Skip to content
SPECIFICTION
Get listed

Google API Linter

linter.aip.dev

Free plan Self-hosted
Visit linter.aip.dev
Spec score 7.5 #18 of 25 in API Governance Software

Spec sheet

Purpose
The linter checks protocol buffer API surfaces for compliance with Google API standards documented in API Improvement Proposals.Read 4 Oct 2026 · linter.aip.dev
Intended users
The tool is for developers working with APIs defined in protocol buffers and API standards.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Support
The project documentation links to GitHub to file an issue and view the source repository.Read 4 Oct 2026 · linter.aip.dev
License
The software and its documentation are licensed under Apache 2.0.Read 4 Oct 2026 · linter.aip.dev
Configuration
Rules can be configured with CLI flags, a configuration file, or comments in proto files.Read 4 Oct 2026 · linter.aip.dev
Contributions
The project accepts contributions, and its contributing guide identifies writing a new lint rule as a common contribution.Read 4 Oct 2026 · linter.aip.dev
Corrections
When able, the linter suggests fixes for common mistakes and inconsistencies.Read 4 Oct 2026 · linter.aip.dev
Coverage limit
The documentation says some AIP guidance cannot be expressed as lint rules, and some expressible rules may not yet be written.Read 4 Oct 2026 · linter.aip.dev
Installation
The documentation instructs users to install the CLI with Go install into the local Go binary directory.Read 4 Oct 2026 · linter.aip.dev
Output formats
The CLI supports YAML, JSON, GitHub, and summary table output, with YAML as the default.Read 4 Oct 2026 · linter.aip.dev
Rule groups
Rules are grouped by AIP block, with core and client library rules enabled by default and Cloud rules disabled by default.Read 4 Oct 2026 · linter.aip.dev
Rule requirements
Each linter rule must correspond to an AIP that mandates the behavior.Read 4 Oct 2026 · linter.aip.dev
Versioning
The project says it does not follow semantic versioning because adding or correcting rules can make previously clean files report problems.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com

Plans and prices

Apache 2.0 open-source software Free No paid plans stated Read 4 Oct 2026 · linter.aip.dev

Every Google API Linter plan and price →

Where Specifiction places it

Alternatives to Google API LinterAll alternatives →