What is Prettier?

Prettier is a tool that automatically formats your code so it looks neat and follows a consistent style. It works with many programming languages and can be run from the command line, an editor plugin, or as part of a build process.

Let's break it down

  • Tool: a piece of software you can run on your computer.
  • Automatically formats: it changes the layout of your code (spacing, line breaks, quotes, etc.) without you having to edit each line yourself.
  • Code: the instructions you write for computers, like JavaScript, Python, or HTML.
  • Consistent style: the same look and feel everywhere, so the code is easier to read.
  • Command line / editor plugin / build process: different ways you can tell Prettier to run-either by typing a command, using a button inside your code editor, or having it run automatically when you build your project.

Why does it matter?

A consistent code style reduces the time spent arguing about formatting in team meetings, makes bugs easier to spot, and lets developers focus on solving problems instead of fixing whitespace. It also helps new team members understand the codebase faster.

Where is it used?

  • In web development teams that write JavaScript, TypeScript, or React components, to keep UI code tidy.
  • In open-source projects on GitHub, where contributors run Prettier before submitting pull requests.
  • In continuous-integration pipelines, where Prettier checks that every commit follows the agreed-upon style.
  • In educational coding platforms, to show students a clean example of how code should be structured.

Good things about it

  • Saves time by handling formatting automatically.
  • Works with many languages and file types, so you can use one tool for the whole project.
  • Integrates with popular editors (VS Code, Sublime, Atom) for instant feedback.
  • Enforces a single style, eliminating style-related code review comments.
  • Can be added to CI pipelines to enforce formatting before code is merged.

Not-so-good things

  • It imposes a single style, which may not match a team’s preferred conventions.
  • Large codebases may need a one-time reformat that creates massive diffs, complicating code reviews.
  • Some developers feel it reduces control over subtle formatting choices.
  • Occasionally it may conflict with other linters or formatters, requiring extra configuration.