unnecessary_late

Don't specify the late modifier when it is not needed.

DO not specify the late modifier for top-level and static variables when the declaration contains an initializer.

Top-level and static variables with initializers are already evaluated lazily as if they are marked late.

BAD:

late String badTopLevel = '';

GOOD:

String goodTopLevel = '';

BAD:

class BadExample {
  static late String badStatic = '';
}

GOOD:

class GoodExample {
  late String goodStatic;
}

To enable the unnecessary_late rule, add unnecessary_late under linter > rules in your analysis_options.yaml file:

linter:
  rules:
    - unnecessary_late

If you're instead using the YAML map syntax to configure linter rules, add unnecessary_late: true under linter > rules:

linter:
  rules:
    unnecessary_late: true

Unless stated otherwise, the documentation on this site reflects Dart 3.6.2. Page last updated on 2025-01-27. View source or report an issue.