Ten reasons why you should lint your test automation code

A linter is a static analysis tool that scans source files and reports warnings and errors for the code it scans. I use a linter on the test automation code that I write. The linter tests the code I write without running the code. Here are ten reasons to use a linter on your test automation code:

1. Linting will ensure that your code is consistent because the linter’s rules will check all the code against its rules. It will enforce coding standards and style conventions.
2. Code that has been linted is easier to maintain because it is consistent and contains fewer errors.
3. Linting is ‘testing early’ because, by running the linter locally, the linter will find issues in your code before it is merged.
4. Linters can be included in CI so code written by all developers is linted without additional effort by a developer. 
5. You can learn from linting errors because the linter will explain the error it is reporting. I have increased my knowledge of Typescript and Playwright my analysing the errors found by the linter,
6. Using a linter will help you build a better relationship with developers because your code will be more consistent. 
7. Using a linter identifies issues that should be fixed. If you do not use a linter the issues are still there and have not been fixed.
8. Linters are simple to run locally either from the command line or from your IDE
9. Linters give real-time feedback.
10. There is a lot of help on how to install and configure linters, for example:
    1. Setting Up ESLint for Playwright Projects with TypeScript by Cerosh Jacob
    2. The Definitive Guide to API Test Automation With Playwright: Part 8 – Adding ESlint, Prettier, and Husky by Butch Mayhew
    3. ESlint documentation
    4. Cypress Automation Code Quality With Cypress Eslint & Prettier Plugins
    5. Use lint in SeleniumLibrary With Examples
    6. ESLint plugin for Playwright