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PHPMD

phpmd.org

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Spec score 7.7 #21 of 33 in Linters

What it is

PHPMD analyzes PHP source code for possible bugs, inefficient patterns, complicated expressions, and unused parameters, methods, or properties. Its predefined rules flag code smells and potential errors across categories including clean code, code size, controversial practices, design, naming, and unused code. Teams can add custom rules and use security rules, and PHPMD supports CI workflows. Reports include JSON, SARIF, Checkstyle-compatible, GitHub, and GitLab options, including a GitLab renderer for GitLab CI. The project documents installation through a Phar, PHIVE, or Composer; Phar files are signed with a public key associated with [email protected]. Listed requirements are PHP >= 5.3.9 and PHP_Depend >= 2.0.0. PHPMD is free under the BSD 3-Clause license and runs on Linux, macOS, Windows, or a self-hosted setup. The homepage lists version 2.15.0, dated 2023/12/11, as the latest release shown. Help is available through the Gitter channel, while bugs and feature requests go to the issue tracker.

Spec sheet

Purpose
PHPMD analyzes PHP source code for possible bugs, suboptimal code, overcomplicated expressions, and unused parameters, methods, or properties.Read 7 Oct 2026 · phpmd.org
Support
The support page directs users to the Gitter channel for help and the issue tracker for bugs or feature requests.Read 7 Oct 2026 · phpmd.org
License
The project site identifies PHPMD as licensed under the BSD 3-Clause license.Read 7 Oct 2026 · phpmd.org
Founded
2009Read 28 Sep 2026 · phpmd.org
Analysis rules
Its predefined rules detect code smells and possible errors in analyzed source code.Read 7 Oct 2026 · phpmd.org
Company details
The people page names Manuel Pichler as project founder and says he has been involved since 2009.Read 7 Oct 2026 · phpmd.org
Enterprise support
The enterprise page offers PHPMD through the Tidelift Subscription, which describes commercial support and maintenance for open-source dependencies.Read 7 Oct 2026 · phpmd.org
GitLab CI
Release notes state that PHPMD added a GitLab renderer for GitLab CI.Read 7 Oct 2026 · phpmd.org
Installation
The site documents installation as a Phar, through PHIVE, or via Composer.Read 7 Oct 2026 · phpmd.org
Latest release shown
The homepage lists PHPMD 2.15.0, dated 2023/12/11, as its most recent release.Read 7 Oct 2026 · phpmd.org
PHP dependency
The download page lists PHP >= 5.3.9 and PHP_Depend >= 2.0.0 as requirements.Read 7 Oct 2026 · phpmd.org
Reports
Release notes document JSON, SARIF, Checkstyle-compatible, GitHub, and GitLab report renderers or options.Read 7 Oct 2026 · phpmd.org
Rule categories
The documented rulesets cover clean code, code size, controversial practices, design, naming, and unused code.Read 7 Oct 2026 · phpmd.org
Signing
PHPMD Phar files are signed with a public key associated with [email protected].Read 7 Oct 2026 · phpmd.org

Plans and prices

PHPMD Free PHP source code analysis · BSD 3-Clause license Read 7 Oct 2026 · phpmd.org

Every PHPMD plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free under the BSD 3-Clause license
  • Custom rules and security rules are supported
  • Supports CI and GitLab CI reporting
  • Installation options include Phar, PHIVE, and Composer

Limits

  • No autofix support
  • No IDE support
  • Requires PHP >= 5.3.9 and PHP_Depend >= 2.0.0

Who it suits

PHPMD suits PHP developers and teams who want rule-based checks for code quality, possible errors, and security concerns. Its CI support and multiple report options also suit automated review workflows.

Verdict

PHPMD provides a broad set of source-analysis rules and report options for PHP projects. Its listed limitations are the lack of autofix and IDE support.

Where Specifiction places it

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