### What's the difference between `declare class` and `interface`?

`interface` describes an instance shape only. It does not declare any value, constructor, or inheritance target at runtime.

`declare class` describes an existing class value and its instance shape. It may be used when a constructor function with that name exists at runtime, but its implementation is provided elsewhere.

This affects which class relationships are meaningful:

* `implements` checks that a class's instance shape matches the type
* `extends` requires a real base class value at runtime

```ts
interface Shape {
    area(): number;
}

declare class BaseShape {
    area(): number;
}

class A implements Shape {
    area() { return 0; }
}

class B extends BaseShape {
}
```

In the example above, `A` is only checked structurally. `B` inherits from `BaseShape`, so `BaseShape` must exist at runtime.

Common symptoms of confusion:

* Using `declare class` where only an object shape exists: `extends` compiles, but the emitted inheritance code fails at runtime
* Using `interface` where an existing class should have been described: `implements` works, but there is no inherited behavior, and runtime checks like `instanceof` do not apply

Rule of thumb:

* Use `interface` for "objects with these members"
* Use `declare class` for "this constructor exists at runtime"

See also [this StackOverflow answer](http://stackoverflow.com/a/14348084/1704166).