Code Conventions (TypeScript)

See also: ts-conventions for typing rules (strict mode, branded types, etc.).

Project-specific conventions that go beyond standard linting rules.

Control Structure Spacing

IMPORTANT: Always add blank lines before and after control structures (for, for...of, while, if, switch) when they are not at the start or end of a block.

Exception: No blank line needed when the control structure is at the start or end of a function.

When applying control structure spacing rules, read references/code-examples.md for for...of, if, and start/end-of-block examples.

Early Return Pattern

Always use early return to handle edge cases and invalid conditions first.

When return is preceded by other statements in a block, add a blank line before it.

When refactoring nested conditions, read references/code-examples.md for before/after early return examples.

If Continue Pattern in Loops

continue in a loop is the equivalent of early return in a function. Use continue only when the exit condition is simple and the main logic is more complex.

When both branches have comparable complexity, prefer a classic if/else for readability.

When choosing between continue and if/else, read references/code-examples.md for side-by-side comparisons.

Optional Chaining and Nullish Coalescing

Use optional chaining (?.) and nullish coalescing (??) to flatten nested null checks.

// Flat with optional chaining
if (customer.personalInfo?.usPerson === true) {
  types.push('us_person');
}

// Nullish coalescing
const name = user.displayName ?? 'Anonymous';

No Implicit Truthy/Falsy Checks

Use explicit comparisons instead of relying on JavaScript's truthy/falsy coercion.

// Explicit checks
if (array.length > 0) { ... }
if (string === '') { ... }
if (value !== null && value !== undefined) { ... }

Exception: Booleans can be checked directly: if (isValid) is fine.

Template Literals over Concatenation

const message = `Hello ${user.name}, you have ${count} items`;

Parameter Ordering

Mandatory parameters before optional ones.

When ordering parameters in functions or constructors, read references/code-examples.md for correct ordering examples.

Quick Reference

Rule	Example
Early return	if (invalid) { return; } then main logic
If continue in loops	Only when simple condition vs complex main logic
If/else in loops	When both branches have comparable complexity
Blank line before flow control	x = 1; then blank then return; / continue; / break;
Blank line before control structure	x = 1; then blank then for (...)
Blank line after control structure	} then blank then y = 2;
Exception: start of block	No blank line needed
Exception: end of block	No blank line needed
Optional chaining	a?.b?.c instead of nested if
Nullish coalescing	value ?? 'default' instead of ternary
Explicit checks	array.length > 0 not array.length
Template literals	`Hello ${name}` not 'Hello ' + name
Parameter order	Required first, optional last