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STYLE_GUIDE.md

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Style Guide

  • Documents are written in markdown files.
  • Those files should be written in lowercase-with-dashes.md.
    • Underscores in filenames are allowed only when they are present in the topic the document will describe (e.g., child_process).
    • Filenames should be lowercase.
    • Some files, such as top-level markdown files, are exceptions.
    • Older files may use the .markdown extension. These may be ported to .md at will. Prefer .md for all new documents.
  • Documents should be word-wrapped at 80 characters.
  • The formatting described in .editorconfig is preferred.
    • A plugin is available for some editors to automatically apply these rules.
  • Mechanical issues, like spelling and grammar, should be identified by tools, insofar as is possible. If not caught by a tool, they should be pointed out by human reviewers.
  • American English spelling is preferred. "Capitalize" vs. "Capitalise", "color" vs. "colour", etc.
  • Though controversial, the Oxford comma is preferred for clarity's sake.
  • Generally avoid personal pronouns in reference documentation ("I", "you", "we").
    • Pronouns are acceptable in more colloquial documentation, like guides.
    • Use gender-neutral pronouns and mass nouns. Non-comprehensive examples:
      • OK: "they", "their", "them", "folks", "people", "developers", "cats"
      • NOT OK: "his", "hers", "him", "her", "guys", "dudes"
  • When combining wrapping elements (parentheses and quotes), terminal punctuation should be placed:
    • Inside the wrapping element if the wrapping element contains a complete clause — a subject, verb, and an object.
    • Outside of the wrapping element if the wrapping element contains only a fragment of a clause.
  • Place end-of-sentence punctuation inside wrapping elements — periods go inside parentheses and quotes, not after.
  • Documents must start with a level-one heading. An example document will be linked here eventually.
  • Prefer affixing links to inlining links — prefer [a link][] to [a link](http://example.com).
  • When documenting APIs, note the version the API was introduced in at the end of the section. If an API has been deprecated, also note the first version that the API appeared deprecated in.
  • When using dashes, use Em dashes ("—" or Option+Shift+"-" on macOS) surrounded by spaces, as per The New York Times Manual of Style and Usage.
  • Including assets:
    • If you wish to add an illustration or full program, add it to the appropriate sub-directory in the assets/ dir.
    • Link to it like so: [Asset](/assets/{subdir}/{filename}) for file-based assets, and ![Asset](/assets/{subdir}/{filename}) for image-based assets.
    • For illustrations, prefer SVG to other assets. When SVG is not feasible, please keep a close eye on the filesize of the asset you're introducing.
  • For code blocks:
    • Use language aware fences. ("```js")
    • Code need not be complete — treat code blocks as an illustration or aid to your point, not as complete running programs. If a complete running program is necessary, include it as an asset in assets/code-examples and link to it.
  • When using underscores, asterisks, and backticks, please use proper escaping (\_, \* and \` instead of _, * and `).
  • References to constructor functions should use PascalCase.
  • References to constructor instances should use camelCase.
  • References to methods should be used with parentheses: for example, socket.end() instead of socket.end.
  • To draw special attention to a note, adhere to the following guidelines:
    • Make the "Note:" label italic, i.e. *Note*:.
    • Use a capital letter after the "Note:" label.
    • Preferably, make the note a new paragraph for better visual distinction.
  • Function arguments or object properties should use the following format:
    • * `name` {type|type2} Optional description. **Default:** `defaultValue`
    • E.g. * byteOffset {integer} Index of first byte to expose. Default: 0
    • The type should refer to a Node.js type or a JavaScript type
  • Function returns should use the following format:
    • * Returns: {type|type2} Optional description.
    • E.g. * Returns: {AsyncHook} A reference to asyncHook.