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url: /docs/contribute/formatter.md
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# Formatter (oxfmt)

We are currently porting Prettier and Biome Formatter to Oxc to create a high-performance, Prettier-compatible formatter.

## Architecture Overview

The Oxc formatter is built around the same core concepts as Prettier but with significant performance optimizations:

* **Document Model**: Uses Prettier and Biome's document IR (Intermediate Representation)
* **Pretty Printing**: Implements Wadler's pretty printing algorithm
* **AST Integration**: Leverages Oxc's fast parser for optimal performance

## Performance Considerations

### Optimization Strategies

* **Memory Arena**: AST allocated in bump allocator
* **String Interning**: Reuse common strings
* **Lazy Evaluation**: Defer expensive computations

## Current Challenges

### Technical Challenges

1. **Comment Handling**: Preserving comment placement and formatting
2. **JavaScript Quirks**: Handling edge cases in JavaScript syntax
3. **Performance vs Compatibility**: Balancing speed with exact Prettier output
4. **Memory Management**: Efficient handling of large files

### Missing Features

* \[ ] Plugin system compatibility
* \[x] Configuration file support
* \[ ] Editor integrations
* \[x] CLI tool
* \[x] Language server protocol