PHP_CodeSniffer

Spec sheet

Purpose

PHP_CodeSniffer tokenizes PHP files and detects violations of a defined coding standard.Read 11 Oct 2026 · github.com

Support

The project directs users to its GitHub issue tracker for bug reports and feature requests and to its wiki for documentation.Read 11 Oct 2026 · github.com

License

The repository identifies PHP_CodeSniffer as BSD-3-Clause licensed.Read 11 Oct 2026 · github.com

Automatic fixes

It includes phpcbf, a script that automatically corrects coding standard violations.Read 11 Oct 2026 · github.com

Built-in standards

The included standards include PEAR, PSR1, PSR2, PSR12, Squiz, and Zend.Read 11 Oct 2026 · github.com

CI usage

The project documentation suggests configuring project settings when using PHP_CodeSniffer on a team or CI server.Read 11 Oct 2026 · github.com

Custom standards

Users can install external coding standards and configure checks with ruleset files.Read 11 Oct 2026 · github.com

Download verification

The project says its PHAR files are signed with its official release key and that release PHAR provenance can be verified through GitHub Artifact Attestations.Read 11 Oct 2026 · github.com

File scope

It checks specified files or directories and can recursively scan a directory's subfolders.Read 11 Oct 2026 · github.com

Installation

The project documents installation through PHAR downloads, Composer, Phive, or a Git clone.Read 11 Oct 2026 · github.com

Parallel scans

The command supports parallel processing, which requires PHP's PCNTL extension and is disabled by default.Read 11 Oct 2026 · github.com

Reports

Available report formats include full, XML, Checkstyle, CSV, JSON, JUnit, Emacs, source, summary, diff, and performance.Read 11 Oct 2026 · github.com

Runtime requirement

PHP_CodeSniffer requires PHP version 7.2.0 or greater, and individual sniffs may have additional requirements.Read 11 Oct 2026 · github.com

Plans and prices

Every PHP_CodeSniffer plan and price →

Where Specifiction places it

• Linters#29 of 337.3