textlint is a free, open-source tool for checking natural-language text against rules users install and configure. It parses text into an abstract syntax tree, evaluates it with those rules, and reports errors or warnings. Markdown and plain text are supported by default; plugins can add HTML and other formats. Since the tool has no bundled default rules, users need to choose and set up the checks they want. Its command-line interface can automatically fix problems and produce output through multiple formatters. The project lists integrations for Visual Studio Code, Vim, Emacs, Atom, Sublime Text, micro, and NetBeans, and text checks can run in GitHub Actions workflows for commits and pull requests. The CLI can also run as an MCP server, letting AI assistants lint and fix text according to a project's textlint configuration. For browser use, @textlint/editor is described as an offline text-linting extension. Developers can use the package's high-level APIs in applications. The project requires Node.js 20 or later and directs users to documentation and community discussions for support.
Who it is for
textlint suits writers and developers who want configurable text checks in editors, CI workflows, browser use, or applications. It is especially relevant to teams willing to install and configure their own rules.
What is good
- Checks Markdown and plain text by default.
- Plugins can add HTML and other formats.
- CLI can automatically fix problems.
- Integrates with editors and GitHub Actions.
- Can run as an MCP server for AI assistants.
What to know first
- Rules must be installed and configured separately.
- Requires Node.js 20 or later.
- HTML support requires a plugin.
Verdict
textlint offers flexible rule-based checking across editor, CI, browser, and application workflows. Users need to supply the rules and meet the Node.js requirement.
textlint plans and pricing
All plansCompared on writing style checkers
- Editor support
- Atom, Sublime Text, Vim, Visual Studio Code, micro, NetBeans, Emacs
- API access
- Yes
