GitHub Super Linter: one linter to rule them all (github.blog)

Article summary

GitHub has introduced the Super Linter, a tool that automates linting for multiple languages and helps maintain consistency in code and documentation. The Super Linter prevents broken code from being uploaded to master branches, establishes coding best practices, and automates code reviews. It is designed to work with GitHub Actions and provides a single shared standard library for running various linters. The tool aims to simplify the process of setting up and maintaining linters for different types of code.

Main themes

• GitHub Super Linter
• linting and code quality
• Docker and dependency management
• CI/CD and automation
• language support and compatibility
• tool distribution and installation
• performance and storage concerns

What commenters say

• The Super Linter should also prevent creating PRs that don't pass lint rules to reduce churn on PR reviewers.
• Using Docker to run the Super Linter is a convenient way to avoid polluting the machine with dependencies and allow for easy distribution of the tool.
• Some users are concerned about the requirement to install Docker to run the Super Linter locally, citing performance issues and storage space concerns.
• Others argue that the benefits of using Docker, such as ease of distribution and isolation of dependencies, outweigh the drawbacks.
• The Super Linter's restriction to GitHub Actions may limit its usefulness for some users who prefer to run linters locally or on other CI platforms.
• Some commenters suggest that the Super Linter could be improved by adding more language support, such as better Perl validation, and providing more detailed error messages.
• There are differing opinions on the best way to handle linter installation and versioning, with some advocating for a local install option and others preferring the convenience of Docker.
• The use of Docker for distributing tools like the Super Linter is seen as a good practice by some, but others are concerned about the potential drawbacks and limitations.