198 | The Great Formatting Debate: ESLint, Prettier, and TypeScript

Josh Goldberg joins Amy and Brad to unpack the recent ESLint V9 release and its impact on the TypeScript ecosystem. From explaining the nuances of flat config migration to debating the proper separation between Prettier and ESLint, Josh offers practical advice for improving developer workflows. The conversation covers Josh's journey as a full-time open source maintainer, the Open Source Pledge initiative, and best practices for implementing linting in CI/CD pipelines. Plus, Josh shares behind-the-scenes details from the inaugural SquiggleConf event.Chapter Marks 00:00 - Intro 00:48 - Welcome Josh Goldberg 01:06 - Working in open source and getting paid 03:10 - The Open Source Pledge 04:49 - ESLint V9 and flat config changes 07:25 - Migration challenges with flat config 09:52 - Understanding ESLint config format 11:50 - How most people use ESLint 16:20 - Prettier vs ESLint responsibilities 18:47 - Conflict between Prettier and ESLint 21:26 - TypeScript's role in ESLint 25:01 - TypeScript ESLint packages explained 27:43 - Linters for other languages 29:31 - ESLint in CI/CD pipelines 32:03 - Auto-fixing in different environments 37:14 - AI's role in linting and formatting 41:45 - SquiggleConf discussion 44:15 - Conference tooling and Q&A system 46:33 - Future SquiggleConf plans 47:13 - Picks and PlugsBrad GarropyPick: Philips Hue smart lighting system - Set up Christmas lights with Hue smart outlets for easy control via phone or voice commandsPlug: Brad's BlueSky account - @bradgarropy.comJosh GoldbergPick: BlueSky social network - Appreciates how it feels like early Twitter without spam bots and complicated server setupsPlug: SquiggleConf - Web development tooling conference returning in September 2025Amy DuttonPick: The Inheritance Games (book) - Describes it as an easy-to-read young adult fiction with puzzles, similar to Knives OutPlug: Amy's BlueSky account - @selfteachmeLinksMentioned in the EpisodeTypeScript ESLintESLint v9 migration docsESLint Config InspectorSentry Grave $750k to Open Source MaintainersOpen Source Pledge initiativeSquiggle Conf websitePrisma PulsePhilips Hue smart lightingThe Inheritance Games (book mentioned by Amy)Social Media AccountsBrad's BlueSky account: @bradgarropy.comAmy's BlueSky account: @selfteachmeJosh Goldberg's BlueSky Account: @joshuakgoldberg.comRelated ResourcesESLint Stylistic projectESLint Config PrettierESLint Plugin Prettier"Create TypeScript Apps" project (Josh's tooling package)Awesome ESLint repo (collection of ESLint plugins)Manual to Magical: AI in Developer Tooling: Tobbe's talk on using AI to write code modsNicholas Zakas discussing the ESLint config system on Syntax podcastTools MentionedHuskyLint-stagedCursorBiome and OXLint (Rust-based linters)GitHub Actions