Prettier is a popular code formatting tool that is widely used in the development community. It automatically formats code to ensure consistency and readability, saving developers time and effort. While Prettier offers many benefits, some developers may prefer to explore alternative tools due to specific requirements or personal preferences. In this article, we will discuss the ten best Prettier alternatives and competitors in 2024.

1. ESLint

ESLint is a widely used JavaScript linting tool that also offers code formatting capabilities. It not only helps identify and fix common coding errors but also provides various configuration options for code formatting. With its extensive rule set and customizability, ESLint is a powerful alternative to Prettier.

Key Features:

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  • Code linting
  • Code formatting
  • Extensive rule set
  • Customization options

2. TSLint

TSLint is a similar code linting and formatting tool specifically designed for TypeScript. It provides developers with a range of rules to enforce coding standards and can automatically format code according to these rules. TSLint integrates well with popular IDEs and build systems, making it a suitable alternative to Prettier for TypeScript projects.

Key Features:

  • Code linting for TypeScript
  • Code formatting
  • Rule-based code enforcement
  • IDE and build system integration

3. EditorConfig

EditorConfig is not a code formatting tool itself, but rather a file format and plugin ecosystem that helps maintain consistent coding styles across different editors and IDEs. With EditorConfig, developers can define and share their preferred coding styles, such as indentation, line endings, and whitespace usage. While it does not provide automated code formatting, it ensures consistent formatting across team members and different development environments.

Key Features:

  • Consistent coding styles
  • Cross-editor compatibility
  • Shared configuration files

4. Black

Black is a code formatting tool specifically designed for Python. It enforces a strict set of formatting rules and automatically formats Python code to ensure consistency. With its opinionated approach and focus on readability, Black has gained popularity among Python developers and is a strong alternative to Prettier for Python projects.

Key Features:

  • Python code formatting
  • Opinionated approach
  • Readability-focused formatting rules

5. JSHint

JSHint is a widely used JavaScript code quality tool that also provides some code formatting capabilities. While it is primarily used for detecting potential errors and coding mistakes, JSHint can also be configured to enforce certain code formatting rules. While not as feature-rich as ESLint or Prettier, JSHint can still be a viable alternative for developers who prefer a simpler tool.

Reading more:

Key Features:

  • Code quality analysis
  • Basic code formatting
  • Simplified tool compared to Prettier and ESLint

6. RuboCop

RuboCop is a code analysis and formatting tool specifically designed for Ruby. It enforces coding style guidelines and can automatically format Ruby code accordingly. With its extensive rule set and support for custom configuration, RuboCop is a recommended alternative to Prettier for Ruby developers.

Key Features:

  • Ruby code analysis
  • Ruby code formatting
  • Extensive rule set
  • Customizable configuration

7. SonarQube

SonarQube is a comprehensive code quality and security analysis platform that provides code formatting options as well. While it offers a wide range of features, SonarQube's code formatting capabilities may not be as advanced as those offered by dedicated code formatting tools like Prettier or ESLint. However, for teams already using SonarQube for code analysis and quality assurance, leveraging its code formatting capabilities can be a convenient option.

Key Features:

  • Code quality analysis
  • Code security analysis
  • Basic code formatting

8. SwiftFormat

SwiftFormat is a code formatting tool specifically designed for Swift, the programming language used for iOS and macOS development. It automatically formats Swift code to ensure consistency and readability, following the Swift community's style guidelines. With its focus on Swift-specific formatting rules, SwiftFormat is a recommended alternative to Prettier for Swift projects.

Key Features:

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  • Swift code formatting
  • Swift-specific formatting rules
  • Readability-focused formatting

9. SQLFluff

SQLFluff is a code linting and formatting tool specifically designed for SQL queries. It enforces coding standards and best practices for SQL code and can automatically format SQL queries to improve readability. With its comprehensive rule set and support for multiple SQL dialects, SQLFluff is a strong alternative to Prettier for SQL developers.

Key Features:

  • SQL code linting
  • SQL code formatting
  • Comprehensive rule set
  • Support for multiple SQL dialects

10. Uncrustify

Uncrustify is a highly configurable code formatting tool that supports multiple programming languages, including C/C++, Java, and PHP. It provides developers with extensive customization options for code formatting, allowing them to define their preferred coding styles. With its flexibility and wide language support, Uncrustify is a suitable alternative to Prettier for developers working with various programming languages.

Key Features:

  • Code formatting for multiple languages
  • Extensive customization options
  • Wide language support

In conclusion, while Prettier is a popular code formatting tool, there are several alternatives and competitors available in 2024. ESLint, TSLint, EditorConfig, Black, JSHint, RuboCop, SonarQube, SwiftFormat, SQLFluff, and Uncrustify are among the best Prettier alternatives. Each tool offers unique features and advantages, ranging from code linting and formatting to customization options and language-specific support. When choosing an alternative to Prettier, it is important to consider your specific requirements, development stack, and personal preferences to find the most suitable tool for ensuring consistent and readable code in your projects.