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@Rich-Harris
Last active November 7, 2023 17:33
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What should be the canonical file extension for Svelte components?

So far, most of us have been writing Svelte components into .html files, with a few exceptions (Parcel users, for example, have additional constraints to work with). We're currently discussing whether this should change.

Once you've read the pros and cons, please vote!

.html

Pros:

  • It signals that you can use your existing HTML (and CSS) knowledge
  • Valid HTML is valid Svelte
  • Syntax highlighting mostly works everywhere OOTB (expressions in {tags} are treated as text, though)

Cons:

  • Svelte components aren't really HTML
  • Tools like Parcel can't deal with it
  • We don't get full syntax highlighting
  • Some tools, like WebStorm, struggle with directives etc

.htmlx

Pros:

  • It signals that it's HTML-with-extras
  • Symmetry with .js and .jsx
  • It's an invitation to other frameworks to collaborate, rather than continuously reinventing template languages

Cons:

  • No syntax highlighting out of the box — imposes tooling requirements on users, could be offputting for new recruits
  • It's a land grab
  • May be hard to get Linguist to adopt Svelte syntax highlighting for it

.svelte

Pros:

  • Does what it says on the tin. Zero ambiguity
  • Linguist support — we should be able to claim svelte for fenced code blocks
  • It's unlikely to cause conflict with other frameworks etc

Cons:

  • No syntax highlighting. Like .htmlx, the first-time experience is poor
@edgesyntax
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The only thing I don't like about svelte is the file extension which is saying ALOT. ANY three letter alternative would be much appreciated!

@Himujjal
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Himujjal commented Aug 1, 2023

.svlt is a good name IMO. Ee simply remove the vowels but also maintain the pronunciation to be svelte.

@rtllxndr
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rtllxndr commented Nov 7, 2023

.sv for easier typing. .s is possible but is clashing with assembly.

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