The Tool Desk
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Which Perl linter should you use?
Choose by the problem you want to solve. Perl::Critic is the clearest fit for enforcing a team’s chosen coding policies. Perltidy makes layout consistent. zarn is presented as a security-focused static-analysis option, but the available evidence does not establish its checks or maintenance status. A Perl Language Server (PLS) can surface diagnostics in an editor and run Perl::Critic when that integration is enabled.
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| Tool | Best suited to | What it does | Important qualification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Perl::Critic | Configurable coding standards | Applies policy-based static analysis; policies can be enabled, disabled, customized, or created. | Findings express chosen policies, not automatic proof of runtime defects. |
| Perltidy | Consistent formatting | Indents and reformats Perl code using configurable formatting options. | A formatter, not a replacement for policy analysis or syntax checking. |
| zarn | Security-oriented analysis | Listed as a lightweight static security-analysis tool for modern Perl applications; a roundup snippet also describes analysis of source code and dependencies. | Detailed checks, supported versions, and release health are not established here. |
| Perl Language Server (PLS) | Editor feedback and language features | Provides Perl editor features and can run Perl::Critic linting. | Perl::Critic integration is off by default in the documented setup; PLS is workflow integration, not an independent lint engine. |
1. Perl::Critic: best for configurable policy checks
Perl::Critic is an extensible framework for applying coding standards to Perl source. Its distributed policies draw in part on Damian Conway’s Perl Best Practices, but the project notes that policies can also differ from that book. Teams can select, change, or write policies to match their own standards. As the project documentation puts it, “Ultimately, you make the rules — Perl::Critic is merely a tool for encouraging consistency.” Perl::Critic project documentation
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#1 Best Overall
Use its findings as policy feedback: a violation means code conflicts with an enabled rule. It does not by itself establish that the program will fail at runtime. This distinction matters when a team is tuning rules or introducing checks into an older codebase.
2. Perltidy: best for consistent formatting
Perltidy indents and reformats Perl scripts to make them easier to read. Its command-line options let you control the result, and its defaults approximately follow suggestions in the Perl Style Guide. Perltidy project documentation
Rank #2
- Used Book in Good Condition
It is useful when a team wants a consistent layout and reviewable formatting changes. The project documents installation through CPAN and integration with tools such as tidyall; these are not evidence of a particular editor integration. Perltidy can also help locate missing or extra braces, parentheses, and square brackets, but that limited assistance does not make it a substitute for syntax checks or policy analysis. The project says it should run on Perl 5.8.1 or later. Perltidy project documentation
3. zarn: a security-focused option to investigate
zarn is listed as a lightweight static security-analysis tool for modern Perl applications. A LinuxLinks roundup search result also describes it as analyzing source code and dependencies. That is enough to put it on the shortlist for readers looking specifically for security-oriented analysis, but not enough to assess its coverage or suitability in detail. analysis-tools.dev listing
The available descriptions do not establish zarn’s specific checks, supported Perl versions, maintenance cadence, or release date. Review its current project documentation and test it against your application before relying on it for security decisions.
4. Perl Language Server: best for editor feedback
The reviewed Perl Language Server project, also called PLS, implements Language Server Protocol features for Perl 5. Its documented features include go-to-definition, symbols, hover documentation, signature help, completion, formatting, range formatting, syntax checking, import sorting, and linting through Perl::Critic. It documents setup routes for VS Code, Neovim, BBEdit, and Emacs LSP Mode. Perl Language Server project documentation
Rank #4
In the documented setup, Perl::Critic integration is off by default; the project’s configuration example shows how to enable it. That means PLS can bring lint diagnostics into an editor, but it depends on the underlying linter for Perl::Critic checks.
A LinuxLinks search result uses the name “perl-lsp,” while the repository reviewed here calls its project Perl Language Server or PLS. The available information does not establish that the roundup’s label refers to this exact repository, so check the project identity before installing. LinuxLinks roundup
Best Value
How to choose and combine them
- For team standards: start with Perl::Critic, then tailor its policies to the conventions the team actually wants to enforce.
- For formatting consistency: add Perltidy. It complements policy checks rather than duplicating them.
- For security analysis: investigate zarn’s current documentation and verify the checks and compatibility relevant to your code before depending on it.
- For immediate editor feedback: consider PLS and configure the underlying tools you need; its documented Perl::Critic integration is not enabled by default.
Before adopting a tool, check that its Perl-version requirements match the target environment and decide where feedback should appear: a command line, build or test workflow, or editor. The projects document different installation and integration routes, so setup is not identical across the four options.
Are these tools free and open source?
Perl::Critic and Perltidy are presented by their projects as free software; Perltidy specifically identifies its license as the GNU General Public License. The cited zarn listing describes the tool but does not establish its license in the material available here. The Perl Language Server repository is a public project, but the reviewed evidence does not state its license terms. Check each project’s current license and distribution terms before using or redistributing it.
Quick Recap
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