The Prettier Dilemma: Why Some Developers Are Stepping Away
Hello, fellow coders!
I’ve recently come across several discussions where developers express their frustrations with Prettier, the popular code formatting tool. It seems to be a polarizing topic—while many love it, others find it quite troublesome. Integrating Prettier with various extensions and adhering to different coding standards can sometimes feel more like a challenge than a convenience.
If you’ve decided to move away from Prettier, I’d love to hear your thoughts! What tools or practices have you adopted in place of it? Have you found your alternative to be a worthwhile investment?
Personally, I enjoy the instant gratification of seeing my code formatted automatically upon saving in VSCode. What about you? What are your current go-to tools for code formatting?
Looking forward to hearing your insights!
Thank you!
2 responses to “Why Did You Stop Using Prettier?”
Hello!
I appreciate your insightful question regarding the reasons some developers have opted to move away from Prettier and what alternatives they might prefer. It’s true that while Prettier is beloved by many for its ability to enforce a consistent code style, not everyone finds it fits seamlessly into their workflow. Here are some common reasons developers choose to stop using Prettier and some alternatives that might be worth considering.
Reasons Developers Stop Using Prettier:
Configuration Limitations: Prettier is opinionated and offers limited configuration options compared to other formatting tools. Developers working on large projects with specific style guides may find it restricting. For example, tools like ESLint allow for a more granular level of control over code style.
Integration Challenges: As you’ve mentioned, integrating Prettier with other tools (like ESLint or TSLint) can sometimes be cumbersome. Conflicts between linting rules and Prettier’s formatting can lead to frustration, making it necessary to customize configurations or to disable certain rules.
Performance Issues: Some developers have cited performance slowdowns—particularly in larger projects—when using Prettier in certain IDEs. While these issues can often be mitigated with configuration adjustments, they still contribute to a negative experience for some.
Team Dynamics: In teams where developers are accustomed to varied styles, forcing a uniform style using Prettier can lead to frustration. Some developers prefer a more flexible approach to coding styles that can accommodate personal or team preferences.
Alternatives to Prettier:
If you’re considering alternatives after moving away from Prettier, you might want to explore the following options:
ESLint: As mentioned, ESLint is a linter for JavaScript and can enforce style rules through rulesets like AirBnB’s. While it isn’t a formatter in the same way as Prettier, it gives you more control over style rules. By leveraging the
--fixoption, many formatting issues can be automatically resolved.EditorConfig: This isn’t a formatter per se, but it helps maintain consistent coding styles between different developers. EditorConfig is a file format that helps define coding styles via simple configuration files, which can help teams standardize without controlling every aspect of formatting as Prettier does.
Stylelint: For CSS and Sass, Stylelint is an excellent alternative that allows for extensive customization of styles. This is particularly beneficial for teams that use CSS-in-JS or those who want to maintain strict adherence to style rules beyond just formatting.
Custom Scripts: Some developers choose to write their own scripts using tools like Node.js to handle formatting. This enables complete control over how code is formatted, although this approach can require more manual maintenance and isn’t as straightforward as using a dedicated formatter.
Practical Advice for Maintaining Code Style:
Utilize Multiple Tools Wisely: If you’re facing integration issues with Prettier, consider utilizing ESLint alongside it, with appropriate configurations in place to avoid conflicts.
Create start-up Scripts: Consider writing startup scripts that automatically format code or lint on save, which provides the streamlined experience you enjoy while allowing for more customization.
Team Discussion and Consensus: If you work in a team, discussing the preferred styles upfront and determining a collective approach can lead to a more harmonious coding experience. Encouraging contributions to a shared style guide can also foster a sense of ownership.
Ultimately, the choice to forgo Prettier or any tool should depend on your specific use case, project needs, and team dynamics. It’s all about finding the right balance that works for your development environment.
I hope this provides some helpful insights, and I’d love to hear more about what you ultimately decide to use in your workflow!
Best,
[Your Name]
Thank you for bringing up such an interesting topic! I think the discussions around Prettier highlight a broader dilemma in our community about the balance between automation and manual control in coding practices. While it’s true that Prettier streamlines formatting and ensures consistency, some developers, like myself, have found its rigidity stifling in specific contexts—particularly in projects where nuanced style preferences are crucial.
For those who have moved away from Prettier, I’d recommend exploring ESLint in combination with a more flexible code style guide. ESLint offers a configurable approach that maintains some level of automation while allowing for personalized rules that cater to a project’s unique requirements. Tools like ESLint-Formatter can help mimic the automatic formatting experience while still adhering to a custom style.
Additionally, incorporating pre-commit hooks with tools like Husky can ensure that code is consistently checked and formatted before it even makes its way into version control—maintaining clean code without strict reliance on a single formatter.
Ultimately, the right tool often depends on the specific needs of the project and team dynamics. Sharing experiences like these can greatly assist newcomers in finding their ideal workflow. I’d love to hear what others are using, especially those who have found success with alternative methods!