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Table of Contents

Prelude

Liquid architecture. It's like jazz — you improvise, you work together, you play off each other, you make something, they make something.

—Frank Gehry

Style matters. Elixir has plenty of style but like all languages it can be stifled. Don't stifle the style.

The Guide

This is community style guide for the Elixir programming language. Please feel free to make pull requests and suggestions, and be a part of Elixir's vibrant community.

If you're looking for other projects to contribute to please see the Hex package manager site.

Translations of the guide are available in the following languages:

Source Code Layout

  • Use two spaces per indentation level. No hard tabs. [link]

    # not preferred - four spaces
    def some_function do
        do_something
    end
    
    # preferred
    def some_function do
      do_something
    end
  • Use Unix-style line endings (*BSD/Solaris/Linux/OSX users are covered by default, Windows users have to be extra careful). [link]

  • If you're using Git you might want to add the following configuration setting to protect your project from Windows line endings creeping in: [link]

    git config --global core.autocrlf true
  • Use spaces around operators, after commas, colons and semicolons. Do not put spaces around matched pairs like brackets, parentheses, etc. Whitespace might be (mostly) irrelevant to the Elixir runtime, but its proper use is the key to writing easily readable code. [link]

    sum = 1 + 2
    {a, b} = {2, 3}
    [first | rest] = [1, 2, 3]
    Enum.map(["one", <<"two">>, "three"], fn num -> IO.puts(num) end)
  • Do not use spaces after non-word operators that only take one argument; or around the range operator. [link]

    0 - 1 == -1
    ^pinned = some_func()
    5 in 1..10
  • Use blank lines between defs to break up a function into logical paragraphs. [link]

    def some_function(some_data) do
      some_data |> other_function() |> List.first()
    end
    
    def some_function do
      result
    end
    
    def some_other_function do
      another_result
    end
    
    def a_longer_function do
      one
      two
    
      three
      four
    end
  • Run single-line defs that match for the same function together, but separate multiline defs with a blank line. [link]

    def some_function(nil), do: {:error, "No Value"}
    def some_function([]), do: :ok
    
    def some_function([first | rest]) do
      some_function(rest)
    end
  • If the function head and do: clause are too long to fit on the same line, put do: on a new line, indented one level more than the previous line. [link]

    def some_function([:foo, :bar, :baz] = args),
      do: Enum.map(args, fn arg -> arg <> " is on a very long line!" end)

    When the do: clause starts on its own line, treat it as a multiline function by separating it with blank lines.

    # not preferred
    def some_function([]), do: :empty
    def some_function(_),
      do: :very_long_line_here
    
    # preferred
    def some_function([]), do: :empty
    
    def some_function(_),
      do: :very_long_line_here
  • If you have more than one multiline def, do not use single-line defs. [link]

    def some_function(nil) do
      {:error, "No Value"}
    end
    
    def some_function([]) do
      :ok
    end
    
    def some_function([first | rest]) do
      some_function(rest)
    end
    
    def some_function([first | rest], opts) do
      some_function(rest, opts)
    end
  • Use parentheses for one-arity functions when using the pipe operator (|>). [link]

    # not preferred
    some_string |> String.downcase |> String.strip
    
    # preferred
    some_string |> String.downcase() |> String.strip()
  • Use the pipe operator to chain functions together. [link]

    # not preferred
    String.strip(String.downcase(some_string))
    
    # preferred
    some_string |> String.downcase() |> String.strip()
    
    # Multiline pipelines are not further indented
    some_string
    |> String.downcase()
    |> String.strip()
    
    # Multiline pipelines on the right side of a pattern match
    # should be indented on a new line
    sanitized_string =
      some_string
      |> String.downcase()
      |> String.strip()

    While this is the preferred method, take into account that copy-pasting multiline pipelines into IEx might result in a syntax error, as IEx will evaluate the first line without realizing that the next line has a pipeline.

  • Avoid using the pipe operator just once. [link]

    # not preferred
    some_string |> String.downcase()
    
    # preferred
    String.downcase(some_string)
  • Use bare variables in the first part of a function chain. [link]

    # THE WORST!
    # This actually parses as String.strip("nope" |> String.downcase()).
    String.strip "nope" |> String.downcase()
    
    # not preferred
    String.strip(some_string) |> String.downcase() |> String.codepoints()
    
    # preferred
    some_string |> String.strip() |> String.downcase() |> String.codepoints()
  • If a list, map, or struct spans multiple lines, put each element, as well as the opening and closing brackets, on its own line. Indent each element one level, but not the brackets. [link]

    # not preferred
    [:first_item, :second_item, :next_item,
    :final_item]
    
    # preferred
    [
      :first_item,
      :second_item,
      :next_item,
      :final_item
    ]
  • When assigning a list, map, or struct, keep the opening bracket on the same line as the assignment. [link]

    # not preferred
    list =
    [
      :first_item,
      :second_item
    ]
    
    # preferred
    list = [
      :first_item,
      :second_item
    ]
  • When case or cond clauses span multiple lines, separate each clause with a blank line. [link]

    # not preferred
    case arg do
      true ->
        :ok
      false ->
        :error
    end
    
    # preferred
    case arg do
      true ->
        :ok
    
      false ->
        :error
    end
  • Avoid trailing whitespace. [link]

  • End each file with a newline. [link]

Syntax

  • Use parentheses when a def has arguments, and omit them when it doesn't. [link]

    # not preferred
    def some_function arg1, arg2 do
      # body omitted
    end
    
    def some_function() do
      # body omitted
    end
    
    # preferred
    def some_function(arg1, arg2) do
      # body omitted
    end
    
    def some_function do
      # body omitted
    end
  • Add a blank line after a multiline assignment as a visual cue that the assignment is 'over'. [link]

    # not preferred
    some_string =
      "Hello"
      |> String.downcase()
      |> String.strip()
    another_string <> some_string
    
    # preferred
    some_string =
      "Hello"
      |> String.downcase()
      |> String.strip()
    
    another_string <> some_string
    # also not preferred
    something =
      if x == 2 do
        "Hi"
      else
        "Bye"
      end
    String.downcase(something)
    
    # preferred
    something =
      if x == 2 do
        "Hi"
      else
        "Bye"
      end
    
    String.downcase(something)
  • Use do: for single line if/unless statements. [link]

    # preferred
    if some_condition, do: # some_stuff
    
  • Never use unless with else. Rewrite these with the positive case first. [link]

    # not preferred
    unless success do
      IO.puts('failure')
    else
      IO.puts('success')
    end
    
    # preferred
    if success do
      IO.puts('success')
    else
      IO.puts('failure')
    end
  • Use true as the last condition of the cond special form when you need a clause that always matches. [link]

    # not preferred
    cond do
      1 + 2 == 5 ->
        "Nope"
    
      1 + 3 == 5 ->
        "Uh, uh"
    
      :else ->
        "OK"
    end
    
    # preferred
    cond do
      1 + 2 == 5 ->
        "Nope"
    
      1 + 3 == 5 ->
        "Uh, uh"
    
      true ->
        "OK"
    end
  • Never put a space between a function name and the opening parenthesis. [link]

    # not preferred
    f (3 + 2)
    
    # preferred
    f(3 + 2)
  • Use parentheses in function calls, especially inside a pipeline. [link]

    # not preferred
    f 3
    
    # preferred
    f(3)
    
    # not preferred and parses as rem(2, (3 |> g)), which is not what you want.
    2 |> rem 3 |> g
    
    # preferred
    2 |> rem(3) |> g
  • Use parentheses for calls to functions with zero arity, so they can be distinguished from variables. Starting in Elixir 1.4, the compiler will warn you about locations where this ambiguity exists. [link]

    defp do_stuff, do: ...
    
    # not preferred
    def my_func do
      # is this a variable or a function call?
      do_stuff
    end
    
    # preferred
    def my_func do
      # this is clearly a function call
      do_stuff()
    end
  • Always use the special syntax for keyword lists. [link]

    # not preferred
    some_value = [{:a, "baz"}, {:b, "qux"}]
    
    # preferred
    some_value = [a: "baz", b: "qux"]
  • Omit square brackets from keyword lists whenever they are optional. [link]

    # not preferred
    some_function(foo, bar, [a: "baz", b: "qux"])
    
    # preferred
    some_function(foo, bar, a: "baz", b: "qux")
  • Indent and align successive with clauses. Put the do: argument on a new line, aligned with the previous clauses. [link]

    with {:ok, foo} <- fetch(opts, :foo),
         {:ok, bar} <- fetch(opts, :bar),
         do: {:ok, foo, bar}
  • If the with expression has a do block with more than one line, or has an else option, use multiline syntax. [link]

    with {:ok, foo} <- fetch(opts, :foo),
         {:ok, bar} <- fetch(opts, :bar) do
      {:ok, foo, bar}
    else
      :error ->
        {:error, :bad_arg}
    end

Naming

  • Use snake_case for atoms, functions and variables. [link]

    # not preferred
    :"some atom"
    :SomeAtom
    :someAtom
    
    someVar = 5
    
    def someFunction do
      ...
    end
    
    # preferred
    :some_atom
    
    some_var = 5
    
    def some_function do
      ...
    end
  • Use CamelCase for modules (keep acronyms like HTTP, RFC, XML uppercase). [link]

    # not preferred
    defmodule Somemodule do
      ...
    end
    
    defmodule Some_Module do
      ...
    end
    
    defmodule SomeXml do
      ...
    end
    
    # preferred
    defmodule SomeModule do
      ...
    end
    
    defmodule SomeXML do
      ...
    end
  • The names of predicate macros (compile-time generated functions that return a boolean value) that can be used within guards should be prefixed with is_. For a list of allowed expressions, see the Guard docs. [link]

    defmacro is_cool(var) do
      quote do: unquote(var) == "cool"
    end
  • The names of predicate functions that cannot be used within guards should have a trailing question mark (?) rather than the is_ (or similar) prefix. [link]

    def cool?(var) do
      # Complex check if var is cool not possible in a pure function.
    end
  • Private functions with the same name as public functions should start with do_. [link]

    def sum(list), do: do_sum(list, 0)
    
    # private functions
    defp do_sum([], total), do: total
    defp do_sum([head | tail], total), do: do_sum(tail, head + total)

Comments

  • Write expressive code and try to convey your program's intention through control-flow, structure and naming. [link]

  • Place comments above the line they comment on. [link]

    String.first(some_string) # not preferred
    
    # preferred
    String.first(some_string)
  • Use one space between the leading # character of the comment and the text of the comment. [link]

    #not preferred
    String.first(some_string)
    
    # preferred
    String.first(some_string)
  • Comments longer than a word are capitalized, and sentences use punctuation. Use one space after periods. [link]

    # not preferred
    # these lowercase comments are missing punctuation
    
    # preferred
    # Capitalization example
    # Use punctuation for complete sentences.

Comment Annotations

  • Annotations should usually be written on the line immediately above the relevant code. [link]

  • The annotation keyword is uppercase, and is followed by a colon and a space, then a note describing the problem. [link]

    # TODO: Deprecate in v1.5.
    def some_function(arg), do: {:ok, arg}
  • In cases where the problem is so obvious that any documentation would be redundant, annotations may be left with no note. This usage should be the exception and not the rule. [link]

    start_task()
    
    # FIXME
    Process.sleep(5000)
  • Use TODO to note missing features or functionality that should be added at a later date. [link]

  • Use FIXME to note broken code that needs to be fixed. [link]

  • Use OPTIMIZE to note slow or inefficient code that may cause performance problems. [link]

  • Use HACK to note code smells where questionable coding practices were used and should be refactored away. [link]

  • Use REVIEW to note anything that should be looked at to confirm it is working as intended. For example: REVIEW: Are we sure this is how the client does X currently? [link]

  • Use other custom annotation keywords if it feels appropriate, but be sure to document them in your project's README or similar. [link]

Modules

  • Use one module per file unless the module is only used internally by another module (such as a test). [link]

  • Use snake_case file names for CamelCase module names. [link]

    # file is called some_module.ex
    
    defmodule SomeModule do
    end
  • Represent each level of nesting within a module name as a directory. [link]

    # file is called parser/core/xml_parser.ex
    
    defmodule Parser.Core.XMLParser do
    end
  • Don't put a blank line after defmodule. [link]

  • Put a blank line after module-level code blocks. [link]

  • List module attributes and directives in the following order: [link]

    1. @moduledoc
    2. @behaviour
    3. use
    4. import
    5. alias
    6. require
    7. defstruct
    8. @type
    9. @module_attribute
    10. @callback
    11. @macrocallback
    12. @optional_callbacks

    Add a blank line between each grouping, and sort the terms (like module names) alphabetically. Here's an overall example of how you should order things in your modules:

    defmodule MyModule do
      @moduledoc """
      An example module
      """
    
      @behaviour MyBehaviour
    
      use GenServer
    
      import Something
      import SomethingElse
    
      alias My.Long.Module.Name
      alias My.Other.Module.Example
    
      require Integer
    
      defstruct name: nil, params: []
    
      @type params :: [{binary, binary}]
    
      @module_attribute :foo
      @other_attribute 100
    
      @callback some_function(term) :: :ok | {:error, term}
    
      @macrocallback macro_name(term) :: Macro.t()
    
      @optional_callbacks macro_name: 1
    
      ...
    end
  • Use the __MODULE__ pseudo variable when a module refers to itself. This avoids having to update any self-references when the module name changes. [link]

    defmodule SomeProject.SomeModule do
      defstruct [:name]
    
      def name(%__MODULE__{name: name}), do: name
    end
  • If you want a prettier name for a module self-reference, set up an alias. [link]

    defmodule SomeProject.SomeModule do
      alias __MODULE__, as: SomeModule
    
      defstruct [:name]
    
      def name(%SomeModule{name: name}), do: name
    end
  • Avoid repeating fragments in module names and namespaces. This improves overall readability and eliminates ambiguous aliases. [link]

    # not preferred
    defmodule Todo.Todo do
      ...
    end
    
    # preferred
    defmodule Todo.Item do
      ...
    end

Documentation

Documentation in Elixir (when read either in iex with h or generated with ExDoc) uses the Module Attributes @moduledoc and @doc.

  • Always include a @moduledoc attribute in the line right after defmodule in your module. [link]

    # not preferred
    
    defmodule SomeModule do
    
      @moduledoc """
      About the module
      """
      ...
    end
    
    defmodule AnotherModule do
      use SomeModule
      @moduledoc """
      About the module
      """
      ...
    end
    
    # preferred
    
    defmodule AThirdModule do
      @moduledoc """
      About the module
      """
    
      use SomeModule
      ...
    end
  • Use @moduledoc false if you do not intend on documenting the module. [link]

    defmodule SomeModule do
      @moduledoc false
      ...
    end
  • Separate code after the @moduledoc with a blank line. [link]

    # not preferred
    defmodule SomeModule do
      @moduledoc """
      About the module
      """
      use AnotherModule
    end
    
    # preferred
    defmodule SomeModule do
      @moduledoc """
      About the module
      """
    
      use AnotherModule
    end
  • Use heredocs with markdown for documentation. [link]

    # not preferred
    defmodule SomeModule do
      @moduledoc "About the module"
    end
    
    defmodule SomeModule do
      @moduledoc """
      About the module
    
      Examples:
      iex> SomeModule.some_function
      :result
      """
    end
    
    # preferred
    defmodule SomeModule do
      @moduledoc """
      About the module
    
      ## Examples
    
          iex> SomeModule.some_function
          :result
      """
    end

Typespecs

Typespecs are notation for declaring types and specifications, for documentation or for the static analysis tool Dialyzer.

Custom types should be defined at the top of the module with the other directives (see Modules).

  • Place @typedoc and @type definitions together, and separate each pair with a blank line. [link]

    defmodule SomeModule do
      @moduledoc false
    
      @typedoc "The name"
      @type name :: atom
    
      @typedoc "The result"
      @type result :: {:ok, term} | {:error, term}
    
      ...
    end
  • If a union type is too long to fit on a single line, put each part of the type on a separate line, indented one level past the name of the type. [link]

    # not preferred
    @type long_union_type :: some_type | another_type | some_other_type |
    a_final_type
    
    # preferred
    @type long_union_type ::
            some_type
            | another_type
            | some_other_type
            | a_final_type
  • Name the main type for a module t, for example: the type specification for a struct. [link]

    defstruct name: nil, params: []
    
    @type t :: %__MODULE__{
            name: String.t() | nil,
            params: Keyword.t()
          }
  • Place specifications right before the function definition, without separating them by a blank line. [link]

    @spec some_function(term) :: result
    def some_function(some_data) do
      {:ok, some_data}
    end

Structs

  • Use a list of atoms for struct fields that default to nil, followed by the other keywords. [link]

    # not preferred
    defstruct name: nil, params: nil, active: true
    
    # preferred
    defstruct [:name, :params, active: true]
  • Omit square brackets when the argument of a defstruct is a keyword list. [link]

    # not preferred
    defstruct [params: [], active: true]
    
    # preferred
    defstruct params: [], active: true
    
    # required - brackets are not optional, with at least one atom in the list
    defstruct [:name, params: [], active: true]
  • If a struct definition spans multiple lines, put each element on its own line, keeping the elements aligned. [link]

    defstruct foo: "test",
              bar: true,
              baz: false,
              qux: false,
              quux: 1

    If a multiline struct requires brackets, format it as a multiline list:

    defstruct [
      :name,
      params: [],
      active: true
    ]

Exceptions

  • Make exception names end with a trailing Error. [link]

    # not preferred
    defmodule BadHTTPCode do
      defexception [:message]
    end
    
    defmodule BadHTTPCodeException do
      defexception [:message]
    end
    
    # preferred
    defmodule BadHTTPCodeError do
      defexception [:message]
    end
  • Use lowercase error messages when raising exceptions, with no trailing punctuation. [link]

    # not preferred
    raise ArgumentError, "This is not valid."
    
    # preferred
    raise ArgumentError, "this is not valid"

Collections

No guidelines for collections have been added yet.

Strings

  • Match strings using the string concatenator rather than binary patterns: [link]

    # not preferred
    <<"my"::utf8, _rest::bytes>> = "my string"
    
    # preferred
    "my" <> _rest = "my string"

Regular Expressions

No guidelines for regular expressions have been added yet.

Metaprogramming

  • Avoid needless metaprogramming. [link]

Testing

  • When writing ExUnit assertions, be consistent with the order of the expected and actual values under testing. Prefer placing the expected result on the right, unless the assertion is a pattern match. [link]

    # preferred - expected result on the right
    assert actual_function(1) == true
    assert actual_function(2) == false
    
    # not preferred - inconsistent order
    assert actual_function(1) == true
    assert false == actual_function(2)
    
    # required - the assertion is a pattern match
    assert {:ok, expected} = actual_function(3)

Alternative Style Guides

Tools

Refer to Awesome Elixir for libraries and tools that can help with code analysis and style linting.

Getting Involved

Contributing

It's our hope that this will become a central hub for community discussion on best practices in Elixir. Feel free to open tickets or send pull requests with improvements. Thanks in advance for your help!

Check the contributing guidelines for more information.

Spread the Word

A community style guide is meaningless without the community's support. Please tweet, star, and let any Elixir programmer know about this guide so they can contribute.

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License

Creative Commons License This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Attribution

The structure of this guide, bits of example code, and many of the initial points made in this document were borrowed from the Ruby community style guide. A lot of things were applicable to Elixir and allowed us to get some document out quicker to start the conversation.

Here's the list of people who have kindly contributed to this project.

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A community driven style guide for Elixir

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