Why is it important to use linting for JavaScript and TypeScript applications?

Despite searching extensively on Stack Overflow, I have yet to find a comprehensive answer regarding the benefits of linting applications in Typescript and Javascript. Any insights or resources would be greatly appreciated.

Linting has become second nature for me while writing Typescript code, as there is a certain satisfaction that comes with producing clean and error-free code. However, I recently encountered a Typescript project plagued with linting errors, causing my code editor to flag issues every few lines. This situation made me question why it's recommended to lint JS/TS applications before deployment, especially since the current projects I am working on appear to function perfectly fine without being subjected to TS linting checks. Is the main reason simply for cleanliness, or are there additional performance or other advantages associated with linting?

Answer №1

Linters are designed to identify common code patterns that may pose potential issues, drawing on the collective experience of the programming community and the linter creators themselves. Many linters can be customized with additional rules to enforce specific project conventions if needed.

Identifying potentially problematic code doesn't necessarily mean errors will occur in every case. However, opting for established best practices over risky patterns is generally a safer approach. While linters tend to err on the side of caution, it's still possible for less strict code to function properly. Just remember, no one warned you if bugs arise from straying into uncharted coding territory.

Answer №2

One argument that resonates with me is from a source about JavaScript coding standards::

If a feature can be both helpful and harmful, always opt for the better alternative.

...

In the early days of the C programming language, common errors went undetected by basic compilers, leading to the creation of lint, an additional program to scan for issues in source code.

With advancements in compiler technology, the need for lint diminished.

JavaScript, still relatively young as a language, was initially designed for simple web tasks... However, certain features meant to enhance usability can cause complications in larger projects. Hence, a JavaScript linter is essential...

In my opinion, newer linters like eslint have adopted this fundamental principle but offer configurable options to cater to a wider audience. Additional plugins were introduced for different frameworks, including options for code formatting. While some disagreements arose, opinionated formatters like prettier found their niche.

Typescript integrated crucial code-quality rules into its core compiler, leaving more controversial rules for external linters like tslint for teams seeking consistent code style enforcement (benefiting readability...).

The impact of consistent code style on quality may vary, but it certainly doesn't diminish it, potentially yielding substantial advantages (I plan to supplement this answer with reputable research findings).

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