Linting is the process of analyzing code to identify potential errors, bugs, style issues, and other programming mistakes that could cause problems in the execution or maintainability of the software. A linter is a static analysis tool that examines source code without actually executing it, providing feedback on the quality and consistency of the codebase.

Linting tools are commonly used in programming languages such as JavaScript, Python, Java, and C++ to detect syntax errors, code smells, unused variables, improper indentation, and more. The purpose of linting is to enforce coding standards and best practices, which helps improve code readability, consistency, and performance. Some popular linter tools include ESLint for JavaScript, Pylint for Python, and Checkstyle for Java.

By identifying issues early in the development process, linting helps developers avoid bugs that could emerge later in production. It also encourages uniform coding styles across teams, reducing friction in collaborative environments. Many modern development environments and Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) include built-in linting tools or allow the integration of third-party linters to provide real-time feedback during coding.