An introduction to a Dart analyzer plugin for enforcing which files can import which, via simple YAML configuration and glob patterns

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import_rules is a Dart analyzer plugin that enforces architectural boundaries through YAML-configured import constraints. It addresses Dart's simple visibility model (private in file, public otherwise) by blocking unwanted imports at the IDE and analyzer level. The plugin supports use cases like maintaining layered architectures, enforcing design system usage, preventing IO in unit tests, and controlling module APIs through aggregate files. Configuration lives in analysis_options.yaml with glob patterns defining which files can't import what, showing violations as lint errors without extra CI steps.

Enforcing Architectural Rules in Dart/Flutter Projects with import_rules

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