Simplify Your Codebase with Auto-Sorting Linter using eslint-plugin-simple-import-sort
Tags: react, reactnative, typescript, codequality
Published: 2023-10-22 12:54:29

## Introduction

In the world of software development, maintaining code quality is a paramount concern. Linters, such as ESLint, have become an indispensable tool for ensuring that code adheres to predefined coding standards. When it comes to maintaining code readability and organization, one of the most effective tools in your ESLint arsenal is `eslint-plugin-simple-import-sort`. This handy plugin simplifies the task of sorting your imports, offering numerous advantages in terms of code clarity and maintainability.

## The Role of eslint-plugin-simple-import-sort

One aspect of code quality that's often underestimated is the organization of import statements. Properly sorted imports can significantly enhance code readability, but manually organizing them can be tedious and prone to human error. This is where `eslint-plugin-simple-import-sort` shines.

This ESLint plugin automatically sorts import statements according to your predefined configuration, making the codebase easier to read and maintain. Let's take a closer look at how you can set up and leverage this plugin.

## Configuration Example:

```cjs
module.exports = {
  root: true,
  env: { browser: true, es2020: true },
  extends: [
    'airbnb',
    'airbnb/hooks',
    'airbnb-typescript',
    'plugin:@typescript-eslint/recommended',
    'plugin:react-hooks/recommended',
    'plugin:prettier/recommended',
  ],
  ignorePatterns: ['dist', '.eslintrc.cjs'],
  parser: '@typescript-eslint/parser',
  parserOptions: {
    project: './tsconfig.json',
    ecmaFeatures: { jsx: true },
    ecmaVersion: 'latest',
    sourceType: 'module',
  },
  plugins: ['react', '@typescript-eslint', 'prettier', 'simple-import-sort'],
  // INFO : Your ` rules ` here
  rules: {},
  // INFO : Your overrides here with simple-import-sort
  overrides: [
    {
      files: ['*.js', '*.jsx', '*.ts', '*.tsx'],
      rules: {
        'simple-import-sort/imports': [
          'error',
          {
            groups: [
              // Packages `react` related packages come first.
              ['^react', '^\\w', '^@hookform', '^@radix-ui'],
              // npm packages
              // Anything that starts with a letter (or digit or underscore), or `@` followed by a letter.
              // ['^\\w'],
              // Internal packages.
              ['^@store(/.*|$)'],
              ['^@components(/.*|$)'],
              ['^@ui(/.*|$)'],
              ['^@lib(/.*|$)'],
              ['^@pages(/.*|$)'],
              ['^@utils(/.*|$)'],
              ['^@hooks(/.*|$)'],
              ['^@services(/.*|$)'],
              // Side effect imports.
              ['^\\u0000'],
              // Parent imports. Put `..` last.
              ['^\\.\\.(?!/?$)', '^\\.\\./?$'],
              // Other relative imports. Put same-folder imports and `.` last.
              ['^\\./(?=.*/)(?!/?$)', '^\\.(?!/?$)', '^\\./?$'],
              // Style imports.
              ['^.+\\.?(css)$'],
            ],
          },
        ],
      },
    },
  ],
};
```

In this example, you can see that `eslint-plugin-simple-import-sort` is configured to sort imports into various `groups`, making it easy to identify different types of imports in your code.

## How can I configure the eslint-plugin-simple-import-sort plugin to enforce a specific order for export statements?

To configure the `eslint-plugin-simple-import-sort` plugin to enforce a specific order for export statements, you can use the simple-import-sort/exports rule. Here's an example configuration that enforces a specific order for both import and export statements:

```cjs
module.exports = {
  plugins: ['simple-import-sort'],
  rules: {
    'simple-import-sort/imports': 'error',
    'simple-import-sort/exports': 'error',
  },
};
```

```cjs
module.exports = {
  plugins: ['simple-import-sort'],
  rules: {
    'simple-import-sort/imports': 'error',
    'simple-import-sort/exports': [
      'error',
      {
        groups: [
          // Named exports come first.
          ['^\\w'],
          // Default exports come last.
          ['^default$'],
        ],
      },
    ],
  },
};
```

In this configuration, named exports are sorted first, followed by default exports. You can customize the order of the named exports by adding additional `groups` to the `groups` array.

## Advantages of eslint-plugin-simple-import-sort

Consistency: Automatic sorting ensures that import statements are consistent across your entire codebase, eliminating inconsistencies that can arise from manual sorting.

Readability: Sorted imports make the code more readable by providing a clear structure. Developers can quickly locate specific types of imports, making it easier to understand how a file depends on external code.

Maintenance: As your codebase grows, maintaining sorted imports becomes increasingly valuable. It reduces the time spent on housekeeping tasks and helps you focus on writing code.

Collaboration: In a team setting, using `eslint-plugin-simple-import-sort` ensures that all team members adhere to the same import organization standards. This eliminates debates about import sorting and keeps the codebase coherent.

Scalability: As your project expands and includes more files, maintaining well-organized imports becomes critical. `eslint-plugin-simple-import-sort` helps scale your project without sacrificing code quality.

## What is the purpose of the simple-import-sort/imports rule?

The `simple-import-sort/imports` rule is a rule provided by the eslint-plugin-simple-import-sort plugin. The purpose of this rule is to enforce a consistent and readable order for import statements in JavaScript and TypeScript files.

The rule works by defining a specific order for different types of imports, such as packages, internal modules, and side effect imports. The order is defined using the `groups` array, which is an array of arrays. Each inner array represents a group of imports that should be sorted together.

For example, the first group in the `groups` array is for packages related to react. This means that any import statements that reference packages related to react will be sorted first. The second group is for other npm packages, followed by internal packages, side effect imports, and so on.

By enforcing a consistent order for import statements, the `simple-import-sort/imports` rule can help to improve the readability and maintainability of JavaScript and TypeScript code. It can also help to prevent errors that can occur when import statements are not sorted correctly.

## What are some other `rules` that can be configured using the eslint-plugin-simple-import-sort plugin?

The eslint-plugin-simple-import-sort plugin provides several other `rules` that can be configured in addition to the `simple-import-sort/imports` rule. Here are some examples:

- **simple-import-sort/exports** : This rule enforces a specific order for export statements based on the `groups` array. It works similarly to the `simple-import-sort/imports` rule, but for export statements instead of import statements.

- **simple-import-sort/sort** : This rule enforces a specific order for both import and export statements based on the `groups` array. It combines the functionality of the `simple-import-sort/imports` and simple-import-sort/exports rules.

- **simple-import-sort/require** : This rule enforces a specific order for `require()` statements based on the `groups` array. It works similarly to the `simple-import-sort/imports` rule, but for `require()` statements instead of import statements.

- **simple-import-sort/require-exports** : This rule enforces a specific order for both `require()` and export statements based on the `groups` array. It combines the functionality of the simple-import-sort/require and simple-import-sort/exports rules.

These `rules` can be useful for enforcing a consistent order for import and export statements, as well as for `require()` statements in CommonJS modules. By using these `rules` in combination with the `simple-import-sort/imports` rule, you can ensure that all import and export statements in your JavaScript and TypeScript code are sorted in a consistent and readable way.

## How can I configure the simple-import-sort/require rule to enforce a specific order for `require()` statements?

To configure the simple-import-sort/require rule to enforce a specific order for `require()` statements, you can add the rule to your ESLint configuration file. Here's an example configuration that enforces a specific order for `require()` statements:

```cjs
module.exports = {
  plugins: ['simple-import-sort'],
  rules: {
    'simple-import-sort/require': [
      'error',
      {
        groups: [
          // Packages come first.
          ['^react', '^\\w', '^@hookform', '^@radix-ui'],
          // Internal packages.
          ['^@store(/.*|$)'],
          ['^@components(/.*|$)'],
          ['^@ui(/.*|$)'],
          ['^@lib(/.*|$)'],
          ['^@pages(/.*|$)'],
          ['^@utils(/.*|$)'],
          ['^@hooks(/.*|$)'],
          ['^@services(/.*|$)'],
          // Side effect imports.
          ['^\\u0000'],
          // Parent imports. Put `..` last.
          ['^\\.\\.(?!/?$)', '^\\.\\./?$'],
          // Other relative imports. Put same-folder imports and `.` last.
          ['^\\./(?=.*/)(?!/?$)', '^\\.(?!/?$)', '^\\./?$'],
          // Style imports.
          ['^.+\\.?(css)$'],
        ],
      },
    ],
  },
};
```

In this configuration, the simple-import-sort/require rule is added to the `rules` object, and the `groups` array is used to define the order of the `require()` statements. The order is similar to the order used for import statements, with packages coming first, followed by internal packages, side effect imports, and so on.

By using the simple-import-sort/require rule, you can ensure that all `require()` statements in your JavaScript and TypeScript code are sorted in a consistent and readable way. This can help to improve the maintainability of your codebase and prevent errors that can occur when `require()` statements are not sorted correctly.

## What is the purpose of the simple-import-sort/sort rule?

The `simple-import-sort/sort` rule is a rule provided by the `eslint-plugin-simple-import-sort` plugin. The purpose of this rule is to enforce a specific order for both import and export statements in JavaScript and TypeScript files.

The rule works by defining a specific order for different types of imports and exports, such as packages, internal modules, and side effect imports. The order is defined using the `groups` array, which is an array of arrays. Each inner array represents a group of imports or exports that should be sorted together.

By enforcing a consistent order for both import and export statements, the `simple-import-sort/sort` rule can help to improve the readability and maintainability of JavaScript and TypeScript code. It can also help to prevent errors that can occur when import and export statements are not sorted correctly.

Overall, the `simple-import-sort/sort` rule provides a way to customize the import and export sorting behavior of the `eslint-plugin-simple-import-sort` plugin based on your specific needs and preferences.

## ESLint and Its Advantages

ESLint is a popular JavaScript linter that checks your code against a set of predefined `rules` and flags any violations. It's a powerful tool for improving code quality, readability, and consistency. Here are some key advantages of using ESLint:

- **Error Prevention** : ESLint helps catch errors and potential issues in your code during development, reducing the likelihood of bugs making their way into your application.

- **Code Consistency** : It enforces a consistent coding style across your codebase. This is especially valuable when working in a team, as it ensures that everyone follows the same conventions.

- **Readability** : ESLint `rules` can be configured to improve code readability, making it easier for developers to understand and work with the code.

- **Maintainability** : By enforcing coding standards and best practices, ESLint contributes to code maintainability. Well-structured and consistent code is easier to maintain and extend.

- **Customizability** : ESLint allows you to customize `rules` and plugins to match your project's specific requirements and coding standards.

# Conclusion

`eslint-plugin-simple-import-sort` is a valuable addition to your ESLint setup, making your codebase more organized, readable, and maintainable. By automating the import sorting process, you save time and reduce the potential for human error. As a result, you can focus on writing code and building features rather than managing import statements. Ultimately, the advantages of using this plugin extend to code quality, team collaboration, and long-term project scalability.

# References

- [eslint](https://eslint.org/)
- [eslint-plugin-simple-import-sort](https://github.com/lydell/eslint-plugin-simple-import-sort)
- [eslint-plugin-simple-import-sort](https://www.npmjs.com/package/eslint-plugin-simple-import-sort)
- [React](https://react.dev/)
- [TypeScript](https://www.typescriptlang.org/)