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prefer-less-than

Disallow greater-than comparisons in favor of less-than comparisons.

Targeted pattern scope​

This rule targets binary comparisons that use > or >=.

What this rule reports​

This rule reports > and >= expressions and provides fixes that swap operands and convert operators to < or <=.

Why this rule exists​

Some teams prefer comparison chains that read in ascending order (for example, min <= value && value <= max). Enforcing less-than style keeps range checks visually consistent across a codebase.

❌ Incorrect​

const isValid = value > min;

if (value >= min && value <= max) {
 run();
}

✅ Correct​

const isValid = min < value;

if (min <= value && value <= max) {
 run();
}

Behavior and migration notes​

This rule has no options.

The rule is auto-fixable. The fixer swaps both operands and rewrites the operator:

  • > → <
  • >= → <=

Additional examples​

if (score >= threshold) {
 pass();
}
// ❌ reported and auto-fixable to `threshold <= score`

if (threshold <= score) {
 pass();
}
// ✅ valid

ESLint flat config example​

import etcMisc from "eslint-plugin-etc-misc";

export default [
 {
  plugins: { "etc-misc": etcMisc },
  rules: {
   "etc-misc/prefer-less-than": "error",
  },
 },
];

When not to use it​

Disable this rule if your team intentionally uses greater-than comparisons for readability and does not want operand-swapping autofixes.

Package documentation​

Rule catalog ID: R059

Further reading​

Adoption resources​

  • Start at warning level in CI, then move to error after cleanup.
  • Use focused codemods/autofix batches per package or directory.