What is the proper way to utilize the ES6 import feature when using a symbolic path to reference the source file?

Question

What is the proper way to utilize the ES6 import feature when using a symbolic path to reference the source file?

I am seeking a deeper understanding of the ES6 import function and could use some assistance.

The Situation

Imagine that I have a portion of code in my application that is frequently used, so I organize all of it into a folder for convenience.

Now, in three separate files, I have something like this (keep in mind, I am using TypeScript, so the file extensions end in '.ts'):

file0.ts:

import {AbstractCoreCommunicationClass} from '../../../core-packages/communication/abstract-core-communication'

file1.ts:

import {AbstractCoreCommunicationClass} from '../communication/abstract-core-communication'

file2.ts:

import {AbstractCoreCommunicationClass} from '../../../../../core-packages/communication/abstract-core-communication'

My Goal

I hope to simplify these references to something like this:

file0.ts:

import {AbstractCoreCommunicationClass} from '@my-communication-core/abstract-core-communication'

file1.ts:

import {AbstractCoreCommunicationClass} from '@my-communication-core/abstract-core-communication'

file2.ts:

import {AbstractCoreCommunicationClass} from '@my-communication-core/abstract-core-communication'

Methods I've Attempted

I am aware that in Laravel (another framework), modules can be created and loaded by modifying core loader definition files such as composer.json or the main config/app.php file.

I have searched for a similar approach in the package.json file to reference non-npm packages, but haven't had any luck. The closest information I found was about NPM private packages, which would achieve the same goal if I'm willing to pay $7/month forever to host my package on their servers.

There must be a way to manage local package dependencies like this, but so far I haven't come across it, and that's why I need YOUR input!

All contributions are welcome. Every idea counts, even if it seems off track. Share your thoughts so we can work together to find a solution that benefits everyone!

javascript typescript import ecmascript-6 ecma

Answer 1

Answer №1

The solution to this problem varies depending on the programming language and environment being used. Utilizing only ES modules may not be sufficient for addressing this issue at this time.

For TypeScript, developers have the option to define path aliases through the paths configuration entry.

In Webpack, it is possible to set up path aliases using the alias configuration entry. Similarly, Rollup offers a way to achieve this through a plugin.

When it comes to managing dependencies with NPM, developers can specify local dependencies without relying on a repository. Additionally, there are tools like sinopia that provide solutions for setting up local NPM repositories.

If working on a TypeScript project that utilizes NPM dependencies and is built with Webpack, any of these mentioned solutions would be suitable.

Answer 2

The solution to this problem varies depending on the programming language and environment being used. Utilizing only ES modules may not be sufficient for addressing this issue at this time.

For TypeScript, developers have the option to define path aliases through the paths configuration entry.

In Webpack, it is possible to set up path aliases using the alias configuration entry. Similarly, Rollup offers a way to achieve this through a plugin.

When it comes to managing dependencies with NPM, developers can specify local dependencies without relying on a repository. Additionally, there are tools like sinopia that provide solutions for setting up local NPM repositories.

If working on a TypeScript project that utilizes NPM dependencies and is built with Webpack, any of these mentioned solutions would be suitable.

Answer 3

Answer №2

THE PROCESS OF UTILIZING LOCAL MODULES IN NPM

I discovered a helpful feature in NPM that allows me to fulfill my requirements precisely. After revisiting the package.json documentation following my initial question, I learned that NPM now supports referencing a local file directory for a package.

Representation in package.json

To establish the connections, I utilized npm (as outlined in the upcoming section), and upon examining the package.json file, I found the following setup:

  "dependencies": {
    "@angular/animations": "^4.0.0",
    "@angular/common": "^4.0.0",
    "@angular/compiler": "^4.0.0",
    "@angular/core": "^4.0.0",
    "@angular/forms": "^4.0.0",
    "@angular/http": "^4.0.0",
    "@angular/platform-browser": "^4.0.0",
    "@angular/platform-browser-dynamic": "^4.0.0",
    "@angular/router": "^4.0.0",
    "core-js": "^2.4.1",
    //###THIS IS MY NEW LINE###
    "data-structures": "file:src/app/medface/data-structures",
    "intl": "^1.2.5",
    "ng2-cookies": "^1.0.12",
    "rxjs": "^5.1.0",
    "showdown": "^1.8.0",
    "to-markdown": "^3.1.0",
    "web-animations-js": "^2.2.5",
    "zone.js": "^0.8.4"
  },

Note how the file: prefix indicates the source path. I then created a unit test to load a file from this directory using the designated name.

import {VisitDataStructure} from 'data-structures/visit';

describe( "The data structure package", ()=>{
    fit("loads without failure and allows the user to import classes within the folder.",()=>{
        let visit = new VisitDataStructure();
        expect(visit).not.toBeNull();
    } );
} );

The test passed successfully!

(Please note: the function fit functions similarly to it, but it directs the testing system to focus solely on that particular test and disregard others.)

Implementing this with npm

To set up this local package reference system, several steps need to be followed sequentially.

Step 1: Initiate a package using npm init

In the terminal, navigate to the sub-folder and execute npm init (assuming you are already using npm, similar to my case).

Follow the prompts to generate your package.json file. You will be prompted to provide a name; this name serves as the identifier for the package in your system. I named mine 'data-structures' for the test package.

Step 2: Install the sub package via

npm intall --save [pathToLocalFile]

From the root directory of your application containing the primary package.json file, determine the relative path to the new folder. In my situation, it was src/app/medface/data-structures.

If the relative path is accurate, utilize ls or dir to locate a file at [relativePath]/package.json (linux/mac) or [relativePath]\package.json (windows)

Execute the command

npm install --save [relativePath]

.

You should observe npm in action. If an error arises, review the error message and return to step #1 (I encountered an error initially and realized I needed to execute npm init in the directory prior to installation).

Note: regarding the terminal command alternative, yes, you may employ npm install -S [relativePath] -- it mirrors the aforementioned command.

Step 3: Incorporate the new package name into the code.

With successful installation, you can apply the appointed name anywhere in your code, as indicated by the package.json file guiding your pre-processor towards the reference files.

FANTASTIC WORK! Go ahead and engage in some remarkable coding endeavors!

Answer 4

THE PROCESS OF UTILIZING LOCAL MODULES IN NPM

I discovered a helpful feature in NPM that allows me to fulfill my requirements precisely. After revisiting the package.json documentation following my initial question, I learned that NPM now supports referencing a local file directory for a package.

Representation in package.json

To establish the connections, I utilized npm (as outlined in the upcoming section), and upon examining the package.json file, I found the following setup:

  "dependencies": {
    "@angular/animations": "^4.0.0",
    "@angular/common": "^4.0.0",
    "@angular/compiler": "^4.0.0",
    "@angular/core": "^4.0.0",
    "@angular/forms": "^4.0.0",
    "@angular/http": "^4.0.0",
    "@angular/platform-browser": "^4.0.0",
    "@angular/platform-browser-dynamic": "^4.0.0",
    "@angular/router": "^4.0.0",
    "core-js": "^2.4.1",
    //###THIS IS MY NEW LINE###
    "data-structures": "file:src/app/medface/data-structures",
    "intl": "^1.2.5",
    "ng2-cookies": "^1.0.12",
    "rxjs": "^5.1.0",
    "showdown": "^1.8.0",
    "to-markdown": "^3.1.0",
    "web-animations-js": "^2.2.5",
    "zone.js": "^0.8.4"
  },

Note how the file: prefix indicates the source path. I then created a unit test to load a file from this directory using the designated name.

import {VisitDataStructure} from 'data-structures/visit';

describe( "The data structure package", ()=>{
    fit("loads without failure and allows the user to import classes within the folder.",()=>{
        let visit = new VisitDataStructure();
        expect(visit).not.toBeNull();
    } );
} );

The test passed successfully!

(Please note: the function fit functions similarly to it, but it directs the testing system to focus solely on that particular test and disregard others.)

Implementing this with npm

To set up this local package reference system, several steps need to be followed sequentially.

Step 1: Initiate a package using npm init

In the terminal, navigate to the sub-folder and execute npm init (assuming you are already using npm, similar to my case).

Follow the prompts to generate your package.json file. You will be prompted to provide a name; this name serves as the identifier for the package in your system. I named mine 'data-structures' for the test package.

Step 2: Install the sub package via

npm intall --save [pathToLocalFile]

From the root directory of your application containing the primary package.json file, determine the relative path to the new folder. In my situation, it was src/app/medface/data-structures.

If the relative path is accurate, utilize ls or dir to locate a file at [relativePath]/package.json (linux/mac) or [relativePath]\package.json (windows)

Execute the command

npm install --save [relativePath]

.

You should observe npm in action. If an error arises, review the error message and return to step #1 (I encountered an error initially and realized I needed to execute npm init in the directory prior to installation).

Note: regarding the terminal command alternative, yes, you may employ npm install -S [relativePath] -- it mirrors the aforementioned command.

Step 3: Incorporate the new package name into the code.

With successful installation, you can apply the appointed name anywhere in your code, as indicated by the package.json file guiding your pre-processor towards the reference files.

FANTASTIC WORK! Go ahead and engage in some remarkable coding endeavors!

What is the proper way to utilize the ES6 import feature when using a symbolic path to reference the source file?

The Situation

My Goal

Methods I've Attempted

Answer №1

Answer №2

THE PROCESS OF UTILIZING LOCAL MODULES IN NPM

Representation in package.json

Implementing this with npm

Step 2: Install the sub package via
`npm intall --save [pathToLocalFile]`

Step 3: Incorporate the new package name into the code.

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