Linting

A linter is a tool that reads your source code and flags problems without actually running it. ESLint for JavaScript and TypeScript is the most common. It catches things like unused variables, missing return types, inconsistent formatting, and patterns that often lead to bugs.

Linting is usually paired with a formatter like Prettier, which auto-fixes style issues (semicolons, quotes, indentation) so the team never argues about formatting. Together, they keep a codebase clean and consistent regardless of how many people contribute.

For vibe coders, linting matters because AI-generated code does not always follow your project's conventions. Running a linter after accepting AI output catches small issues before they compound. Most editors run linting in real time, showing red and yellow squiggles as you type.