Parsing is the backbone of modern development tools, from linters to code formatters. When working with the Edge template language, we needed a powerful parser to serve as the foundation for a Prettier plugin tailored to Edge templates. Enter EdgeJS Parser: a custom-built solution designed specifically for the Edge templating language.
What Is EdgeJS Parser?
EdgeJS Parser is a custom parser written to understand the syntax and structure of the Edge template language. The parser breaks down Edge template code into an Abstract Syntax Tree (AST), making it easier for tools to analyze, transform, and format the code.
At its core, EdgeJS Parser bridges the gap between Edge templates and tools like Prettier, enabling automated formatting and ensuring consistency across projects that rely on the Edge templating engine.
Why Was EdgeJS Parser Built?
The need for EdgeJS Parser emerged from a larger effort to create a EdgeJS Prettier Plugin. Prettier is a popular opinionated code formatter, but it doesn’t natively support Edge syntax. Without a proper parser, formatting Edge templates would be error-prone and incomplete.
Here are the key motivations:
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Tooling Support: Edge templates lacked robust tooling for code formatting. EdgeJS Parser fills this gap, enabling tools like Prettier to integrate seamlessly.
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Consistency: Automated formatting enforces a consistent coding style, reducing manual effort and improving code quality across teams.
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Extensibility: With a custom parser in place, future tools and integrations for Edge templates can leverage the same foundation.
What Is EdgeJS Parser Built With?
EdgeJS Parser was developed using a combination of modern JavaScript technologies:
- NodeJS
- JavaScript
- Chevrotain
The choice of Chevrotain was particularly strategic. Its modular design and robust features allowed us to model the Edge language’s unique syntax while maintaining high performance and reliability.