Side by side
ESLint vs PHPMD
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 APIExtensionSelf-hosted
ESLint offers configurable JavaScript analysis with automatic fixes and broad documented integrations. Confirm the Node.js requirement and version-support window fit your environment.
Visit ESLint Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hosted+1
Choose PHPMD for free PHP source analysis with predefined and custom rules, plus CI reporting options. It supports several operating systems and self-hosted use. Look elsewhere if you need automatic fixes or IDE support.
Visit PHPMDThe facts
| ESLint | PHPMD | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | API, Extension, Self-hosted | Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | eslint.org | phpmd.org |
| On linters | #12 of 33 | #16 of 33 |
ESLint: what it does well
- Free, open-source JavaScript linting utility.
- Many problems can be fixed automatically.
- Rules, parsers, and formatters are customizable.
- Documented integrations cover editors, build tools, and CI.
- Node.js API enables programmatic linting.
What to know first
- Requires Node.js ^20.19.0, ^22.13.0, or >=24.
- Node.js must include SSL and ICU support.
- Current major version receives continuous support; previous support is limited to six months.
PHPMD: what it does well
- Covers rulesets for clean code, design, naming and unused code.
- Supports custom rules and security rules.
- Can run in continuous integration.
- Offers JSON, SARIF, Checkstyle-compatible, GitHub and GitLab reporting options.
- Available under the BSD 3-Clause license.
What to know first
- Analyzes PHP source code only.
- Does not provide autofix.
- No IDE support is listed.