lint-stage cannot see the files

2 min read 05-10-2024

Lint-Stage Not Seeing Your Files: A Troubleshooting Guide

The Problem: Lint-Stage Can't Find Your Files

You've set up lint-stage to ensure your code is squeaky clean before committing, but it's stubbornly refusing to see your files. You're scratching your head, wondering why it's not picking up those precious changes. This is a common frustration for developers using linters like ESLint or Prettier.

The Scenario:

Let's imagine you're working on a React project. You've got a package.json file with the following script:

{
  "scripts": {
    "lint:staged": "lint-staged"
  }
}

You've also configured a .lintstagedrc.js file:

module.exports = {
  '*.js': ['eslint --fix'],
  '*.jsx': ['eslint --fix'],
  '*.vue': ['vue-eslint-parser --parser "babel-eslint" --parserOptions "{ 'sourceType': 'module' }" --fix']
}

However, when you run npm run lint:staged, it simply reports that there are no staged files to lint.

Uncovering the Mystery:

The reason lint-stage isn't seeing your files could be one of several things:

1. Missing Git Stage: The most common culprit is simply forgetting to stage your files. Lint-stage only analyzes files that are marked for commit (i.e., staged) using git add.

2. Inconsistent File Paths: Check if the file paths in your .lintstagedrc file match the actual paths in your project. Misspellings, typos, or incorrect directory structures can cause lint-stage to miss files.

3. File Exclusion: You might be excluding files using .gitignore or a similar mechanism. Double-check your exclusion rules to ensure you're not unintentionally blocking lint-stage from seeing your files.

4. Incorrect Lint-Stage Configuration: Make sure your .lintstagedrc file is properly formatted and points to the correct linting commands.

5. Wrong Git Branch: You might be working on a different branch than the one with your staged files. Double-check your current branch to ensure it matches where your staged files reside.

6. Unexpected Git Behavior: While less common, Git sometimes encounters unexpected behavior. Try a simple git status command to see if your staged files are correctly identified.

Finding Your Solution:

Here's a step-by-step approach to troubleshoot the problem:

Stage Your Files: Ensure all the files you want to lint are staged using git add . or git add <file path>.
Verify File Paths: Carefully review your .lintstagedrc file to ensure the file patterns match your project structure.
Check Exclusion Rules: Inspect your .gitignore file to ensure it's not inadvertently excluding files from being staged.
Review Lint-Stage Configuration: Double-check your .lintstagedrc file for any syntax errors or incorrect linting commands.
Switch Branches (if necessary): If you're on a different branch than where your staged files are located, switch to the correct branch.
Investigate Git Issues: If the issue persists, try a simple git status command to confirm Git is correctly recognizing your staged files.

Additional Tips:

Clear Cache: Sometimes, clearing your Git cache with git reset --hard HEAD can resolve unexpected behavior.
Use a Debugger: Consider using a debugger to step through your .lintstagedrc file and see how it's interacting with your Git repository.
Consult Documentation: Refer to the official documentation of lint-stage and your specific linter for more advanced troubleshooting tips.

Conclusion:

Lint-stage is a powerful tool for keeping your code clean and consistent. By understanding common issues and following these troubleshooting steps, you can easily overcome the challenge of lint-stage not seeing your files and ensure your code is always up to par.