Syntax - Tasty Web Development Treats

794: Prettier JavaScript with Vjeux

Jul 12, 2024

55:27

Snipd AI

Vjeux from Meta shares insights on creating Prettier, challenges faced, future plans. Discusses why other JS formatters failed, controversy over default settings, and integration. Reveals 6-month dedication to Prettier, collaboration with Mark Zuckerberg. Talks about Prettier's $10,000 bounty, future developments, and advice for open-source maintainers.

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Quick takeaways

Prettier simplifies code formatting to reduce style debates and increase consistency.

Continuous maintenance and collaboration are crucial for the sustained success of open-source projects like Prettier.

Deep dives

Creation of Nickname 'Vijo'

The speaker shares the origin of his nickname 'Vijo' dating back to his childhood while playing Counter-Strike, where he creatively swapped the French terms for video games to come up with a unique moniker.

Success through gradual adoption and empowerment

01:35

Choosing Ambitious Projects and Finding Organizational Support

01:29

Creating Opportunities for Contribution

01:19

Intro

2min

Discussion on Prettier Collaboration and Sentry Ad

2min

Transitioning from Manager to Individual Contributor

28min

Involvement of Top Executives in Open Source Projects and the Unique Approach of Prettier

17min

Encouraging Collaboration and Delegation in Project Management

5min

Discussion on Development Managers, Sick Picks, and Shameless Plugs

2min

Scott and Wes sit down with Vjeux from Meta to dive deep into the origins and evolution of Prettier, the widely-used code formatter. They discuss the challenges faced, the decision-making process behind its features, and what the future holds for this indispensable tool in the developer’s toolkit.

Show Notes

00:00 Welcome to Syntax!
01:45 Brought to you by Sentry.io.
02:19 New swag!
03:25 Who is Vjeux?
06:56 Is management the key to successful projects?
08:50 The genesis of Prettier.
12:08 Why other JS formatters didn’t work.
16:56 Focusing on edge-cases.
17:41 The goal for Prettier.
- Prettier Philosophy.
18:31 Next step, integrations.
19:37 Should you run Prettier on save or commit?
21:34 Does Prettier’s limitations lead to higher adoption?
- Prettier Config.
25:01 What was the most controversial default setting?
28:14 Does Facebook use semicolons?
29:18 Getting approval to devote 6 months to Prettier.
31:42 Working with Mark Zuckerberg.
32:43 Was there ever consideration to augment ESLint instead?
- Prettier vs. Linters.
35:34 What are your thoughts on the Rust-based alternatives?
36:44 Prettier’s $10,000 bounty.
39:32 What is the future of Prettier?
44:54 Prettier is available in almost every language.
47:59 Advice for other open-source maintainers.
53:26 Sick Picks & Shameless Plugs.