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Antares UX Coding Style Guide

Inspired by the AirBNB Style Guide

A style guide helps maintain consistency and readability throughout the codebase, it also allows a much more calmer code review process and quicker onboarding for new contributors. This is a living document, as our codebase grows and evolves we should keep in mind to update this document as well.

Table of Contents

  1. Types
  2. References
  3. Objects
  4. Arrays
  5. Destructuring
  6. Strings
  7. Functions
  8. Arrow Functions
  9. Classes & Constructors
  10. Modules
  11. Iterators and Generators
  12. Properties
  13. Variables
  14. Comparison Operators & Equality
  15. Blocks
  16. Control Statements
  17. Comments
  18. Whitespace
  19. Commas
  20. Semicolons
  21. Naming Conventions
  22. Accessors
  23. React

Types

  • 1.1 Usage:
    • Always favor type inference over explicit type declaration except for function return types
    • Always define the return type of functions. This can help catch errors as functions evolve.
    • Types should be used whenever necessary (no implicit any).
    • Arrays should be defined as type[] instead of Array<type>.
    • Use the any type sparringly. It is always better to define an interface.

  • 1.2 Primitives: When you access a primitive type you work directly on its value.

    • string
    • number
    • boolean
    • null
    • undefined
    • symbol
    const foo = 1;
    let bar = foo;
    
    bar = 9;
    
    console.log(foo, bar); // => 1, 9

  • 1.3 Complex: When you access a complex type you work on a reference to its value.

    • object
    • array
    • function
    const foo = [1, 2];
    const bar = foo;
    
    bar[0] = 9;
    
    console.log(foo[0], bar[0]); // => 9, 9

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References

  • 2.1 Use const for all of your references; avoid using var.

    Why? This ensures that you can’t reassign your references, which can lead to bugs and difficult to comprehend code.

    // bad
    var a = 1;
    var b = 2;
    
    // good
    const a = 1;
    const b = 2;

  • 2.2 If you must reassign references, use let instead of var.

    Why? let is block-scoped rather than function-scoped like var.

    // bad
    var count = 1;
    if (true) {
      count += 1;
    }
    
    // good, use the let.
    let count = 1;
    if (true) {
      count += 1;
    }

  • 2.3 Note that both let and const are block-scoped.

    // const and let only exist in the blocks they are defined in.
    {
      let a = 1;
      const b = 1;
    }
    console.log(a); // ReferenceError
    console.log(b); // ReferenceError

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Objects

  • 3.1 Use property value shorthand.

    Why? It is shorter to write and descriptive.

    const lukeSkywalker = 'Luke Skywalker';
    
    // bad
    const obj: Starwars = {
      lukeSkywalker: lukeSkywalker,
    };
    
    // good
    const obj: Starwars = {
      lukeSkywalker,
    };

  • 3.2 Group your shorthand properties at the beginning of your object declaration.

    Why? It’s easier to tell which properties are using the shorthand.

    const anakinSkywalker = 'Anakin Skywalker';
    const lukeSkywalker = 'Luke Skywalker';
    
    // bad
    const obj = {
      episodeOne: 1,
      twoJediWalkIntoACantina: 2,
      lukeSkywalker,
      episodeThree: 3,
      mayTheFourth: 4,
      anakinSkywalker,
    };
    
    // good
    const obj = {
      lukeSkywalker,
      anakinSkywalker,
      episodeOne: 1,
      twoJediWalkIntoACantina: 2,
      episodeThree: 3,
      mayTheFourth: 4,
    };

  • 3.3 Prefer the object spread operator over Object.assign to shallow-copy objects. Use the object rest operator to get a new object with certain properties omitted.

    // very bad
    const original: Something = { a: 1, b: 2 };
    const copy: SomethingElse = Object.assign(original, { c: 3 }); // this mutates `original` ಠ_ಠ
    delete copy.a; // so does this
    
    // bad
    const original: Something = { a: 1, b: 2 };
    const copy: SomethingElse = Object.assign({}, original, { c: 3 }); // copy => { a: 1, b: 2, c: 3 }
    
    // good
    const original: Something = { a: 1, b: 2 };
    const copy: SomethingElse = { ...original, c: 3 }; // copy => { a: 1, b: 2, c: 3 }
    
    const { a, ...noA } = copy; // noA => { b: 2, c: 3 }

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Arrays

  • 4.1 Use the literal syntax for array creation.

    // bad
    const items = new Array();
    
    // good
    const items: Item[] = [];

  • 4.2 Use Array#push instead of direct assignment to add items to an array.

    const someStack: Item[] = [];
    
    // bad
    someStack[someStack.length] = 'abracadabra';
    
    // good
    someStack.push('abracadabra');

  • 4.3 Use array spreads ... to copy arrays.

    // bad
    const len = items.length;
    const itemsCopy = [];
    let i;
    
    for (i = 0; i < len; i += 1) {
      itemsCopy[i] = items[i];
    }
    
    // good
    const itemsCopy: Item[] = [...items];

  • 4.4 To convert an iterable object to an array, use spreads ... instead of Array.from.

    const foo = document.querySelectorAll('.foo');
    
    // good
    const nodes = Array.from(foo);
    
    // best
    const nodes: Node[] = [...foo];

  • 4.5 Use return statements in array method callbacks. It’s ok to omit the return if the function body consists of a single statement returning an expression without side effects. * ADD CLARITY

    // good
    [1, 2, 3].map((x: number): string => {
      const y = x + 1;
      return `number ${y}`;
    });
    
    // good
    [1, 2, 3].map(x => x + 1);
    
    // bad - no returned value means `acc` becomes undefined after the first iteration
    [[0, 1], [2, 3], [4, 5]].reduce((acc, item, index) => {
      const flatten = acc.concat(item);
      acc[index] = flatten;
    });
    
    // good
    [[0, 1], [2, 3], [4, 5]].reduce((acc, item, index) => {
      const flatten = acc.concat(item);
      acc[index] = flatten;
      return flatten;
    });
    
    // bad
    inbox.filter((msg) => {
      const { subject, author } = msg;
      if (subject === 'Mockingbird') {
        return author === 'Harper Lee';
      } else {
        return false;
      }
    });
    
    // good
    inbox.filter((msg) => {
      const { subject, author } = msg;
      if (subject === 'Mockingbird') {
        return author === 'Harper Lee';
      }
    
      return false;
    });

  • 4.6 Use line breaks after open and before close array brackets if an array has multiple lines

    // bad
    const arr = [
      [0, 1], [2, 3], [4, 5],
    ];
    
    const objectInArray = [{
      id: 1,
    }, {
      id: 2,
    }];
    
    const numberInArray = [
      1, 2,
    ];
    
    // good
    const arr: Item[] = [[0, 1], [2, 3], [4, 5]];
    
    const objectInArray: ObjectItem[] = [
      {
        id: 1,
      },
      {
        id: 2,
      },
    ];
    
    const numberInArray: number[] = [
      1,
      2,
    ];

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Destructuring

  • 5.1 Use object destructuring when accessing and using multiple properties of an object.

    Why? Destructuring saves you from creating temporary references for those properties.

    // bad
    function getFullName(user) {
      const firstName = user.firstName;
      const lastName = user.lastName;
    
      return `${firstName} ${lastName}`;
    }
    
    // good
    function getFullName(user: User) {
      const { firstName, lastName } = user;
      return `${firstName} ${lastName}`;
    }

  • 5.2 Use array destructuring.

    const arr = [1, 2, 3, 4];
    
    // bad
    const first = arr[0];
    const second = arr[1];
    
    // good
    const [first, second] = arr;

  • 5.3 Use object destructuring for multiple return values, not array destructuring.

    Why? You can add new properties over time or change the order of things without breaking call sites.

    // bad
    function processInput(input) {
      // then a miracle occurs
      return [left, right, top, bottom];
    }
    
    // the caller needs to think about the order of return data
    const [left, __, top] = processInput(input);
    
    // good
    function processInput(input) {
      // some code that returns following object
      return { left, right, top, bottom };
    }
    
    // the caller selects only the data they need
    const { left, top } = processInput(input);

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Strings

  • 6.1 Use single quotes '' for strings.

    // bad
    const name = "Capt. Janeway";
    
    // bad - template literals should contain interpolation or newlines
    const name = `Capt. Janeway`;
    
    // good
    const name = 'Capt. Janeway';

  • 6.2 Strings that cause the line to go over 100 characters should not be written across multiple lines using string concatenation.

    Why? Broken strings are painful to work with and make code less searchable.

    // bad
    const errorMessage = 'This is a super long error that was thrown because \
    of Batman. When you stop to think about how Batman had anything to do \
    with this, you would get nowhere \
    fast.';
    
    // bad
    const errorMessage = 'This is a super long error that was thrown because ' +
      'of Batman. When you stop to think about how Batman had anything to do ' +
      'with this, you would get nowhere fast.';
    
    // good
    const errorMessage = 'This is a super long error that was thrown because of Batman. When you stop to think about how Batman had anything to do with this, you would get nowhere fast.';

  • 6.3 When programmatically building up strings, use template strings instead of concatenation.

    Why? Template strings give you a readable, concise syntax with proper newlines and string interpolation features.

    // bad
    function sayHi(name) {
      return 'How are you, ' + name + '?';
    }
    
    // bad
    function sayHi(name) {
      return ['How are you, ', name, '?'].join();
    }
    
    // good
    function sayHi(name) {
      return `How are you, ${name}?`;
    }

  • 6.4 Never use eval() on a string, it opens too many vulnerabilities.

  • 6.5 Do not unnecessarily escape characters in strings.

    Why? Backslashes harm readability, thus they should only be present when necessary.

    // bad
    const foo = '\'this\' \i\s \"quoted\"';
    
    // good
    const foo = '\'this\' is "quoted"';
    const foo = `my name is '${name}'`;

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Functions

  • 7.1 Never declare a function in a non-function block (if, while, etc). Assign the function to a variable instead. Browsers will allow you to do it, but they all interpret it differently, which is bad news bears. Use arrow functions.

  • 7.2 Never name a parameter arguments. This will take precedence over the arguments object that is given to every function scope.

    // bad
    function foo(name, options, arguments) {
      // ...
    }
    
    // good
    function foo(name, options, args) {
      // ...
    }

  • 7.3 Use default parameter syntax rather than mutating function arguments.

    // really bad
    function handleThings(opts) {
      // No! We shouldn’t mutate function arguments.
      // Double bad: if opts is falsy it'll be set to an object which may
      // be what you want but it can introduce subtle bugs.
      opts = opts || {};
      // ...
    }
    
    // still bad
    function handleThings(opts) {
      if (opts === void 0) {
        opts = {};
      }
      // ...
    }
    
    // good
    function handleThings(opts = {}) {
      // ...
    }

  • 7.4 Avoid side effects with default parameters.

    Why? They are confusing to reason about.

    var b = 1;
    // bad
    function count(a = b++) {
      console.log(a);
    }
    count();  // 1
    count();  // 2
    count(3); // 3
    count();  // 3

  • 7.5 Always put default parameters last.

    // bad
    function handleThings(opts = {}, name) {
      // ...
    }
    
    // good
    function handleThings(name, opts = {}) {
      // ...
    }

  • 7.6 Never use the Function constructor to create a new function.

    Why? Creating a function in this way evaluates a string similarly to eval(), which opens vulnerabilities.

    // bad
    var add = new Function('a', 'b', 'return a + b');
    
    // still bad
    var subtract = Function('a', 'b', 'return a - b');

  • 7.7 Never mutate parameters.

    Why? Manipulating objects passed in as parameters can cause unwanted variable side effects in the original caller.

    // bad
    function f1(obj) {
      obj.key = 1;
    }
    
    // good
    function f2(obj) {
      const key = Object.prototype.hasOwnProperty.call(obj, 'key') ? obj.key : 1;
    }

  • 7.10 Never reassign parameters.

    Why? Reassigning parameters can lead to unexpected behavior, especially when accessing the arguments object. It can also cause optimization issues, especially in V8.

    // bad
    function f1(a) {
      a = 1;
      // ...
    }
    
    function f2(a) {
      if (!a) { a = 1; }
      // ...
    }
    
    // good
    function f3(a) {
      const b = a || 1;
      // ...
    }
    
    function f4(a = 1) {
      // ...
    }

  • 7.11 Prefer the use of the spread operator ... to call variadic functions.

    Why? It’s cleaner, you don’t need to supply a context, and you can not easily compose new with apply.

    // bad
    const x = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5];
    console.log.apply(console, x);
    
    // good
    const x = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5];
    console.log(...x);
    
    // bad
    new (Function.prototype.bind.apply(Date, [null, 2016, 8, 5]));
    
    // good
    new Date(...[2016, 8, 5]);

  • 7.12 Functions with multiline signatures, or invocations, should be indented just like every other multiline list in this guide: with each item on a line by itself, with a trailing comma on the last item.

    // bad
    function foo(bar,
                 baz,
                 quux) {
      // ...
    }
    
    // good
    function foo(
      bar,
      baz,
      quux,
    ) {
      // ...
    }
    
    // bad
    console.log(foo,
      bar,
      baz);
    
    // good
    console.log(
      foo,
      bar,
      baz,
    );

  • 7.13 We should try our best to keep the number of lines in a given function to less 100. Modularize as much as possible to improve redability and reusability.

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Arrow Functions

  • 8.1 When you must use an anonymous function (as when passing an inline callback), use arrow function notation.

    Why? It creates a version of the function that executes in the context of this, which is usually what you want, and is a more concise syntax.

    Why not? If you have a fairly complicated function, you might move that logic out into its own named function expression.

    // bad
    [1, 2, 3].map(function (x) {
      const y = x + 1;
      return x * y;
    });
    
    // good
    [1, 2, 3].map(x => {
      const y = x + 1;
      return x * y;
    });

  • 8.2 If the function body consists of a single statement returning an expression without side effects, omit the braces and use the implicit return. Otherwise, keep the braces and use a return statement.

    Why? Syntactic sugar. It reads well when multiple functions are chained together.

    // bad
    [1, 2, 3].map(number => {
      return `A string containing the ${number}.`;
    });
    
    // good
    [1, 2, 3].map(number => `A string containing the ${number}.`);
    
    // good
    [1, 2, 3].map((number) => {
      const nextNumber = number + 1;
      return `A string containing the ${nextNumber}.`;
    });
    
    // good
    [1, 2, 3].map((number, index) => ({
      [index]: number,
    }));
    
    // No implicit return with side effects
    function foo(callback) {
      const val = callback();
      if (val === true) {
        // Do something if callback returns true
      }
    }
    
    let bool = false;
    
    // bad
    foo(() => bool = true);
    
    // good
    foo(() => {
      bool = true;
    });

  • 8.3 If your function takes a single argument omit the parentheses.

    Why? Less visual clutter.

    // bad
    [1, 2, 3].map((x) => x * x);
    
    // good
    [1, 2, 3].map(x => x * x);

  • 8.4 Avoid confusing arrow function syntax (=>) with comparison operators (<=, >=).

    // bad
    const itemHeight = item => item.height > 256 ? item.largeSize : item.smallSize;
    
    // bad
    const itemHeight = (item) => item.height > 256 ? item.largeSize : item.smallSize;
    
    // good
    const itemHeight = item => (item.height > 256 ? item.largeSize : item.smallSize);
    
    // good
    const itemHeight = (item) => {
      const { height, largeSize, smallSize } = item;
      return height > 256 ? largeSize : smallSize;
    };

  • 8.5 Enforce the location of arrow function bodies with implicit returns.

    // bad
    (foo) =>
      bar;
    
    (foo) =>
      (bar);
    
    // good
    (foo) => bar;
    (foo) => ({
      bar: 'hello'
    })

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Classes & Constructors

  • 9.1 Use extends for inheritance.

    Why? It is a built-in way to inherit prototype functionality without breaking instanceof.

    // bad
    const inherits = require('inherits');
    function PeekableQueue(contents) {
      Queue.apply(this, contents);
    }
    inherits(PeekableQueue, Queue);
    PeekableQueue.prototype.peek = function () {
      return this.queue[0];
    };
    
    // good
    class PeekableQueue extends Queue {
      peek() {
        return this.queue[0];
      }
    }

  • 9.2 Methods can return this to help with method chaining.

    // bad
    Jedi.prototype.jump = function () {
      this.jumping = true;
      return true;
    };
    
    Jedi.prototype.setHeight = function (height) {
      this.height = height;
    };
    
    const luke = new Jedi();
    luke.jump(); // => true
    luke.setHeight(20); // => undefined
    
    // good
    class Jedi {
      jump() {
        this.jumping = true;
        return this;
      }
    
      setHeight(height) {
        this.height = height;
        return this;
      }
    }
    
    const luke = new Jedi();
    
    luke
      .jump()
      .setHeight(20);

  • 9.3 It’s okay to write a custom toString() method, just make sure it works successfully and causes no side effects.

    class Jedi {
      constructor(options = {}) {
        this.name = options.name || 'no name';
      }
    
      getName() {
        return this.name;
      }
    
      toString() {
        return `Jedi - ${this.getName()}`;
      }
    }

  • 9.4 Classes have a default constructor if one is not specified. An empty constructor function or one that just delegates to a parent class is unnecessary.

    // bad
    class Jedi {
      constructor() {}
    
      getName() {
        return this.name;
      }
    }
    
    // bad
    class Rey extends Jedi {
      constructor(...args) {
        super(...args);
      }
    }
    
    // good
    class Rey extends Jedi {
      constructor(...args) {
        super(...args);
        this.name = 'Rey';
      }
    }

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Modules

  • 10.1 Always use modules (import/export) over a non-standard module system. You can always transpile to your preferred module system.

    Why? Modules are the future, let’s start using the future now.

    // bad
    const AirbnbStyleGuide = require('./AirbnbStyleGuide');
    module.exports = AirbnbStyleGuide.es6;
    
    // ok
    import AirbnbStyleGuide from './AirbnbStyleGuide';
    export default AirbnbStyleGuide.es6;
    
    // best
    import { es6 } from './AirbnbStyleGuide';
    export default es6;

  • 10.2 Try to avoid wildcard imports.

    Why? This makes sure you have a single default export.

    // bad
    import * as AirbnbStyleGuide from './AirbnbStyleGuide';
    
    // good
    import AirbnbStyleGuide from './AirbnbStyleGuide';

  • 10.3 And do not export directly from an import.

    Why? Although the one-liner is concise, having one clear way to import and one clear way to export makes things consistent.

    // bad
    // filename es6.js
    export { es6 as default } from './AirbnbStyleGuide';
    
    // good
    // filename es6.js
    import { es6 } from './AirbnbStyleGuide';
    export default es6;

  • 10.4 Only import from a path in one place.

    Why? Having multiple lines that import from the same path can make code harder to maintain.

    // bad
    import foo from 'foo';
    // … some other imports … //
    import { named1, named2 } from 'foo';
    
    // good
    import foo, { named1, named2 } from 'foo';
    
    // good
    import foo, {
      named1,
      named2,
    } from 'foo';

  • 10.5 Do not export mutable bindings.

    Why? Mutation should be avoided in general, but in particular when exporting mutable bindings. While this technique may be needed for some special cases, in general, only constant references should be exported.

    // bad
    let foo = 3;
    export { foo };
    
    // good
    const foo = 3;
    export { foo };

  • 10.6 In modules with a single export, prefer default export over named export.

    Why? To encourage more files that only ever export one thing, which is better for readability and maintainability.

    // bad
    export function foo() {}
    
    // good
    export default function foo() {}

  • 10.7 Put all imports above non-import statements.

    Why? Since imports are hoisted, keeping them all at the top prevents surprising behavior.

    // bad
    import foo from 'foo';
    foo.init();
    
    import bar from 'bar';
    
    // good
    import foo from 'foo';
    import bar from 'bar';
    
    foo.init();

  • 10.8 Multiline imports should be indented just like multiline array and object literals.

    Why? The curly braces follow the same indentation rules as every other curly brace block in the style guide, as do the trailing commas.

    // bad
    import {longNameA, longNameB, longNameC, longNameD, longNameE} from 'path';
    
    // good
    import {
      longNameA,
      longNameB,
      longNameC,
      longNameD,
      longNameE,
    } from 'path';

  • 10.9 Disallow Webpack loader syntax in module import statements.

    Why? Since using Webpack syntax in the imports couples the code to a module bundler. Prefer using the loader syntax in webpack.config.js.

    // bad
    import fooSass from 'css!sass!foo.scss';
    import barCss from 'style!css!bar.css';
    
    // good
    import fooSass from 'foo.scss';
    import barCss from 'bar.css';

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Iterators and Generators

  • 11.1 Don’t use iterators. Prefer JavaScript’s higher-order functions instead of loops like for-in or for-of.

    Why? This enforces our immutable rule. Dealing with pure functions that return values is easier to reason about than side effects.

    Use map() / every() / filter() / find() / findIndex() / reduce() / some() / ... to iterate over arrays, and Object.keys() / Object.values() / Object.entries() to produce arrays so you can iterate over objects.

    const numbers = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5];
    
    // bad
    let sum = 0;
    for (let num of numbers) {
      sum += num;
    }
    sum === 15;
    
    // good
    let sum = 0;
    numbers.forEach((num) => {
      sum += num;
    });
    sum === 15;
    
    // best (use the functional force)
    const sum = numbers.reduce((total, num) => total + num, 0);
    sum === 15;
    
    // bad
    const increasedByOne = [];
    for (let i = 0; i < numbers.length; i++) {
      increasedByOne.push(numbers[i] + 1);
    }
    
    // good
    const increasedByOne = [];
    numbers.forEach((num) => {
      increasedByOne.push(num + 1);
    });
    
    // best (keeping it functional)
    const increasedByOne = numbers.map(num => num + 1);

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Properties

  • 12.1 Use dot notation when accessing properties, when possible.

    const luke = {
      jedi: true,
      age: 28,
    };
    
    // bad
    const isJedi = luke['jedi'];
    
    // good
    const isJedi = luke.jedi;

  • 12.2 Use bracket notation [] when accessing properties with a variable.

    const luke = {
      jedi: true,
      age: 28,
    };
    
    function getProp(prop) {
      return luke[prop];
    }
    
    const isJedi = getProp('jedi');

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Variables

  • 13.1 Always use const or let to declare variables. Not doing so will result in global variables. We want to avoid polluting the global namespace. Captain Planet warned us of that.

    // bad
    superPower = new SuperPower();
    
    // good
    const superPower = new SuperPower();

  • 13.2 Use one const or let declaration per variable.

    Why? It’s easier to add new variable declarations this way, and you never have to worry about swapping out a ; for a , or introducing punctuation-only diffs. You can also step through each declaration with the debugger, instead of jumping through all of them at once.

    // bad
    const items = getItems(),
        goSportsTeam = true,
        dragonball = 'z';
    
    // bad
    // (compare to above, and try to spot the mistake)
    const items = getItems(),
        goSportsTeam = true;
        dragonball = 'z';
    
    // good
    const items = getItems();
    const goSportsTeam = true;
    const dragonball = 'z';

  • 13.3 Assign variables where you need them, but place them in a reasonable place.

    Why? let and const are block scoped and not function scoped.

    // bad - unnecessary function call
    function checkName(hasName) {
      const name = getName();
    
      if (hasName === 'test') {
        return false;
      }
    
      if (name === 'test') {
        this.setName('');
        return false;
      }
    
      return name;
    }
    
    // good
    function checkName(hasName) {
      if (hasName === 'test') {
        return false;
      }
    
      const name = getName();
    
      if (name === 'test') {
        this.setName('');
        return false;
      }
    
      return name;
    }

  • 13.4 Don’t chain variable assignments.

    Why? Chaining variable assignments creates implicit global variables.

    // bad
    (function example() {
      // JavaScript interprets this as
      // let a = ( b = ( c = 1 ) );
      // The let keyword only applies to variable a; variables b and c become
      // global variables.
      let a = b = c = 1;
    }());
    
    console.log(a); // throws ReferenceError
    console.log(b); // 1
    console.log(c); // 1
    
    // good
    (function example() {
      let a = 1;
      let b = a;
      let c = a;
    }());
    
    console.log(a); // throws ReferenceError
    console.log(b); // throws ReferenceError
    console.log(c); // throws ReferenceError
    
    // the same applies for `const`

  • 13.5 Avoid linebreaks before or after = in an assignment.

    Why? Linebreaks surrounding = can obfuscate the value of an assignment.

    // bad
    const foo =
      superLongLongLongLongLongLongLongLongFunctionName();
    
    // bad
    const foo
      = 'superLongLongLongLongLongLongLongLongString';
    
    // good
    const foo = (
      superLongLongLongLongLongLongLongLongFunctionName()
    );
    
    // good
    const foo = 'superLongLongLongLongLongLongLongLongString';

  • 13.6 Disallow unused variables.

    Why? Variables that are declared and not used anywhere in the code are most likely an error due to incomplete refactoring. Such variables take up space in the code and can lead to confusion by readers.

    // bad
    
    var some_unused_var = 42;
    
    // Write-only variables are not considered as used.
    var y = 10;
    y = 5;
    
    // A read for a modification of itself is not considered as used.
    var z = 0;
    z = z + 1;
    
    // Unused function arguments.
    function getX(x, y) {
        return x;
    }
    
    // good
    
    function getXPlusY(x, y) {
      return x + y;
    }
    
    var x = 1;
    var y = a + 2;
    
    alert(getXPlusY(x, y));
    
    // 'type' is ignored even if unused because it has a rest property sibling.
    // This is a form of extracting an object that omits the specified keys.
    var { type, ...coords } = data;
    // 'coords' is now the 'data' object without its 'type' property.

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Comparison Operators & Equality

  • 14.1 Use === and !== over == and !=.

  • 14.2 Conditional statements such as the if statement evaluate their expression using coercion with the ToBoolean abstract method and always follow these simple rules:

    • Objects evaluate to true
    • Undefined evaluates to false
    • Null evaluates to false
    • Booleans evaluate to the value of the boolean
    • Numbers evaluate to false if +0, -0, or NaN, otherwise true
    • Strings evaluate to false if an empty string '', otherwise true
    if ([0] && []) {
      // true
      // an array (even an empty one) is an object, objects will evaluate to true
    }

  • 14.3 Use shortcuts for booleans, but explicit comparisons for numbers.

    // bad
    if (isValid === true) {
      // ...
    }
    
    // good
    if (isValid) {
      // ...
    }
    
    // bad
    if (collection.length) {
      // ...
    }
    
    // good
    if (collection.length > 0) {
      // ...
    }

  • 14.4 Ternaries should not be nested and generally be single line expressions.

    // bad
    const foo = maybe1 > maybe2
      ? "bar"
      : value1 > value2 ? "baz" : null;
    
    // split into 2 separated ternary expressions
    const maybeNull = value1 > value2 ? 'baz' : null;
    
    // better
    const foo = maybe1 > maybe2
      ? 'bar'
      : maybeNull;
    
    // best
    const foo = maybe1 > maybe2 ? 'bar' : maybeNull;

  • 14.5 Avoid unneeded ternary statements.

    // bad
    const foo = a ? a : b;
    const bar = c ? true : false;
    const baz = c ? false : true;
    
    // good
    const foo = a || b;
    const bar = !!c;
    const baz = !c;

  • 14.6 When mixing operators, enclose them in parentheses. The only exception is the standard arithmetic operators (+, -, *, & /) since their precedence is broadly understood.

    Why? This improves readability and clarifies the developer’s intention.

    // bad
    const foo = a && b < 0 || c > 0 || d + 1 === 0;
    
    // bad
    const bar = a ** b - 5 % d;
    
    // bad
    // one may be confused into thinking (a || b) && c
    if (a || b && c) {
      return d;
    }
    
    // good
    const foo = (a && b < 0) || c > 0 || (d + 1 === 0);
    
    // good
    const bar = (a ** b) - (5 % d);
    
    // good
    if (a || (b && c)) {
      return d;
    }
    
    // good
    const bar = a + b / c * d;

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Blocks

  • 15.1 Use braces with all multi-line blocks.

    // bad
    if (test)
      return false;
    
    // bad
    if (test) return false;
    
    // good
    if (test) {
      return false;
    }
    
    // bad
    function foo() { return false; }
    
    // good
    function bar() {
      return false;
    }

  • 15.2 If you're using multi-line blocks with if and else, put else on the same line as your if block’s closing brace.

    // bad
    if (test) {
      thing1();
      thing2();
    }
    else {
      thing3();
    }
    
    // good
    if (test) {
      thing1();
      thing2();
    } else {
      thing3();
    }

  • 15.3 If an if block always executes a return statement, the subsequent else block is unnecessary. A return in an else if block following an if block that contains a return can be separated into multiple if blocks.

    // bad
    function foo() {
      if (x) {
        return x;
      } else {
        return y;
      }
    }
    
    // bad
    function cats() {
      if (x) {
        return x;
      } else if (y) {
        return y;
      }
    }
    
    // bad
    function dogs() {
      if (x) {
        return x;
      } else {
        if (y) {
          return y;
        }
      }
    }
    
    // good
    function foo() {
      if (x) {
        return x;
      }
    
      return y;
    }
    
    // good
    function cats() {
      if (x) {
        return x;
      }
    
      if (y) {
        return y;
      }
    }
    
    // good
    function dogs(x) {
      if (x) {
        if (z) {
          return y;
        }
      } else {
        return z;
      }
    }

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Control Statements

  • 16.1 In case your control statement (if, while etc.) gets too long or exceeds the maximum line length, each (grouped) condition could be put into a new line. The logical operator should begin the line.

    Why? Requiring operators at the beginning of the line keeps the operators aligned and follows a pattern similar to method chaining. This also improves readability by making it easier to visually follow complex logic.

    // bad
    if ((foo === 123 || bar === 'abc') && doesItLookGoodWhenItBecomesThatLong() && isThisReallyHappening()) {
      thing1();
    }
    
    // bad
    if (foo === 123 &&
      bar === 'abc') {
      thing1();
    }
    
    // bad
    if (
      foo === 123 &&
      bar === 'abc'
    ) {
      thing1();
    }
    
    // good
    if (foo === 123
      && bar === 'abc') {
      thing1();
    }
    
    // good
    if ((foo === 123 || bar === 'abc')
      && doesItLookGoodWhenItBecomesThatLong()
      && isThisReallyHappening()
    ) {
      thing1();
    }
    
    // good
    if (foo === 123 && bar === 'abc') {
      thing1();
    }

  • 16.2 Don't use selection operators in place of control statements.

    // bad
    !isRunning && startRunning();
    
    // good
    if (!isRunning) {
      startRunning();
    }

⬆ back to top

Comments

  • 17.1 Use // for multi-line comments.

    // good
    // make() returns a new element
    // based on the passed in tag name
    //
    // @param {String} tag
    // @return {Element} element
    function make(tag) {
    
      // ...
    
      return element;
    }

  • 17.2 Use // for single line comments. Place single line comments on a newline above the subject of the comment. Put an empty line before the comment unless it’s on the first line of a block.

    // bad
    const active = true;  // is current tab
    
    // good
    // is current tab
    const active = true;
    
    // bad
    function getType() {
      console.log('fetching type...');
      // set the default type to 'no type'
      const type = this.type || 'no type';
    
      return type;
    }
    
    // good
    function getType() {
      console.log('fetching type...');
    
      // set the default type to 'no type'
      const type = this.type || 'no type';
    
      return type;
    }
    
    // also good
    function getType() {
      // set the default type to 'no type'
      const type = this.type || 'no type';
    
      return type;
    }

  • 17.3 Start all comments with a space to make it easier to read.

    // bad
    //is current tab
    const active = true;
    
    // good
    // is current tab
    const active = true;
    
    // bad
    /**
     *make() returns a new element
     *based on the passed-in tag name
     */
    function make(tag) {
    
      // ...
    
      return element;
    }
    
    // good
    /**
     * make() returns a new element
     * based on the passed-in tag name
     */
    function make(tag) {
    
      // ...
    
      return element;
    }

  • 17.4 Prefixing your comments with TODO (<alias>) helps other developers quickly understand if you're pointing out a problem that needs to be revisited, or if you're suggesting a solution to the problem that needs to be implemented. These are different than regular comments because they are actionable. The actions are FIXME: -- need to figure this out or TODO: -- need to implement.

  • 17.5 Use // TODO (<alias>): to annotate solutions to problems.

    class Calculator extends Abacus {
      constructor() {
        super();
    
        // TODO: total should be configurable by an options param
        this.total = 0;
      }
    }

⬆ back to top

Whitespace

  • 18.1 Use soft tabs (space character) set to 4 spaces.

    // bad
    function foo() {
    ∙∙let name;
    }
    
    // bad
    function bar() {
    ∙let name;
    }
    
    // good
    function baz() {
    ∙∙∙∙let name;
    }

  • 18.2 Place 1 space before the leading brace.

    // bad
    function test(){
      console.log('test');
    }
    
    // good
    function test() {
      console.log('test');
    }
    
    // bad
    dog.set('attr',{
      age: '1 year',
      breed: 'Bernese Mountain Dog',
    });
    
    // good
    dog.set('attr', {
      age: '1 year',
      breed: 'Bernese Mountain Dog',
    });

  • 18.3 Place 1 space before the opening parenthesis in control statements (if, while etc.). Place no space between the argument list and the function name in function calls and declarations.

    // bad
    if(isJedi) {
      fight ();
    }
    
    // good
    if (isJedi) {
      fight();
    }
    
    // bad
    function fight () {
      console.log ('Swooosh!');
    }
    
    // good
    function fight() {
      console.log('Swooosh!');
    }

  • 18.4 Set off operators with spaces.

    // bad
    const x=y+5;
    
    // good
    const x = y + 5;

  • 18.5 Use indentation when making long method chains (more than 2 method chains). Use a leading dot, which emphasizes that the line is a method call, not a new statement.

    // bad
    $('#items').find('.selected').highlight().end().find('.open').updateCount();
    
    // bad
    $('#items').
      find('.selected').
        highlight().
        end().
      find('.open').
        updateCount();
    
    // good
    $('#items')
      .find('.selected')
        .highlight()
        .end()
      .find('.open')
        .updateCount();
    
    // bad
    const leds = stage.selectAll('.led').data(data).enter().append('svg:svg').classed('led', true)
        .attr('width', (radius + margin) * 2).append('svg:g')
        .attr('transform', `translate(${radius + margin},${radius + margin})`)
        .call(tron.led);
    
    // good
    const leds = stage.selectAll('.led')
        .data(data)
      .enter().append('svg:svg')
        .classed('led', true)
        .attr('width', (radius + margin) * 2)
      .append('svg:g')
        .attr('transform', `translate(${radius + margin},${radius + margin})`)
        .call(tron.led);
    
    // good
    const leds = stage.selectAll('.led').data(data);

  • 18.6 Leave a blank line after blocks and before the next statement.

    // bad
    if (foo) {
      return bar;
    }
    return baz;
    
    // good
    if (foo) {
      return bar;
    }
    
    return baz;
    
    // bad
    const obj = {
      foo() {
      },
      bar() {
      },
    };
    return obj;
    
    // good
    const obj = {
      foo() {
      },
    
      bar() {
      },
    };
    
    return obj;
    
    // bad
    const arr = [
      function foo() {
      },
      function bar() {
      },
    ];
    return arr;
    
    // good
    const arr = [
      function foo() {
      },
    
      function bar() {
      },
    ];
    
    return arr;

  • 18.7 Do not add spaces inside parentheses.

    // bad
    function bar( foo ) {
      return foo;
    }
    
    // good
    function bar(foo) {
      return foo;
    }
    
    // bad
    if ( foo ) {
      console.log(foo);
    }
    
    // good
    if (foo) {
      console.log(foo);
    }

  • 18.8 Do not add spaces inside brackets.

    // bad
    const foo = [ 1, 2, 3 ];
    console.log(foo[ 0 ]);
    
    // good
    const foo = [1, 2, 3];
    console.log(foo[0]);

  • 18.9 Add spaces inside curly braces.

    // bad
    const foo = {clark: 'kent'};
    
    // good
    const foo = { clark: 'kent' };

  • 18.10 Avoid having lines of code that are longer than 100 characters (including whitespace). Note: per above, long strings are exempt from this rule, and should not be broken up.

    Why? This ensures readability and maintainability.

    // bad
    const foo = jsonData && jsonData.foo && jsonData.foo.bar && jsonData.foo.bar.baz && jsonData.foo.bar.baz.quux && jsonData.foo.bar.baz.quux.xyzzy;
    
    // bad
    $.ajax({ method: 'POST', url: 'https://airbnb.com/', data: { name: 'John' } }).done(() => console.log('Congratulations!')).fail(() => console.log('You have failed this city.'));
    
    // good
    const foo = jsonData
      && jsonData.foo
      && jsonData.foo.bar
      && jsonData.foo.bar.baz
      && jsonData.foo.bar.baz.quux
      && jsonData.foo.bar.baz.quux.xyzzy;
    
    // good
    $.ajax({
      method: 'POST',
      url: 'https://airbnb.com/',
      data: { name: 'John' },
    })
      .done(() => console.log('Congratulations!'))
      .fail(() => console.log('You have failed this city.'));

  • 18.11 Require consistent spacing inside an open block token and the next token on the same line. This rule also enforces consistent spacing inside a close block token and previous token on the same line.

    // bad
    function foo() {return true;}
    if (foo) { bar = 0;}
    
    // good
    function foo() { return true; }
    if (foo) { bar = 0; }

  • 18.12 Avoid spaces before commas and require a space after commas.

    // bad
    var foo = 1,bar = 2;
    var arr = [1 , 2];
    
    // good
    var foo = 1, bar = 2;
    var arr = [1, 2];

  • 18.13 Enforce spacing between functions and their invocations.

    // bad
    func ();
    
    func
    ();
    
    // good
    func();

  • 18.14 Enforce spacing between keys and values in object literal properties.

    // bad
    var obj = { "foo" : 42 };
    var obj2 = { "foo":42 };
    
    // good
    var obj = { "foo": 42 };

  • 18.15 Avoid trailing spaces at the end of lines.

  • 18.16 Avoid multiple empty lines and only allow one newline at the end of files.

    // bad
    var x = 1;
    
    
    
    var y = 2;
    
    // good
    var x = 1;
    
    var y = 2;

⬆ back to top

Commas

  • 19.1 Leading commas: Nope.

    // bad
    const story = [
        once
      , upon
      , aTime
    ];
    
    // good
    const story = [
      once,
      upon,
      aTime,
    ];
    
    // bad
    const hero = {
        firstName: 'Ada'
      , lastName: 'Lovelace'
      , birthYear: 1815
      , superPower: 'computers'
    };
    
    // good
    const hero = {
      firstName: 'Ada',
      lastName: 'Lovelace',
      birthYear: 1815,
      superPower: 'computers',
    };

  • 19.2 Additional trailing comma: Yup.

    Why? This leads to cleaner git diffs. Also, transpilers will remove the additional trailing comma in the transpiled code which means you don’t have to worry about the trailing comma problem in legacy browsers.

    // bad - git diff without trailing comma
    const hero = {
         firstName: 'Florence',
    -    lastName: 'Nightingale'
    +    lastName: 'Nightingale',
    +    inventorOf: ['coxcomb chart', 'modern nursing']
    };
    
    // good - git diff with trailing comma
    const hero = {
         firstName: 'Florence',
         lastName: 'Nightingale',
    +    inventorOf: ['coxcomb chart', 'modern nursing'],
    };
    // bad
    const hero = {
      firstName: 'Dana',
      lastName: 'Scully'
    };
    
    const heroes = [
      'Batman',
      'Superman'
    ];
    
    // good
    const hero = {
      firstName: 'Dana',
      lastName: 'Scully',
    };
    
    const heroes = [
      'Batman',
      'Superman',
    ];
    
    // bad
    function createHero(
      firstName,
      lastName,
      inventorOf
    ) {
      // does nothing
    }
    
    // good
    function createHero(
      firstName,
      lastName,
      inventorOf,
    ) {
      // does nothing
    }
    
    // good (note that a comma must not appear after a "rest" element)
    function createHero(
      firstName,
      lastName,
      inventorOf,
      ...heroArgs
    ) {
      // does nothing
    }
    
    // bad
    createHero(
      firstName,
      lastName,
      inventorOf
    );
    
    // good
    createHero(
      firstName,
      lastName,
      inventorOf,
    );
    
    // good (note that a comma must not appear after a "rest" element)
    createHero(
      firstName,
      lastName,
      inventorOf,
      ...heroArgs
    );

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Semicolons

  • 20.1 Required: Yup.

    Why? When JavaScript encounters a line break without a semicolon, it uses a set of rules called Automatic Semicolon Insertion to determine whether or not it should regard that line break as the end of a statement, and (as the name implies) place a semicolon into your code before the line break if it thinks so. ASI contains a few eccentric behaviors, though, and your code will break if JavaScript misinterprets your line break. These rules will become more complicated as new features become a part of JavaScript. Explicitly terminating your statements and configuring your linter to catch missing semicolons will help prevent you from encountering issues.

    // bad - raises exception
    const luke = {}
    const leia = {}
    [luke, leia].forEach(jedi => jedi.father = 'vader')
    
    // bad - raises exception
    const reaction = "No! That's impossible!"
    (async function meanwhileOnTheFalcon() {
      // handle `leia`, `lando`, `chewie`, `r2`, `c3p0`
      // ...
    }())
    
    // bad - returns `undefined` instead of the value on the next line - always happens when `return` is on a line by itself because of ASI!
    function foo() {
      return
        'search your feelings, you know it to be foo'
    }
    
    // good
    const luke = {};
    const leia = {};
    [luke, leia].forEach((jedi) => {
      jedi.father = 'vader';
    });
    
    // good
    const reaction = "No! That's impossible!";
    (async function meanwhileOnTheFalcon() {
      // handle `leia`, `lando`, `chewie`, `r2`, `c3p0`
      // ...
    }());
    
    // good
    function foo() {
      return 'search your feelings, you know it to be foo';
    }

    Read more.

⬆ back to top

Naming Conventions

  • 21.1 Avoid single letter names. Be descriptive with your naming.

    // bad
    function q() {
      // ...
    }
    
    // good
    function query() {
      // ...
    }

  • 21.2 Use camelCase when naming objects, functions, and instances.

    // bad
    const OBJEcttsssss = {};
    const this_is_my_object = {};
    function c() {}
    
    // good
    const thisIsMyObject = {};
    function thisIsMyFunction() {}

  • 21.3 Use PascalCase only when naming constructors or classes.

    // bad
    function user(options) {
      this.name = options.name;
    }
    
    const bad = new user({
      name: 'nope',
    });
    
    // good
    class User {
      constructor(options) {
        this.name = options.name;
      }
    }
    
    const good = new User({
      name: 'yup',
    });

  • 21.4 Use leading underscore to represent private accessors.

    Why? JavaScript does not have the concept of privacy in terms of properties or methods. A leading underscore is a common convention to mean “private”, in fact, these properties are fully public, and as such, are part of your public API contract. This convention would lead developers to realize the property or the method is private.

    // good
    this._firstName = 'Panda';

  • 21.5 Don’t save references to this. Use arrow functions or Function#bind.

    // bad
    function foo() {
      const self = this;
      return function () {
        console.log(self);
      };
    }
    
    // bad
    function foo() {
      const that = this;
      return function () {
        console.log(that);
      };
    }
    
    // good
    function foo() {
      return () => {
        console.log(this);
      };
    }

  • 21.6 A base filename should exactly match the name of its default export.

    // file 1 contents
    class CheckBox {
      // ...
    }
    export default CheckBox;
    
    // file 2 contents
    export default function fortyTwo() { return 42; }
    
    // file 3 contents
    export default function insideDirectory() {}
    
    // in some other file
    // bad
    import CheckBox from './checkBox'; // PascalCase import/export, camelCase filename
    import FortyTwo from './FortyTwo'; // PascalCase import/filename, camelCase export
    import InsideDirectory from './InsideDirectory'; // PascalCase import/filename, camelCase export
    
    // bad
    import CheckBox from './check_box'; // PascalCase import/export, snake_case filename
    import forty_two from './forty_two'; // snake_case import/filename, camelCase export
    import inside_directory from './inside_directory'; // snake_case import, camelCase export
    import index from './inside_directory/index'; // requiring the index file explicitly
    import insideDirectory from './insideDirectory/index'; // requiring the index file explicitly
    
    // good
    import CheckBox from './CheckBox'; // PascalCase export/import/filename
    import fortyTwo from './fortyTwo'; // camelCase export/import/filename
    import insideDirectory from './insideDirectory'; // camelCase export/import/directory name/implicit "index"
    // ^ supports both insideDirectory.js and insideDirectory/index.js

  • 21.7 Use camelCase when you export-default a function. Your filename should be identical to your function’s name.

    function makeStyleGuide() {
      // ...
    }
    
    export default makeStyleGuide;

  • 21.8 Use PascalCase when you export a constructor / class / singleton / function library / bare object.

    const AzureFunctionsStyleGuide = {
      es6: {
      },
    };
    
    export default AzureFunctionsStyleGuide;

  • 21.9 You may optionally uppercase a constant only if it (1) is exported, (2) is a const (it can not be reassigned), and (3) the programmer can trust it (and its nested properties) to never change.

    Why? This is an additional tool to assist in situations where the programmer would be unsure if a variable might ever change. UPPERCASE_VARIABLES are letting the programmer know that they can trust the variable (and its properties) not to change.

    • What about all const variables? - This is unnecessary, so uppercasing should not be used for constants within a file. It should be used for exported constants however.
    • What about exported objects? - Uppercase at the top level of export (e.g. EXPORTED_OBJECT.key) and maintain that all nested properties do not change.
    // bad
    const PRIVATE_VARIABLE = 'should not be unnecessarily uppercased within a file';
    
    // bad
    export const THING_TO_BE_CHANGED = 'should obviously not be uppercased';
    
    // bad
    export let REASSIGNABLE_VARIABLE = 'do not use let with uppercase variables';
    
    // ---
    
    // allowed but does not supply semantic value
    export const apiKey = 'SOMEKEY';
    
    // better in most cases
    export const API_KEY = 'SOMEKEY';
    
    // ---
    
    // bad - unnecessarily uppercases key while adding no semantic value
    export const MAPPING = {
      KEY: 'value'
    };
    
    // good
    export const MAPPING = {
      key: 'value'
    };

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Accessors

  • 22.1 Accessor functions for properties are not required.

  • 22.2 Do not use JavaScript getters/setters as they cause unexpected side effects and are harder to test, maintain, and reason about. Instead, if you do make accessor functions, use getVal() and setVal('hello').

    // bad
    class Dragon {
      get age() {
        // ...
      }
    
      set age(value) {
        // ...
      }
    }
    
    // good
    class Dragon {
      getAge() {
        // ...
      }
    
      setAge(value) {
        // ...
      }
    }

  • 22.3 If the property/method is a boolean, use isVal() or hasVal().

    // bad
    if (!dragon.age()) {
      return false;
    }
    
    // good
    if (!dragon.hasAge()) {
      return false;
    }

  • 22.4 It’s okay to create get() and set() functions, but be consistent.

    class Jedi {
      constructor(options = {}) {
        const lightsaber = options.lightsaber || 'blue';
        this.set('lightsaber', lightsaber);
      }
    
      set(key, val) {
        this[key] = val;
      }
    
      get(key) {
        return this[key];
      }
    }

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React (TSX/JSX)

Naming

  • Extensions: Use .tsx extension for React components.

  • Filename: Use PascalCase for filenames. E.g., ReservationCard.jsx.

  • Reference Naming: Use PascalCase for React components and camelCase for their instances.

    // bad
    import reservationCard from './ReservationCard';
    
    // good
    import ReservationCard from './ReservationCard';
    
    // bad
    const ReservationItem = <ReservationCard />;
    
    // good
    const reservationItem = <ReservationCard />;
  • Component Naming: Use the filename as the component name. For example, ReservationCard.jsx should have a reference name of ReservationCard.

    // bad
    import Footer from './Footer/FooterComp';
    
    // good
    import Footer from './Footer';
    
    // good
    import Footer from './Footer/Footer';
  • Higher-order Component Naming: Use a composite of the higher-order component’s name and the passed-in component’s name as the displayName on the generated component. For example, the higher-order component withFoo(), when passed a component Bar should produce a component with a displayName of withFoo(Bar).

    Why? A component’s displayName may be used by developer tools or in error messages, and having a value that clearly expresses this relationship helps people understand what is happening.

    // bad
    export default function withFoo(WrappedComponent) {
      return function WithFoo(props) {
        return <WrappedComponent {...props} foo />;
      }
    }
    
    // good
    export default function withFoo(WrappedComponent) {
      function WithFoo(props) {
        return <WrappedComponent {...props} foo />;
      }
    
      const wrappedComponentName = WrappedComponent.displayName
        || WrappedComponent.name
        || 'Component';
    
      WithFoo.displayName = `withFoo(${wrappedComponentName})`;
      return WithFoo;
    }
  • Props Naming: Avoid using DOM component prop names for different purposes.

    Why? People expect props like style and className to mean one specific thing. Varying this API for a subset of your app makes the code less readable and less maintainable, and may cause bugs.

    // bad
    <MyComponent style="fancy" />
    
    // bad
    <MyComponent className="fancy" />
    
    // good
    <MyComponent variant="fancy" />

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Props

  • Always use camelCase for prop names.

    // bad
    <Foo
      UserName="hello"
      phone_number={12345678}
    />
    
    // good
    <Foo
      userName="hello"
      phoneNumber={12345678}
    />
  • Omit the value of the prop when it is explicitly true. eslint: react/jsx-boolean-value

    // bad
    <Foo
      hidden={true}
    />
    
    // good
    <Foo
      hidden
    />
    
    // good
    <Foo hidden />
  • Always include an alt prop on <img> tags. If the image is presentational, alt can be an empty string or the <img> must have role="presentation". eslint: jsx-a11y/alt-text

    // bad
    <img src="hello.jpg" />
    
    // good
    <img src="hello.jpg" alt="Me waving hello" />
    
    // good
    <img src="hello.jpg" alt="" />
    
    // good
    <img src="hello.jpg" role="presentation" />
  • Do not use words like "image", "photo", or "picture" in <img> alt props. eslint: jsx-a11y/img-redundant-alt

    Why? Screenreaders already announce img elements as images, so there is no need to include this information in the alt text.

    // bad
    <img src="hello.jpg" alt="Picture of me waving hello" />
    
    // good
    <img src="hello.jpg" alt="Me waving hello" />
  • Use only valid, non-abstract ARIA roles. eslint: jsx-a11y/aria-role

    // bad - not an ARIA role
    <div role="datepicker" />
    
    // bad - abstract ARIA role
    <div role="range" />
    
    // good
    <div role="button" />
  • Do not use accessKey on elements. eslint: jsx-a11y/no-access-key

Why? Inconsistencies between keyboard shortcuts and keyboard commands used by people using screenreaders and keyboards complicate accessibility.

// bad
<div accessKey="h" />

// good
<div />

Why? Not using a stable ID is an anti-pattern because it can negatively impact performance and cause issues with component state.

We don’t recommend using indexes for keys if the order of items may change.

// bad
{todos.map((todo, index) =>
  <Todo
    {...todo}
    key={index}
  />
)}

// good
{todos.map(todo => (
  <Todo
    {...todo}
    key={todo.id}
  />
))}
  • Always define explicit defaultProps for all non-required props.

Why? propTypes are a form of documentation, and providing defaultProps means the reader of your code doesn’t have to assume as much. In addition, it can mean that your code can omit certain type checks.

// bad
function SFC({ foo, bar, children }) {
  return <div>{foo}{bar}{children}</div>;
}
SFC.propTypes = {
  foo: PropTypes.number.isRequired,
  bar: PropTypes.string,
  children: PropTypes.node,
};

// good
function SFC({ foo, bar, children }) {
  return <div>{foo}{bar}{children}</div>;
}
SFC.propTypes = {
  foo: PropTypes.number.isRequired,
  bar: PropTypes.string,
  children: PropTypes.node,
};
SFC.defaultProps = {
  bar: '',
  children: null,
};

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Refs

  • Always use ref callbacks. eslint: react/no-string-refs

    // bad
    <Foo
      ref="myRef"
    />
    
    // good
    <Foo
      ref={(ref) => { this.myRef = ref; }}
    />

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