Side by side
clang-tidy vs Clippy
Both stand on linters. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Linux
clang-tidy offers configurable C++ checks, supported automatic fixes and custom-rule options without a listed paid plan. Note that changed-line filtering does not reduce the whole-file analysis, and some builds exclude specific check groups.
Visit clang-tidy Free plan LinuxMacWindows
Clippy offers broad, configurable lint coverage for Rust projects, including workspace and CI workflows. Developers should review automated suggestions and enable restrictive categories selectively.
Visit ClippyThe facts
| clang-tidy | Clippy | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux | Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Not published |
| Plans published | 1 | None |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | clang.llvm.org | doc.rust-lang.org |
| On linters | #14 of 33 | #18 of 33 |
clang-tidy: what it does well
- Free and open source.
- Supports automatic fixes when checks allow them.
- Custom checks can use AST matchers.
- Includes concurrent analysis tooling.
What to know first
- Changed-line filtering still analyzes the whole file.
- Some builds omit clang-analyzer and mpi checks.
- A compilation database is needed for that workflow.
Clippy: what it does well
- More than 800 Rust lints
- Runs through Cargo or clippy-driver
- Some suggestions can be applied automatically
- Supports CI with warnings treated as errors
- Works on Linux, macOS, and Windows
What to know first
- Minimal Rust profiles exclude Clippy automatically
- Pedantic lints can produce occasional false positives
- Restriction category may flag reasonable code
- Configuration file support is described as unstable
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