          var x = 99;
       }
   }
   export = Util;

other file (use import, no need for .js extension): 

  import util = require('../../Utils/util');

Reason

TypeScript supports both AMD + CommonJS targets with the SAME TypeScript code. And therefore extends the language to find a common ground to support them.