gleam-lang/gleam

False positive `This imported module is never used` when aliasing

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#5145 opened on Nov 20, 2025

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 (2 comments) (0 reactions) (1 assignee)Rust (21,417 stars) (960 forks)batch import
help wanted

Description

import bar/foo
import foo as baz

pub fn main() -> Nil {
  foo.go()
  baz.thing()
}

When running gleam check (or build, or the language server) on this code, it incorrectly states:

warning: Unused imported module
  ┌─ /tmp/tmp.0xlJkPoggL/import_shadow/src/import_shadow.gleam:1:1
  │
1 │ import bar/foo
  │ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ This imported module is never used

Hint: You can safely remove it.

See https://github.com/bo0tzz/gleam_reproductions/blob/import-shadow/src/import_shadow.gleam for a minimal project that reproduces this.

Contributor guide

Tech stack
rust
Domain
backendtooling
Issue type
bug
DifficultyEstimated implementation difficulty for a new contributor, from 1 for very small changes to 5 for expert-level work.
3
Estimated timeA rough time range for an experienced contributor to investigate, implement, test, and prepare a pull request.
1-3 hours
Activity statusHow available the issue appears right now: fresh, active, stale, blocked, or waiting on maintainer input.
blocked
ClarityHow clearly the issue explains the expected change, acceptance criteria, and next step.
clear
Prerequisites
RustGleam
Newbie friendlinessA 1-100 score estimating how approachable this issue is for first-time contributors.
30
Research direction
The issue is about a false positive unused import warning when a module is imported both directly and via an alias. The fix likely involves modifying the import usage tracking in the Gleam compiler, possibly in the module resolution or analysis phase. Look at the compiler's source code, specifically files related to import validation and warning generation. The reproduction is provided in a minimal project. The issue has an assignee, so check if there is any ongoing work or linked PRs.