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typescript/class-methods-use-this

Require non-static class methods to reference this.

Targeted pattern scope​

This rule checks non-static class MethodDefinition nodes where:

  • kind === "method" (constructors/getters/setters are excluded),
  • the method has a block body,
  • the first parameter is not this, and
  • the method body does not contain a ThisExpression.

What this rule reports​

This rule reports class instance methods that do not use this and do not declare a this parameter.

Why this rule exists​

Instance methods that do not use instance state are often better expressed as static methods or standalone functions.

❌ Incorrect​

class C {
 method() {
  return 1;
 }
}

✅ Correct​

class C {
 method() {
  return this;
 }
}
class C {
 method(this: void) {
  return 1;
 }
}

Deprecated​

Behavior and migration notes​

This rule is deprecated in favor of @typescript-eslint/class-methods-use-this.

It reports only and does not provide an autofix.

Options​

This rule has no options.

Status​

Use the Deprecated section above for lifecycle details.

Additional examples​

class Service {
 static create() {
  return new Service();
 }

 run() {
  return this;
 }
}
// ✅ static methods are outside this rule; instance method uses this

ESLint flat config example​

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

export default [
 {
  plugins: { "etc-misc": etcMisc },
  rules: {
   "etc-misc/typescript/class-methods-use-this": "error",
  },
 },
];

When not to use it​

Disable this rule if methods that do not reference this are acceptable.

Package documentation​

Rule catalog ID: R081

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.