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ShellCheck

shellcheck.net

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Spec score 7.6 #24 of 33 in Linters

What it is

ShellCheck is a free static analysis tool for Bash and sh scripts. It flags syntax problems, semantic issues, and subtle pitfalls that could make scripts fail in future circumstances, then offers warnings and suggestions. You can paste a script into ShellCheck.net or run it from a terminal with `shellcheck yourscript`.

The project lists integrations for Vim, Emacs, Sublime, Pulsar Edit, and VS Code, along with GCC-compatible warnings for other editors. It can also be added to builds or test suites, with support listed for services including Travis CI, Codacy, Code Climate, CodeFactor, CircleCI, GitHub Actions, and Trunk. Output options include JSON, CheckStyle-compatible XML, GCC-compatible warnings, and readable text with or without ANSI colors. Installation routes include package managers, precompiled binaries, Docker, and source compilation. ShellCheck is licensed under GPLv3; its wiki documents the tool, and bugs can be reported through GitHub issues. There are no official Apple Silicon binaries, and compiling from source requires 2 GB of RAM.

Spec sheet

Purpose
ShellCheck is a static analysis tool that gives warnings and suggestions for Bash and sh scripts.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Platforms
The project documents binaries for Linux, macOS, and Windows and package manager installations across several operating systems.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
License
ShellCheck is available under the GPLv3 license.Read 7 Oct 2026 · shellcheck.net
Apple Silicon
The project states that it has no official Apple Silicon binaries and points to third-party builds.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Build requirement
Compiling ShellCheck from source requires 2 GB of RAM, according to the project README.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Checks
It aims to identify syntax problems, semantic issues, and subtle pitfalls that could make scripts fail in future circumstances.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
CI integrations
The project lists services including Travis CI, Codacy, Code Climate, CodeFactor, CircleCI, GitHub Actions, and Trunk as supporting ShellCheck.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Command line
ShellCheck can run from a terminal with the command `shellcheck yourscript`.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Editor integrations
The project lists integrations for Vim, Emacs, Sublime, Pulsar Edit, and VS Code, with GCC error compatibility for other editors.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Install options
The project documents installation through package managers, precompiled binaries, Docker, and source compilation.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Intended use
The project says ShellCheck is mostly intended for interactive use, but can also be added to builds or test suites.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Output formats
ShellCheck can emit JSON, CheckStyle compatible XML, GCC compatible warnings, and human-readable text with or without ANSI colors.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Support and documentation
The project documents ShellCheck in its wiki and invites users to report bugs through GitHub issues.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Web use
Users can paste a shell script on ShellCheck.net for instant feedback.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com

Plans and prices

ShellCheck Free Free, open-source software under GPLv3 Static analysis for shell scripts · use on web, terminal, in editors, or in build and test suites Read 7 Oct 2026 · shellcheck.net

Every ShellCheck plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free and licensed under GPLv3.
  • Checks Bash and sh scripts.
  • Offers editor integrations and CI support.
  • Provides JSON, XML, GCC, and text output.

Limits

  • No official Apple Silicon binaries.
  • Source compilation requires 2 GB of RAM.

Who it suits

ShellCheck suits people writing Bash or sh scripts who want checks in an editor, terminal, web page, build, or test suite. It can also fit CI workflows that use one of its listed services.

Verdict

ShellCheck offers several ways to run script analysis and consume its findings. Apple Silicon users may need a third-party build, while source compilation has a stated memory requirement.

Where Specifiction places it

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