Change Request: [eslint-scope] Stop Requiring Range Property

Overview

The eslint-scope package currently requires the population of the Node.range: [number, number] property. However, this property seems to be used in only one function and a test, and its purpose is identical to the .start and .end properties. In this article, we will discuss the problem with the current implementation and propose a solution to stop requiring the range property.

Problem Statement

The eslint-scope package is used to manage the scope of variables in JavaScript code. However, the current implementation requires the population of the Node.range: [number, number] property. This property is used in only one function and a test, and its purpose is identical to the .start and .end properties. The range property is also opt-in, requiring an extra parser option.

Why is the Range Property Required?

The range property is required to ensure that the reference to a variable as the default value for a function parameter does not bind to the declaration inside the function block. This is achieved by checking the character-level locations of AST nodes. However, this approach seems fragile and restrictive regarding AST-level modifications or AST trees that do not originate from a source code text document.

Proposed Solution

The proposed solution is to switch to using the .start and .end properties instead of the range property. This would stop requiring the extra parser option and node field. However, a cleaner solution would be to not use either of these properties in eslint-scope at all.

Why Not Use Either Property?

The range property is used to check the character-level locations of AST nodes to ensure that the reference to a variable as the default value for a function parameter does not bind to the declaration inside the function block. However, this approach seems fragile and restrictive. Instead, we can use a more robust approach to achieve the same result.

Alternative Approach

A better way to achieve the same result is to use a more robust approach that does not rely on character-level locations of AST nodes. This approach would involve analyzing the AST tree to determine whether the reference to a variable as the default value for a function parameter binds to the declaration inside the function block.

Benefits of the Proposed Solution

The proposed solution has several benefits. Firstly, it would stop requiring the extra parser option and node field, making the eslint-scope package more efficient and easier to use. Secondly, it would provide a more robust and reliable approach to managing the scope of variables in JavaScript code.

Participation

We are willing to submit a pull request for this change. If you are interested in participating in this change, please let us know.

Additional Comments

No additional comments are provided.

Conclusion

Q: What is the current issue with the eslint-scope package?

A: The current issue with the eslint-scope package is that it requires the population of the Node.range: [number, number] property. However, this property seems to be used in only one function and a test, and its purpose is identical to the .start and .end properties.

Q: Why is the range property required?

A: The range property is required to ensure that the reference to a variable as the default value for a function parameter does not bind to the declaration inside the function block. This is achieved by checking the character-level locations of AST nodes.

Q: Is the current approach fragile and restrictive?

A: Yes, the current approach seems fragile and restrictive regarding AST-level modifications or AST trees that do not originate from a source code text document.

Q: What is the proposed solution?

A: The proposed solution is to switch to using the .start and .end properties instead of the range property. Alternatively, a cleaner solution would be to not use either of these properties in eslint-scope at all.

Q: Why not use either property?

A: The range property is used to check the character-level locations of AST nodes to ensure that the reference to a variable as the default value for a function parameter does not bind to the declaration inside the function block. However, this approach seems fragile and restrictive. Instead, we can use a more robust approach to achieve the same result.

Q: What is the alternative approach?

A: A better way to achieve the same result is to use a more robust approach that does not rely on character-level locations of AST nodes. This approach would involve analyzing the AST tree to determine whether the reference to a variable as the default value for a function parameter binds to the declaration inside the function block.

Q: What are the benefits of the proposed solution?

A: The proposed solution has several benefits. Firstly, it would stop requiring the extra parser option and node field, making the eslint-scope package more efficient and easier to use. Secondly, it would provide a more robust and reliable approach to managing the scope of variables in JavaScript code.

Q: How can I participate in this change?

A: We are willing to submit a pull request for this change. If you are interested in participating in this change, please let us know.

Q: What is the next step?

A: The next step is to implement the proposed solution and test it thoroughly to ensure that it works as expected.

Q: Will this change affect the functionality of eslint-scope?

A: No, this change will not affect the functionality of eslint-scope. It will only improve the efficiency and reliability of the package.

Q: When can we expect this change to be implemented?

A: We are working on implementing this change as soon as possible. We will keep you updated on the progress of this change.

Q: How can I updated on this change?

A: You can stay updated on this change by following the eslint-scope repository on GitHub or by subscribing to the eslint-scope mailing list.