Simplifying Code Organization with Sorted Imports in React Applications
Tags: webdev, react, javascript, productivity
Published: 2023-10-05 15:17:21


In the fast-paced world of software development, maintaining code quality and making the code review process as smooth as possible are crucial. One effective way to achieve this in a React application is by sorting your imports. In this article, we'll explore why it's essential and how to set up sorted imports using [@trivago/prettier-plugin-sort-imports](https://www.npmjs.com/package/@trivago/prettier-plugin-sort-imports?activeTab=dependencies) and [eslint-webpack-plugin](https://www.npmjs.com/package/eslint-webpack-plugin). We'll also provide a step-by-step guide to help you get started.

## Why Sorted Imports Matter

1. **Enhancing Code Readability**
2. **Reducing Merge Conflicts**
3. **Avoiding Runtime Errors**
4. **Consistency Across the Team**

## Setting Up Sorted Imports

To implement sorted imports in your React application, follow these steps:

### Step 1: Install Dependencies

First, make sure you have the necessary dependencies installed. In your project directory, run:

```bash
npm install --save-dev @trivago/prettier-plugin-sort-imports eslint-webpack-plugin
```

These packages will help us achieve sorted imports and maintain code quality.

### Step 2: Update Your Prettier Configuration

Modify your project's Prettier configuration (usually found in a `.prettierrc` or `prettier.config.js` file) to include the following settings:

```json
{
  ....
  "importOrder": [
    "^(react|@reduxjs|prop-types)(.*)$",
    "^(GlobalSlider|App)(.*)$",
    "^(js-cookie|await-to-js|date-fns)(.*)$",
    "^(api|hooks)(.*)$",
    "^assets/(.*)$",
    "^utils(.*)$",
    "^store/reducers/(.*)$",
    "^store/selectors/(.*)$",
    "^components/core/(.*)$",
    "^components/(.*)$",
    "^constants/(.*)$",
    "^models/(.*)$",
    "^@storybook/(.*)$",
    "^yup/(.*)$",
    ".*"
  ],
  "importOrderType": "imports",
  "importOrderSortSpecifiers": true,
  "importOrderSeparation": true
}
```

These configurations will define the order in which your imports are sorted and ensure that specifiers (e.g., `{ Component }` in `import { Component } from 'react'`) are also sorted. If you want multiple imports clubbed together, pass them like this `(react|@reduxjs|prop-types)`  you can also use regex values.

### Step 3: Run the Prettier Command

With your Prettier configuration updated, you can now format your codebase with sorted imports. In your project directory, run:

```bash
npm run prettier
```

This command will format all your files according to the specified Prettier settings, including sorted imports.

### Step 4: Check the Build Process

While ESLint can help catch import order issues, it may not always detect problems that occur during the build process. After running `npm run prettier`, it's essential to verify that your project still builds successfully.

To do this, run:

```bash
npm run build
```

If you encounter any errors during the build process, especially related to import order, review and adjust your import statements as necessary. This step ensures that your application functions correctly when deployed.

## Conclusion

Sorting imports in your React application is a simple yet effective way to maintain code quality and streamline the code review process. By using [@trivago/prettier-plugin-sort-imports](https://www.npmjs.com/package/@trivago/prettier-plugin-sort-imports?activeTab=dependencies) and [eslint-webpack-plugin](https://www.npmjs.com/package/eslint-webpack-plugin), along with the provided configuration, you can easily enforce import sorting conventions across your project. Following these steps will make your codebase more readable, organized, and developer-friendly.

Start enhancing your React application's code quality and code review experience today by implementing sorted imports. Your team and future self will thank you for it!