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proselint
What proselint is
proselint is a free, open-source linter for English prose that checks files and suggests possible improvements. Its checks reflect writing guidance associated with authors, editors, usage guides, and literary publications. The command-line tool can show diagnostics as text or JSON, and users can adjust which checks run at different levels. Separate check selections can be assigned to files that match particular patterns. Python programs can use the LintFile class from proselint.tools to lint text and return suggestions.
The project supports Linux and self-hosted use. Documented installation routes include pip, Fedora, Debian, Ubuntu, Nix, pre-commit, and prek. Listed integrations include Vim through ALE, Emacs through Flycheck, Neovim through none-ls.nvim, and CI/CD through MegaLinter. Its IntelliJ, Flymake, Sublime Text, Phabricator Arc, Visual Studio Code, Coala, Danger, and Syntastic plugins are archived or unmaintained. The default maximum output is 1,000 results. proselint is licensed under BSD-3-Clause, and users with problems are directed to open an issue.
Who it suits
proselint suits writers and developers who want to run English prose checks from the command line or from Python programs. It is also a fit for users of the listed Vim, Emacs, Neovim, and CI/CD integrations who want to tailor checks for different files.
What it does well
- Free and open source under the BSD-3-Clause license
- Command-line diagnostics are available as text or JSON
- Checks can be customized by level and matching files
- Python programs can lint text through the LintFile class
- Integrations include Vim, Emacs, Neovim, and CI/CD
What to know first
- The default output is capped at 1,000 results
- Several older plugins are archived or unmaintained
- Listed platforms are Linux and self-hosted
Limits
The default maximum output is 1,000 results. The free plan is open source under BSD-3-Clause.
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Open-source command-line prose linter · BSD-3-Clause license | Free |
As github.com lists them, read 4 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Getting started
- Visit the project website on GitHub
- Install through a documented route such as pip, Fedora, Debian, Ubuntu, Nix, pre-commit, or prek
- Run the command-line tool on files, or use LintFile from a Python program
- Choose text or JSON diagnostics and configure checks for your files
Verdict
Choose proselint if you want a free prose linter with configurable checks, command-line output, and a Python interface. Its listed editor integrations cover Vim, Emacs, and Neovim; users of older plugins such as Visual Studio Code or Sublime Text should note that those plugins are archived or unmaintained.
Questions
How much does proselint cost?
The Free plan costs nothing. The project is open source under BSD-3-Clause.
Is there a free plan or trial?
There is a free plan. No free trial is offered.
Which platforms does proselint support?
Its listed platforms are Linux and self-hosted use.
Which editors and workflows integrate with proselint?
Listed integrations include Vim through ALE, Emacs through Flycheck, Neovim through none-ls.nvim, and CI/CD through MegaLinter.
Can I use proselint from Python?
Yes. Python programs can use the LintFile class from proselint.tools to lint text and return suggestions.
What license does proselint use?
It is licensed under BSD-3-Clause.
Facts from proselint's own pages
- Advice sources
- Its checks draw on writing advice associated with authors, editors, usage guides, and literary publications. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Command line
- The command-line tool checks files and can output diagnostics as text or JSON. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Configuration limit
- The default maximum number of results proselint can output is 1000. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Customizable checks
- Users can enable or disable checks at different levels and apply separate check selections to matching files. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Install options
- The README documents installation with pip, Fedora, Debian, Ubuntu, Nix, pre-commit, and prek. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- The project lists Vim through ALE, Emacs through Flycheck, CI/CD through MegaLinter, and Neovim through none-ls.nvim as available integrations. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Library use
- Python programs can use the LintFile class from proselint.tools to lint text and return suggestions. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
- License
- The project is licensed under the BSD-3-Clause license. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Older plugins
- The README says its IntelliJ, Flymake, Sublime Text, Phabricator Arc, Visual Studio Code, Coala, Danger, and Syntastic plugins are archived or unmaintained. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- proselint is a linter for English prose that scans files and detects issues, then prints suggestions for improving the text. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Security information
- The repository’s GitHub security page shows no published security advisories. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Support
- The project directs users who encounter a problem to open an issue. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
Where proselint stands on Freedom251
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