jsx-eslint/eslint-plugin-react

[Bug]: jsx-curly-brace-presence incorrectly removes `{""}` used for whitespace preservation

Open

#3995 opened on Mar 26, 2026

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bughelp wanted

Description

Is there an existing issue for this?

  • I have searched the existing issues and my issue is unique
  • My issue appears in the command-line and not only in the text editor

Description Overview

In some scenarios where {""} is used for whitespace preservation, jsx-curly-brace-presence incorrectly flags the braces as unnecessary, and --fix introduces a visual regression.

export default function App() {
  return (
    <span>
      <span>The braces</span>
      {""} matter here.
    </span>
  );
}

Applying "react/jsx-curly-brace-presence": ["error", { "children": "never" }] to this block causes

  5:7  error  Curly braces are unnecessary here  react/jsx-curly-brace-presence

This is incorrect, since the {""} preserves the whitespace between "braces" and "matter". Additionally, eslint --fix leads to

export default function App() {
  return (
    <span>
      <span>The braces</span>
       matter here.
    </span>
  );
}

which is a visual regression: "The braces matter here." becomes "The bracesmatter here.".

Expected Behavior

jsx-curly-brace-presence should not flag curly braces that are serving a purpose, and eslint --fix should never introduce behavior regressions.

eslint-plugin-react version

v7.37.5

eslint version

v9.39.4

node version

v25.8.0

Contributor guide

Tech stack
javascriptreact
Domain
toolingdeveloper experience
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.
1-2 days
Activity statusHow available the issue appears right now: fresh, active, stale, blocked, or waiting on maintainer input.
active
ClarityHow clearly the issue explains the expected change, acceptance criteria, and next step.
clear
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of ESLint plugin developmentUnderstanding of JSX whitespace handling
Newbie friendlinessA 1-100 score estimating how approachable this issue is for first-time contributors.
50
Research direction
Investigate the implementation of the `jsx curly brace presence` rule in `lib/rules/jsx curly brace presence.js`. The rule currently treats `{""}` as unnecessary, but it should preserve braces when the string contains only whitespace that affects adjacent text. Review the logic that determines brace necessity, particularly in cases where the string is empty or whitespace only. Add a test case similar to the provided example to prevent regression.