File Paths Relativity Is Unreliable When Globs And Multiple Sources Are Given
Understanding the Issue
When working with file paths, especially in a project with a complex directory structure, it's essential to understand how file paths are resolved. In this article, we'll explore a common issue that arises when using globs and multiple sources with file path utilities like yek
.
Project Directory Structure
Let's take a look at the project directory structure:
src/
βββ app.css
βββ app.d.ts
βββ app.html
βββ lib
β βββ components
β β βββ PasscodeModal.svelte
β β βββ nav
β β β βββ FooterNav.svelte
β β β βββ NavActions.svelte
β β βββ tokens
β β β βββ AddTokenForm.svelte
β β β βββ TokenCard.svelte
β β β βββ TokenList.svelte
β β βββ ui
β β βββ Drawer.svelte
β β βββ Editable.svelte
β β βββ SearchBar.svelte
β β βββ Switch.svelte
β βββ state
β β βββ conditions.svelte.js
β β βββ settings.svelte.js
β β βββ storage.svelte.js
β β βββ tokens.svelte.js
β βββ types.ts
β βββ utils
β βββ encrypted-storage.js
β βββ salada.js
βββ routes
βββ +layout.js
βββ +layout.svelte
βββ +page.js
βββ +page.svelte
βββ settings
β βββ +page.svelte
βββ test
βββ +page.svelte
Expected Behavior
When running yek
from the src/
directory, we expect the following behavior:
- When passing a single directory to
yek
, we should get file paths relative to thesrc/
directory. - When passing multiple folders, files, and globs, we should get file paths relative to the
src/
directory.
Actual Behavior
However, when we pass multiple folders, files, and globs to yek
, we get only the file names, without any relative paths:
>>>> +layout.js
>>>> +layout.svelte
>>>> +page.svelte
>>>> conditions.svelte.js
>>>> types.ts
This is an anti-pattern, as the base directory for the paths should be the directory that yek
was run from.
Why is this an Issue?
When working with multiple entry points, it's essential to have a consistent way of resolving file paths. In this case, the yek
utility is not providing the expected behavior, making it difficult to work with multiple sources and globs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, file paths relativity is unreliable when using globs and multiple sources with yek
. To resolve this issue, we need to ensure that the base directory for the paths is the directory that yek
was run from. This will provide a consistent way of resolving file paths, making it easier to work with multiple entry points.
Recommendations
To avoid this issue, we recommend the following:
- Use a consistent way of resolving file paths, such as using the
path
module in Node.js. - Avoid using globs and multiple sources with
yek
unless absolutely necessary. - Consider using a different file path utility that provides the expected behavior.
Future Improvements
To improve the behavior of yek
, we suggest the following:
- Add an option to specify the base directory for the paths.
- Improve the handling of globs and multiple sources to provide consistent file paths.
- Provide better error messages and documentation to help users understand the expected behavior.
Q: What is the issue with file paths relativity when using globs and multiple sources with yek
?
A: The issue is that yek
is not providing the expected behavior when working with multiple sources and globs. Instead of getting file paths relative to the src/
directory, we get only the file names.
Q: Why is this an issue?
A: This is an issue because it makes it difficult to work with multiple entry points. When working with multiple sources and globs, it's essential to have a consistent way of resolving file paths. In this case, the yek
utility is not providing the expected behavior.
Q: What are the consequences of this issue?
A: The consequences of this issue are:
- Inconsistent file paths: When working with multiple sources and globs, we get inconsistent file paths, making it difficult to work with multiple entry points.
- Difficulty in debugging: Inconsistent file paths make it difficult to debug issues, as it's challenging to identify the correct file path.
- Reduced productivity: The issue reduces productivity, as developers spend more time trying to resolve file paths instead of focusing on the actual task.
Q: How can I avoid this issue?
A: To avoid this issue, we recommend the following:
- Use a consistent way of resolving file paths, such as using the
path
module in Node.js. - Avoid using globs and multiple sources with
yek
unless absolutely necessary. - Consider using a different file path utility that provides the expected behavior.
Q: What are some best practices for working with file paths?
A: Some best practices for working with file paths include:
- Using a consistent way of resolving file paths.
- Avoiding globs and multiple sources unless absolutely necessary.
- Using a different file path utility that provides the expected behavior.
- Providing clear and concise documentation for file paths.
Q: How can I improve the behavior of yek
?
A: To improve the behavior of yek
, we suggest the following:
- Add an option to specify the base directory for the paths.
- Improve the handling of globs and multiple sources to provide consistent file paths.
- Provide better error messages and documentation to help users understand the expected behavior.
Q: What are some alternatives to yek
for working with file paths?
A: Some alternatives to yek
for working with file paths include:
glob
: A utility for working with globs.path
: A built-in Node.js module for working with file paths.fs
: A built-in Node.js module for working with file systems.find-up
: A utility for finding the parent directory of a file.
Q: How can I report an issue with yek
?
A: To report an issue with yek
, you can:
- Open an issue on the
yek
GitHub repository. - Send an email to the
yek
maintainers. - Use the
yek
issue tracker.
By following these best practices and improving the behavior of yek
, we can ensure that file paths relativity is reliable and consistent, making it easier to work with multiple entry points.