Benefits of Suggesting Actual Extensions

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 66 views

Introduction

The useImportExtensions feature in our current implementation relies heavily on heuristics to determine which extension to suggest. However, with the introduction of the dependency graph, we now have the capability to identify the actual extension that should be used. In this article, we will explore the benefits of updating useImportExtensions to suggest actual extensions and discuss the necessary changes to achieve this.

Current Implementation

Our current implementation of useImportExtensions uses a set of heuristics to decide which extension to suggest. These heuristics are based on the file type, the project's configuration, and other factors. While this approach has been effective in the past, it has its limitations. For instance, it may suggest an extension that is not compatible with the project's dependencies or configuration.

Benefits of Suggesting Actual Extensions

By suggesting actual extensions, we can provide a more accurate and reliable experience for developers. This is particularly important in projects that involve complex dependencies and configurations. With the dependency graph in place, we can now identify the actual extension that should be used, reducing the likelihood of errors and inconsistencies.

Proposed Changes

To update useImportExtensions to suggest actual extensions, we propose the following changes:

Use the real extension by default: As suggested in #5313, we should use the real extension by default. This will provide a more accurate and reliable experience for developers.
Option for .js extension: We should still provide an option to suggest a .js extension for Node/tsc compatibility.
Remove suggestedExtensions option: The old suggestedExtensions option can be removed, as it is no longer necessary.

Impact on Biome 2.0

The proposed changes will be a breaking change, and we should tag this for Biome 2.0. We can implement these changes after the beta release, ensuring that they are thoroughly tested and validated.

Implementation Details

To implement the proposed changes, we will need to make the following modifications:

Update the dependency graph: We need to update the dependency graph to include the actual extension information.
Modify the useImportExtensions logic: We need to modify the useImportExtensions logic to use the real extension by default and provide an option for the .js extension.
Remove the suggestedExtensions option: We need to remove the suggestedExtensions option and update the code to use the new logic.

Conclusion

Updating useImportExtensions to suggest actual extensions will provide a more accurate and reliable experience for developers. By using the real extension by default and providing an option for the .js extension, we can reduce the likelihood of errors and inconsistencies. We should implement these changes after the beta release, ensuring that they are thoroughly tested and validated.

Future Directions

In the future, we can further improve the useImportExtensions feature by:

Adding more extension options: We can add more extension options to provide a more flexible and customizable experience for developers.
Improving the dependency graph: We can improve the dependency graph to include more information about the project's dependencies and configurations.
Enhancing the useImportExtensions logic: We can enhance the useImportExtensions logic to provide more accurate and reliable suggestions.

Introduction

In our previous article, we discussed the benefits of updating useImportExtensions to suggest actual extensions. We proposed changes to use the real extension by default, provide an option for the .js extension, and remove the suggestedExtensions option. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions about the proposed changes and provide additional information to help developers understand the impact of these changes.

Q: What is the current implementation of `useImportExtensions`?

A: The current implementation of useImportExtensions uses a set of heuristics to decide which extension to suggest. These heuristics are based on the file type, the project's configuration, and other factors.

Q: Why do we need to update `useImportExtensions`?

A: We need to update useImportExtensions because the current implementation relies heavily on heuristics, which can lead to inaccurate and unreliable suggestions. With the introduction of the dependency graph, we can now identify the actual extension that should be used, reducing the likelihood of errors and inconsistencies.

Q: What are the benefits of suggesting actual extensions?

A: By suggesting actual extensions, we can provide a more accurate and reliable experience for developers. This is particularly important in projects that involve complex dependencies and configurations.

Q: How will the proposed changes impact Biome 2.0?

A: The proposed changes will be a breaking change, and we should tag this for Biome 2.0. We can implement these changes after the beta release, ensuring that they are thoroughly tested and validated.

Q: What modifications will be needed to implement the proposed changes?

A: To implement the proposed changes, we will need to make the following modifications:

Update the dependency graph: We need to update the dependency graph to include the actual extension information.
Modify the useImportExtensions logic: We need to modify the useImportExtensions logic to use the real extension by default and provide an option for the .js extension.
Remove the suggestedExtensions option: We need to remove the suggestedExtensions option and update the code to use the new logic.

Q: What are the potential risks of implementing the proposed changes?

A: The potential risks of implementing the proposed changes include:

Breaking changes: The proposed changes will be a breaking change, which may require significant updates to existing code.
Testing and validation: We need to thoroughly test and validate the proposed changes to ensure that they do not introduce any new errors or inconsistencies.

Q: How can developers prepare for the proposed changes?

A: Developers can prepare for the proposed changes by:

Reviewing the current implementation: Reviewing the current implementation of useImportExtensions to understand how it works and how it may be impacted by the proposed changes.
Testing and validating the proposed changes: Testing and validating the proposed changes to ensure that they do not introduce any new errors or inconsistencies.
Updating code to use the new logic: Updating code to use the new logic and remove the suggestedExtensions option.

Conclusion

Future Directions

In the future, we can further improve the useImportExtensions feature by:

Adding more extension options: We can add more extension options to provide a more flexible and customizable experience for developers.
Improving the dependency graph: We can improve the dependency graph to include more information about the project's dependencies and configurations.
Enhancing the useImportExtensions logic: We can enhance the useImportExtensions logic to provide more accurate and reliable suggestions.

By following these future directions, we can continue to improve the useImportExtensions feature and provide a better experience for developers.