ESLint: TypeError: this.libOptions.parse is not a function

Problem Overview

This error occurs when using ESLint version 8.23.0 or later with JetBrains WebStorm IDE (specifically versions around 2022.2.1). The error manifests as:

TypeError: this.libOptions.parse is not a function

The issue is caused by breaking changes introduced in ESLint 8.23.0 that are incompatible with WebStorm's ESLint integration at the time. The error appears in the internal WebStorm ESLint plugin and prevents proper linting functionality.

This primarily affects developers using:

• WebStorm 2022.2.1 (Build #WS-222.3739.57)
• ESLint 8.23.0 or newer
• Next.js projects with TypeScript
• Node.js v16.15.1

Solutions

Solution 1: Downgrade ESLint (Temporary Fix)

The most straightforward solution is to downgrade ESLint to version 8.22.0, which doesn't contain the breaking changes:

npm

npm install eslint@8.22.0 --save-exact

yarn

yarn add eslint@8.22.0 --save-exact

After installation, make sure to clean your project dependencies:

rm -rf node_modules
rm package-lock.json  # or yarn.lock for yarn users
npm install           # or yarn install

WARNING

This is a temporary solution until WebStorm releases a compatible update. The exact version pinning (--save-exact) ensures consistent behavior across installations.

Solution 2: Update WebStorm (Recommended)

JetBrains has fixed this issue in WebStorm version 2022.2.3 and later. Updating your IDE is the recommended long-term solution:

1. Open WebStorm
2. Navigate to Help → Check for Updates
3. Install any available updates
4. Restart WebStorm after the update completes

INFO

The issue is officially tracked in JetBrains' issue tracker as WEB-57089 and was resolved in the 2022.2.2 preview build.

Solution 3: Configure WebStorm ESLint Settings

If you cannot immediately update WebStorm, adjust the ESLint configuration:

1. Open WebStorm settings (Settings or Alt+Shift+S)
2. Search for "eslint"
3. Select Automatic ESLint configuration
4. Replace the file pattern with:

   **/*.(js|ts|jsx|tsx|html|vue)

This configuration change helps WebStorm properly identify files that should be processed by ESLint.

Technical Background

The issue stems from an upstream change in ESLint 8.23.0 (specifically commit 3e5839e) that modified internal APIs used by WebStorm's ESLint integration. The JetBrains plugin expected certain methods to be available that were changed or removed in the ESLint update.

Prevention

To avoid similar issues in the future:

1. Keep your IDE updated: Regularly check for WebStorm/JetBrains updates
2. Test dependency updates: Consider testing major dependency updates in isolation
3. Pin critical versions: For team projects, consider pinning versions of tools that integrate with your IDE

Current Status

As of 2023, this issue should be resolved in all current versions of WebStorm (2022.2.3 and later). If you encounter this error:

1. First update WebStorm to the latest version
2. If the issue persists, ensure you're not using an outdated ESLint configuration
3. Consider creating a new issue on JetBrains' YouTrack if the problem continues with current versions

TIP

Always check the JetBrains issue tracker for known compatibility issues before spending significant time troubleshooting IDE-related errors.