React Coding Standards

React & TypeScript coding standards

This skill applies company coding standards expressed as Avoid (anti-patterns) and Prefer (recommended patterns) to in-code patterns only. For file and folder naming and structure, use react-files-structure-standards.

Source of truth (priority order)

When resolving standards, use this order:

1. Project tooling: ESLint config (eslint.config.js / .eslintrc*), TypeScript config (tsconfig.json, tsconfig.app.json). Run yarn lint or npm run lint; fix auto-fixable issues first.
2. Rule references in references/ (see Reference categories below) for the canonical Avoid/Prefer matrix.
3. Worked examples in coding-examples/ for concrete before/after snippets and explanations.
4. Reference codebase (if provided): e.g. a frontend app under the same org — use it to infer naming, structure, and patterns (hooks returning data only, FunctionComponent + destructured props, *.utils.ts / *.store.ts, test style with Vitest or Jest).

Reference categories

Standards are split between:

• references/ for the canonical Avoid/Prefer rules.
• coding-examples/ for detailed examples and rationale.

Load both when needed:

• TypeScript coding patterns
  • Rules: references/react-typescript.md
  • Examples: coding-examples/react-typescript.md
• React component patterns
  • Rules: references/react-components.md
  • Examples: coding-examples/react-components.md
• Naming conventions
  • Rules: references/react-naming.md
  • Examples: no dedicated file yet (use rule file and codebase patterns)
• Testing patterns
  • Rules: references/react-tests.md
  • Examples: coding-examples/react-tests.md
• Security patterns
  • Rules: references/react-security.md
  • Examples: coding-examples/react-security.md

Three-phase workflow

When the skill is invoked on code (selected files, git staged files, branch):

Phase 1 — Collect violations

1. Analyze the provided code against the reference files above.
2. Identify every place where the code matches an Avoid pattern.
3. List each violation in a single report with:
   • Category (TypeScript / React components / naming / testing / security)
   • Rule name (e.g. "Avoid Using any for Type Definitions")
   • Location (file and line or snippet)
4. If no Avoid pattern is found, state that the code complies and stop. Otherwise proceed to Phase 2.

Phase 2 — Apply corrections

1. For each violation in the report:
   • Open the corresponding rule file in references/ and find the Prefer section paired with that Avoid rule.
   • If needed, open the matching file in coding-examples/ to align on exact implementation style.
   • Apply the recommended correction so the code follows the Prefer pattern.
2. Preserve business logic and behavior; only change structure, naming, or patterns.
3. Prefer minimal edits: one logical change per violation, no unnecessary rewrites.
4. When several standards apply to the same area, prioritize: TypeScript safety → security boundaries → naming clarity → React architecture → testing structure.

Rules of thumb

• Strict avoid/prefer: Only treat as violations what is explicitly described as Avoid in the reference files; only apply fixes that are explicitly described as Prefer there.
• One violation, one fix: One Avoid → one corresponding Prefer; do not mix multiple rules in a single edit unless they target the same line.
• Readability and maintainability: After corrections, the code should be easier to read and maintain, without changing behavior.

Quick reference

• Collect first: Complete the full list of Avoid violations (manual analysis) before making edits.
• Then redress: Apply each Prefer in turn, using the reference file as the source of truth.