# JavaScript style guide
We use [Airbnb's JavaScript Style Guide](https://github.com/airbnb/javascript) and it's accompanying
linter to manage most of our JavaScript style guidelines.
In addition to the style guidelines set by Airbnb, we also have a few specific rules
listed below.
> **Tip:**
You can run eslint locally by running `yarn eslint`
## Avoid forEach
Avoid forEach when mutating data. Use `map`, `reduce` or `filter` instead of `forEach`
when mutating data. This will minimize mutations in functions,
which aligns with [Airbnb's style guide](https://github.com/airbnb/javascript#testing--for-real).
```javascript
// bad
users.forEach((user, index) => {
user.id = index;
});
// good
const usersWithId = users.map((user, index) => {
return Object.assign({}, user, { id: index });
});
```
## Limit number of parameters
If your function or method has more than 3 parameters, use an object as a parameter
instead.
```javascript
// bad
function a(p1, p2, p3) {
// ...
};
// good
function a(p) {
// ...
};
```
## Avoid side effects in constructors
Avoid making asynchronous calls, API requests or DOM manipulations in the `constructor`.
Move them into separate functions instead. This will make tests easier to write and
code easier to maintain.
```javascript
// bad
class myClass {
constructor(config) {
this.config = config;
axios.get(this.config.endpoint)
}
}
// good
class myClass {
constructor(config) {
this.config = config;
}
makeRequest() {
axios.get(this.config.endpoint)
}
}
const instance = new myClass();
instance.makeRequest();
```
## Avoid classes to handle DOM events
If the only purpose of the class is to bind a DOM event and handle the callback, prefer
using a function.
```javascript
// bad
class myClass {
constructor(config) {
this.config = config;
}
init() {
document.addEventListener('click', () => {});
}
}
// good
const myFunction = () => {
document.addEventListener('click', () => {
// handle callback here
});
}
```
## Pass element container to constructor
When your class manipulates the DOM, receive the element container as a parameter.
This is more maintainable and performant.
```javascript
// bad
class a {
constructor() {
document.querySelector('.b');
}
}
// good
class a {
constructor(options) {
options.container.querySelector('.b');
}
}
```
## Use ParseInt
Use `ParseInt` when converting a numeric string into a number.
```javascript
// bad
Number('10')
// good
parseInt('10', 10);
```
## CSS Selectors - Use `js-` prefix
If a CSS class is only being used in JavaScript as a reference to the element, prefix
the class name with `js-`.
```html
// bad
// good
```
## Absolute vs relative paths for modules
Use relative paths if the module you are importing is less than two levels up.
```javascript
// bad
import GitLabStyleGuide from '~/guides/GitLabStyleGuide';
// good
import GitLabStyleGuide from '../GitLabStyleGuide';
```
If the module you are importing is two or more levels up, use an absolute path instead:
```javascript
// bad
import GitLabStyleGuide from '../../../guides/GitLabStyleGuide';
// good
import GitLabStyleGuide from '~/GitLabStyleGuide';
```
Additionally, **do not add to global namespace**.
## Do not use `DOMContentLoaded` in non-page modules
Imported modules should act the same each time they are loaded. `DOMContentLoaded`
events are only allowed on modules loaded in the `/pages/*` directory because those
are loaded dynamically with webpack.
## Avoid XSS
Do not use `innerHTML`, `append()` or `html()` to set content. It opens up too many
vulnerabilities.
## Disabling ESLint in new files
Do not disable ESLint when creating new files. Existing files may have existing rules
disabled due to legacy compatibility reasons but they are in the process of being refactored.
Do not disable specific ESLint rules. Due to technical debt, you may disable the following
rules only if you are invoking/instantiating existing code modules.
- [no-new](http://eslint.org/docs/rules/no-new)
- [class-method-use-this](http://eslint.org/docs/rules/class-methods-use-this)
> Note: Disable these rules on a per line basis. This makes it easier to refactor
> in the future. E.g. use `eslint-disable-next-line` or `eslint-disable-line`.