Dead Symbols

ID: dead_symbols | Severity: Low (default)

Identifies functions, variables, or classes that are defined within a file but never used, even locally.

Why this is a smell

It's just clutter. It makes the file harder to read and maintain without adding any value.

How to fix

Delete the unused symbols.

Configuration

rules:
  dead_symbols:
    severity: low
    # List of method names to ignore (e.g. framework lifecycle methods)
    ignore_methods:
      - 'constructor'
    # Map of interface/class methods to ignore when implemented
    contract_methods:
      MyInterface: ['method1', 'method2']
      ValidatorConstraintInterface: ['validate', 'defaultMessage']

ESLint Rule

This detector is available as an ESLint rule for real-time feedback in your editor.

// eslint.config.js
export default [
  {
    rules: {
      '@archlinter/no-dead-symbols': 'warn',
    },
  },
];

See ESLint Integration for setup instructions.