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Asked: 2024-09-25T09:17:14+05:30 In:

What could be the reason that Prettier is not applying formatting to my code in Visual Studio Code?

So, I’ve been trying to get Prettier to work its magic in Visual Studio Code, but it’s just not happening, and I’m starting to get really frustrated. I mean, I’ve got my settings all configured and everything, but for some reason, my code just won’t format when I hit save or use the shortcut. It’s like Prettier is just sitting there with its arms crossed, refusing to do anything!

I’ve checked to make sure Prettier is installed, and it’s definitely showing up in my extensions. I even reloaded the window to see if that would help, but nope. I also ensured it’s set as my default formatter under the settings. I can’t believe I’m going to say this, but I even tried uninstalling and reinstalling the extension, thinking it might have gotten corrupted somehow or something.

I’ve looked through the output console to see if there are any errors, and it seems like it’s all clear. My settings.json file has the right settings to enable format on save, so that shouldn’t be the issue. Yet, when I save my .js or .jsx files, absolutely nothing changes. It’s making me feel like I’m losing my mind a little bit because everyone else seems to get it to work just fine.

I also considered that maybe it has to do with the file types or the specific project setup I’m using. Like, could it be that my workspace needs some special configuration that I’m totally overlooking? Or maybe there’s some hidden setting that’s preventing Prettier from doing its thing?

Honestly, I feel like I’m missing something obvious. Has anyone else run into this kind of problem? If so, how did you fix it? I’m all ears for any troubleshooting tips or insights because I really want to get Prettier up and running smoothly so I can focus more on coding and less on formatting. Thanks in advance!

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    2 Answers


    1. It sounds like you’ve already gone through a lot of the common troubleshooting steps for getting Prettier to work in Visual Studio Code. Given that you’ve confirmed its installation, set it as your default formatter, and checked your settings for ‘format on save’, there could be a few other factors at play. First, ensure that the relevant file types are correctly recognized by Prettier. You might want to verify that your project does not have any conflicting settings in your workspace configuration that could be affecting Prettier’s behavior. Also, check if you have a local Prettier configuration file (.prettierrc) in your project folder, as this could override global settings. Sometimes, the issue can stem from a missing or misconfigured configuration file that knows how to properly format your code based on project-specific rules.

      Another potential area to consider is the presence of another extension that may be interfering with Prettier’s functionality. Extensions that deal with code formatting or linting may cause conflicts, especially if they handle the same languages. Try disabling other formatting extensions to see if that resolves the issue. Additionally, check your VS Code logs for any messages related to Prettier errors that might give you more insight. Lastly, sometimes restarting VS Code or even your machine can help clear transient issues that may not be immediately apparent. If you’ve tried all of these suggestions and still face issues, you might consider reaching out to the Prettier or Visual Studio Code communities for further assistance.


    2. Sounds like you’re in a bit of a Prettier pickle! 😅 No worries, though; I’ve been there too, and it can be super frustrating when things just don’t want to play nice. Here are a few things you might want to check:

      • File Type: Make sure that your files are actually recognized as JavaScript files. Sometimes VS Code can be a bit finicky. Check the bottom right corner of the window to see what language mode it’s using. It should say “JavaScript” or “JavaScript React” for .jsx files.
      • Settings: You mentioned that you have settings.json set up correctly, but double-check if you have:
        "editor.formatOnSave": true and
        "editor.defaultFormatter": "esbenp.prettier-vscode"
        in your settings. Just make sure there are no typos!
      • Prettier Config File: If you have a .prettierrc or any configuration file for Prettier in your project, make sure it has the right settings. Sometimes, conflicting settings can mess things up.
      • Extension Conflicts: Occasionally, other formatting extensions (like ESLint or another formatter) can conflict with Prettier. Try disabling them temporarily to see if that helps.
      • Workspace Settings: If you’re working in a specific workspace, check if there are any workspace settings overriding your global settings.
      • Check Output Panel: You said you looked there, but keep an eye on the “Prettier” output (not just the general output) for any clues about what’s going wrong.

      According to some folks, simply restarting VS Code (or even your computer!) can fix weird issues sometimes. I know it sounds silly, but hey, it works! Also, be sure to check for updates to both VS Code and the Prettier extension, as sometimes bugs get squashed with the latest version.

      If all else fails, maybe try creating a new simple project and see if Prettier works there. If it does, then it’s probably something specific to your current setup. Good luck, and don’t lose hope—you’ll get it working! 🚀

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