github-linguist / github-linguist/linguist
`linguist-fallback-language` attribute
- Dominant language
- Ruby
- Stars
- 13.7k
- Forks
- 5.4k
- Avg merge
- 1d 15h
- Merged PRs (30d)
- 17
Description
Currently, people using a newer language on Github either have to accept a total lack of support for the language, or use .gitattributes with `linguist-language` to select a syntax highlighter that's "good enough". However, what if the language is then added to Linguist? Now the .gitattributes that have accumulated would override the actual, correct detection. Therefore, I suggest a `linguist-fallback-language` attribute that would allow Linguist to still classify the file if it does know the language, but provides a fallback in case it's not known.
Contributor guide
Research direction
The payload names no files or tests. Start by locating how .gitattributes and the existing linguist-language attribute are parsed and applied, then define coverage for known-language precedence and unknown-language fallback. Done means the fallback is used only when Linguist cannot identify the language, without overriding native detection.
Written by the indexing model from the issue text.
Assessment
- Tech stack
- ruby
- Domain
- tooling
- Issue type
- Feature
- Difficulty
- 4/5
- Estimated time
- 3-5 days
- Activity status
- Stale
- Clarity
- Mostly clear
- Newbie friendliness
- 35/100