Prettier

Opinionated code formatter enforcing consistent style across JavaScript and beyond.

Overview

Prettier is an opinionated code formatter that removes all original styling and reprints code from scratch with consistent formatting rules. It supports a wide range of languages including JavaScript, TypeScript, JSX, CSS, HTML, JSON, GraphQL, Markdown, YAML, and many others through community plugins.

Rather than debating code style in reviews, Prettier automatically formats code on save, saving time and energy. It parses code into an abstract syntax tree and reprints it with rules that account for maximum line length, automatically wrapping code when necessary. The tool integrates with most popular editors and works alongside linters like ESLint through dedicated configuration packages.

Key features

Supports 15+ languages and formats
Removes original styling and reprints code consistently
Integrates with major editors (VS Code, WebStorm, Vim, etc.)
Works with ESLint and other linters
Pre-commit hook support via Git hooks
CLI and API interfaces
Minimal configuration philosophy

Pros

Eliminates style discussions in code reviews
Automatic formatting on save in editors
Consistent output across entire codebase
Wide language support with community plugins
Easy integration with existing tools and workflows
Minimal configuration required

Cons

Limited customization options by design
Can require adjustment period for teams with different style preferences
Performance impact on very large projects
Opinionated approach may not suit all coding standards

Use this if

You want to enforce consistent code formatting across your team without configuration debates, need automatic formatting on save, or are working with JavaScript/TypeScript projects that benefit from standardized style.

Skip this if

Your project requires highly customized formatting rules that conflict with Prettier's opinionated approach, or you need extensive configuration options for style control.

Best for

Enforcing consistent code style across teamsRemoving style debates from code reviewsFormatting JavaScript and TypeScript projectsIntegrating with CI/CD pipelinesAutomating code formatting on save

Alternatives

ESLintPrettier with ESLint integrationStylelintBlack (Python)Go fmt (Go)

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