Software linting parses or analyzes code according to a repeatable rule set. Linters can detect syntax issues, unused values, unsafe APIs, inconsistent patterns, dependency mistakes, accessibility defects, or architecture boundaries that reviewers do not want to enforce from memory.
Lint rules provide immediate executable feedback to people and coding agents, but rules should target real defects rather than create noise. Projects should version configuration, explain non-obvious constraints, fix warnings, and avoid silencing failures merely to make a check pass.
ELI5
Software linting automatically examines source code for defined mistakes, risky patterns, style problems, and project rules without running the whole application. It gives fast, repeatable feedback to developers and coding agents.
For example, a linter can flag an unused variable, an unsafe API, or a forbidden dependency before review. Rules should target real defects, and teams should fix warnings rather than hiding them merely to make the check pass.
How does software linting help AI coding agents?
It turns project constraints into fast deterministic feedback that the agent can run and correct during implementation.
Can software linting replace tests?
No. Linting checks static rules, while tests execute behavior and can verify outcomes that source analysis cannot establish.
