One potential issue that could arise is when the code executed by npm start
differs from the original code you wrote. This can occur if ESLint makes modifications to your code right before starting the application, leading to unexpected outcomes. It all boils down to how your project is structured and deployed.
Within the ESLint rules list, rules that are eligible for autofix have a wrench icon next to them, indicating that they can alter more than just spacing or semicolons. Although ESLint, when used with --fix
, attempts to preserve the functionality of your code, any manipulation done during this phase poses a risk of altering the behavior of your codebase. While ESLint aims not to make changes that break or modify the behavior of your code, errors or mishaps can still occur, potentially resulting in different behavior. For further insights, refer to this interesting discussion on autofix and its implications.
If you integrate ESLint into your npm test
suite and refrain from deploying your application unless all lint rules pass, then this issue becomes less significant as it only affects local development (preventing deployment until code adheres to the style guide).
Alternatively, utilizing --fix
can help developers maintain their preferred coding style while automatically rectifying certain issues and avoiding "problematic patterns" within the codebase. Though it may not cover every rule, using --fix can enhance the development process for team collaborations. If desired, one could implement this autofixing procedure in a git pre-commit hook, ensuring that the committed code aligns with the fixed version.
For instance, here's an example of a Git pre-commit ESLint hook for reference.