How to get vscode to recognise vitest globals?

2 min read 05-10-2024

How to get vscode to recognise vitest globals?

Unlocking Vitest Globals in VS Code: A Step-by-Step Guide

Vitest, the lightning-fast unit testing framework for Vue, offers a powerful suite of global variables that streamline testing. However, VS Code might not always recognize these globals, leading to frustrating type errors and unhelpful autocompletion. This article will guide you through the process of enabling VS Code to fully embrace Vitest's global magic.

The Problem: Type Errors and Limited Autocompletion

Imagine this scenario: You're writing a Vitest test using the test function, but VS Code throws a red underline, complaining about an unknown identifier. Or, you're struggling to find autocompletion for expect, describe, or other Vitest globals. This is a common issue arising from VS Code's lack of awareness of your Vitest setup.

Original Code (Illustrative Example)

// myTest.spec.js
import { test, expect } from 'vitest';

test('my test', () => {
  // This code may throw type errors
  expect(1 + 1).toBe(2);
});

The Solution: Configuration is Key

The fix lies in providing VS Code with clear instructions about your Vitest environment. Here's how to accomplish this:

1. Enable TypeScript Support:

If you're using TypeScript, ensure you have the @types/vitest package installed in your project.

npm install --save-dev @types/vitest

2. Configure VS Code's TypeScript Compiler:

Open your VS Code settings (File > Preferences > Settings or Code > Preferences > Settings) and search for typescript.tsdk.
Set this value to the path of your TypeScript installation. Typically, it's located in your node_modules directory, like this:
```
"typescript.tsdk": "${workspaceFolder}/node_modules/typescript/lib" 
```

3. Leverage the Vitest TypeScript Plugin:

Install the vitest-plugin-ts package:

npm install --save-dev vitest-plugin-ts

In your vitest.config.js (or vitest.config.ts), add the following configuration:

import { defineConfig } from 'vitest';
import tsPlugin from 'vitest-plugin-ts';

export default defineConfig({
  plugins: [tsPlugin()],
});

Deeper Dive: Understanding the Process

By following these steps, you're essentially providing VS Code with a detailed blueprint of your Vitest environment. The @types/vitest package offers type definitions for Vitest globals, allowing VS Code to understand their structure and functionality. The vitest-plugin-ts enables seamless integration with TypeScript, resolving type errors and enhancing autocompletion.

Additional Tips

Restart VS Code: After making these changes, restart VS Code to ensure the new configuration is fully applied.
Vet your Configuration: If you're still facing issues, double-check your vitest.config.js file for any errors in plugin setup or other configurations.
Explore the Official Documentation: For a more in-depth understanding of Vitest configuration and troubleshooting, refer to the official documentation: https://vitest.dev/guide/

Conclusion

With the right configuration, you can unlock the full potential of Vitest globals in VS Code, enjoying a smoother and more productive testing experience. By understanding the underlying concepts and utilizing these steps, you can write clean, type-safe, and efficient Vitest tests with the support of your favorite code editor.