The Problem with Limited Support

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 86 views

Improving Support for Other Editors Outside of VSCode: A Call to Action

As a user of various text editors, including Vim, I've often found myself frustrated with the limitations of ESLint's support for non-Visual Studio Code (VSCode) editors. While ESLint is an excellent tool for catching errors and improving code quality, its integration with certain editors can be lacking. In this article, we'll explore the current state of ESLint's support for other editors and discuss potential solutions to improve this situation.

ESLint is a popular tool for detecting errors and enforcing coding standards in JavaScript code. It's widely used in the development community, and its integration with various editors is a crucial aspect of its functionality. However, as a Vim user, I've noticed that ESLint's support for my editor of choice is limited compared to its support for VSCode.

The Problem with Limited Support

When using ESLint with Vim, I've encountered issues where certain errors are not fixable within the editor. This can be frustrating, especially when trying to quickly resolve issues and move forward with development. The lack of support for non-VSCode editors can lead to a negative experience, making it seem like ESLint is not designed for users like me.

The Concept of "Fixable" Errors

It appears that ESLint has a concept of "fixable" errors, which are errors that can be automatically corrected within the editor. However, I've been unable to find formal documentation on how to access this feature. This lack of transparency can make it difficult for users to understand how to use ESLint effectively with their preferred editor.

A Shift in Perspective

As a user who has moved away from using ESLint as a linter and instead uses it as a formatter, I've come to realize that the tool's limitations are not just a technical issue, but also a matter of perspective. ESLint's focus on supporting a limited set of editors can be seen as a form of "editor elitism," where users of certain editors are seen as more valuable than others.

The Need for Improved Support

To address the limitations of ESLint's support for non-VSCode editors, I propose the following solutions:

Improved documentation: Provide clear and concise documentation on how to use ESLint with various editors, including Vim.
General support for IDE-only fixables: Develop a more general approach to supporting IDE-only fixables, rather than relying on a limited set of editors.
Community involvement: Encourage community involvement in improving ESLint's support for non-VSCode editors, through contributions and feedback.

If you're interested in improving ESLint's support for non-VSCode editors, I encourage you to participate in the following ways:

Submit a pull request: If you have the skills and expertise, consider submitting a pull request to improve ESLint's support for your preferred editor.
Provide feedback: Share your experiences and feedback on ESLint's support for non-VSCode editors, to help inform the development of the tool.
Join the community: Engage with the ESLint community, through forums and discussions, to stay up-to-date on the latest developments and contribute to the improvement of the tool.

Improving ESLint's support for non-VSCode editors is a crucial step in making the tool more inclusive and accessible to a wider range of users. By providing clear documentation, general support for IDE-only fixables, and encouraging community involvement, we can create a more equitable and user-friendly experience for all. I hope that this article has inspired you to take action and contribute to the improvement of ESLint's support for non-VSCode editors.
Improving Support for Other Editors Outside of VSCode: A Q&A

In our previous article, we discussed the limitations of ESLint's support for non-Visual Studio Code (VSCode) editors and proposed solutions to improve this situation. In this article, we'll answer some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about improving ESLint's support for other editors.

Q: What is the current state of ESLint's support for non-VSCode editors?

A: ESLint's support for non-VSCode editors is limited compared to its support for VSCode. While ESLint can be used with various editors, its integration and features may not be as comprehensive as they are for VSCode.

Q: Why is ESLint's support for non-VSCode editors limited?

A: ESLint's support for non-VSCode editors is limited due to a variety of reasons, including:

Lack of resources: ESLint is an open-source project, and its development is driven by community contributions. As a result, the project may not have the resources to support a wide range of editors.
Prioritization: ESLint's development team may prioritize support for VSCode due to its popularity and widespread adoption.
Technical challenges: Integrating ESLint with non-VSCode editors can be technically challenging, requiring significant development effort and resources.

Q: What are the benefits of improving ESLint's support for non-VSCode editors?

A: Improving ESLint's support for non-VSCode editors can bring several benefits, including:

Increased adoption: By supporting a wider range of editors, ESLint can increase its adoption and reach a broader audience.
Improved user experience: Users of non-VSCode editors can enjoy a more seamless and integrated experience with ESLint.
Enhanced competitiveness: ESLint can differentiate itself from other linters and code analysis tools by offering comprehensive support for a wide range of editors.

Q: How can I contribute to improving ESLint's support for non-VSCode editors?

A: There are several ways to contribute to improving ESLint's support for non-VSCode editors, including:

Submit a pull request: If you have the skills and expertise, consider submitting a pull request to improve ESLint's support for your preferred editor.
Provide feedback: Share your experiences and feedback on ESLint's support for non-VSCode editors, to help inform the development of the tool.
Join the community: Engage with the ESLint community, through forums and discussions, to stay up-to-date on the latest developments and contribute to the improvement of the tool.

Q: What are the next steps for improving ESLint's support for non-VSCode editors?

A: The next steps for improving ESLint's support for non-VSCode editors include:

Improving documentation: Provide clear and concise documentation on how to use ESLint with various editors, including non-VSCode editors.
Developing general support for IDE-only fixables: Develop a more general approach to supporting IDE-only fixables, rather than relying on a limited set of editors.
Encouraging community involvement: Encourage community involvement in improving ESLint's support for non-VSCode editors, through contributions and feedback.

Improving ESLint's support for non-VSCode editors is a crucial step in making the tool more inclusive and accessible to a wider range of users. By answering these FAQs, we hope to provide a better understanding of the current state of ESLint's support for non-VSCode editors and the steps needed to improve this situation.