require-stylelint-rules-object

Require a top-level rules object in authored Stylelint config files.

Targeted pattern scope

This rule targets Stylelint config modules such as stylelint.config.ts, stylelint.config.mjs, and .stylelintrc.js.

It focuses on top-level exported config objects, including configs wrapped in defineConfig(...).

What this rule reports

This rule reports Stylelint config objects that do not define a top-level rules property.

Why this rule exists

A missing rules object often indicates partial or placeholder config exports that are hard to review and reason about. Requiring an explicit rules object keeps lint intent visible.

❌ Incorrect

export default {
    reportDescriptionlessDisables: true,
};

✅ Correct

export default {
    reportDescriptionlessDisables: true,
    rules: {},
};

Behavior and migration notes

• This rule inserts rules: {}, when missing.
• The fixer preserves surrounding object structure and formatting style.

ESLint flat config example

import stylelint2 from "eslint-plugin-stylelint-2";

export default [stylelint2.configs.configuration];

When not to use it

Do not use this rule if your team intentionally treats Stylelint config files as non-rule-only wrappers and does not want to enforce explicit rules declarations.

Package documentation

Stylelint package documentation:

Rule catalog ID: R017

Further reading

• Stylelint configuring guide