require-exclude-common-artifacts

Require an explicit exclude array to contain node_modules and dist.

Targeted pattern scope

The root-level exclude array in any tsconfig*.json file.

What this rule reports

This rule reports only when an explicit exclude array is present but does not contain one or both of these entries:

• node_modules
• dist

When exclude is absent, this rule does not report.

Why this rule exists

When a project defines a custom exclude array, TypeScript's automatic exclusion of node_modules no longer applies. If node_modules is missing, TypeScript may process package sources and declarations unnecessarily.

Including dist in the program likewise causes TypeScript to re-process build output, which slows type-checking and can produce confusing errors.

The auto-fixer appends any missing entries to the exclude array.

❌ Incorrect

{
    "include": ["src"],
    "exclude": ["dist"]
}

node_modules is absent. Because exclude is explicitly defined, TypeScript no longer applies its built-in default exclusion.

✅ Correct

{
    "include": ["src"],
    "exclude": ["node_modules", "dist"]
}

When not to use it

Disable this rule in projects with a custom directory layout or where an explicit exclude array is intentionally used for a different strategy.

Package documentation

Rule catalog ID: R019

Further reading

• TypeScript handbook — exclude