Back to all comparisonsTechPref
JavaScript / TypeScript Styleguide

Spaces vs Tabs

The eternal debate in code formatting. Explore both sides with real-world data, popular project preferences, and expert opinions.

92%

Use Spaces

8%

Use Tabs

Team Spaces

Precise, consistent, and universally rendered the same way across all environments and editors.

Code Example

example.js (2 spaces)
function calculateTotal(items) {
··return items
····.filter(item => item.active)
····.reduce((sum, item) => {
······return sum + item.price;
····}, 0);
}

Key Benefits

  • Consistent appearance across all editors and platforms
  • Precise control over alignment and formatting
  • Industry standard for most JavaScript projects
  • Prevents tab/space mixing issues
  • Recommended by Prettier and ESLint defaults
  • Easier code review with predictable spacing

Statistics

Team Tabs

Semantic, accessible, and respects individual developer preferences for display width.

Code Example

example.js (tabs)
function calculateTotal(items) {
→   return items
→   →   .filter(item => item.active)
→   →   .reduce((sum, item) => {
→   →   →   return sum + item.price;
→   →   }, 0);
}

Key Benefits

  • Semantic meaning: one indent = one tab character
  • Customizable display width per developer preference
  • More accessible for visually impaired developers
  • Smaller file sizes with fewer characters
  • Faster navigation with keyboard shortcuts
  • Respects individual workspace settings

Statistics

Additional Insights

More data points to help you make an informed decision for your team.

995

repositories analyzed