Infer vs SwiftLint
Which should you use? A side-by-side look at what each one does, who it suits, what it costs, how hard it is to set up, and where each falls short.
Open source · MIT
A static analyzer that scans Java, C, C++, and Objective-C code for bugs without running it.
Open source · MIT
A command-line tool that checks Swift code against common style rules.
The short answer
Choose Infer if you need…
- Developers working on Java, C, C++, or Objective-C codebases
- Teams who want an automated bug check as part of their code review process
- People comfortable installing a command-line developer tool from a packaged release
Choose SwiftLint if you need…
- iOS and macOS developers who want consistent Swift style across a team
- Teams that want style checks to run automatically in builds or Xcode
- Swift package authors who want linting through Swift Package Manager plugins
Side-by-side
| Infer | SwiftLint | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Dev tool | Dev tool |
| Price | Free and open source | Free and open source |
| Licence | MIT | MIT |
| GitHub stars | 15.7k | 19.8k |
| Setup difficulty | Intermediate | Beginner |
| How you get it | Download the app | Install with a package manager |
| Main language | OCaml | Swift |
| Last code update | 4 days ago | 20 days ago |
What each one is
Infer
Infer is a static analysis tool, meaning it reads source code and looks for likely bugs without executing the program. It supports Java, C, C++, and Objective-C, and is written in OCaml. Developers use it to catch problems in code before it ships.
SwiftLint
SwiftLint is a tool that reads Swift source code and reports places where it breaks widely accepted style and convention rules. It can also automatically fix some of those issues when asked. Teams use it to keep code consistent without relying only on manual code review.
Best for
Infer
- Developers working on Java, C, C++, or Objective-C codebases
- Teams who want an automated bug check as part of their code review process
- People comfortable installing a command-line developer tool from a packaged release
SwiftLint
- iOS and macOS developers who want consistent Swift style across a team
- Teams that want style checks to run automatically in builds or Xcode
- Swift package authors who want linting through Swift Package Manager plugins
Strengths
Infer
- Covers four widely used languages in one tool
- MIT-licensed core, with an active public repository
- Installable from packaged releases, so you do not have to build it from source
SwiftLint
- Rules are based on SwiftSyntax and widely accepted Swift community conventions
- Available through several install routes, including Homebrew, Swift Package Manager, CocoaPods, Mint, and Bazel
- Released under the permissive MIT license
Not ideal for
Infer
- Beginners looking for a point-and-click tool, since the README points to packaged installs and a source build rather than a graphical interface
- Projects in languages outside the four listed, since the README only names Java, C, C++, and Objective-C
- Anyone needing Java support without checking licensing, because the README notes Java support may require GPL-licensed components
SwiftLint
- People who only want to run Swift code and have no interest in style rules, since it only checks style and conventions
- Projects with code that does not compile, because the README warns that SwiftLint is designed for valid, compilable source and results can be confusing otherwise
Trade-offs
Infer
- Java support may pull in GPL-licensed components, which can matter for some projects
- The README is short and defers most setup detail to external documentation
- Analysis specifics such as which bug types it finds are not described in the README excerpt
SwiftLint
- Some rules still depend on Clang and SourceKit, so behavior may depend on the toolchain
- Automatic fixes are risky on code that does not compile, as the README cautions
- Using plugins directly from the main repository has drawbacks; the README recommends a separate plugins repository
Getting started
Infer
Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/meta/inferSwiftLint
Install with Homebrew
brew install swiftlintInstall with Mint
mint install realm/SwiftLintFrequently asked questions
What is the difference between Infer and SwiftLint?
Infer: A static analyzer that scans Java, C, C++, and Objective-C code for bugs without running it. SwiftLint: A command-line tool that checks Swift code against common style rules. Infer suits developers working on java, c, c++, or objective-c codebases, while SwiftLint suits ios and macos developers who want consistent swift style across a team.
Are Infer and SwiftLint free?
Infer: Free and open source. SwiftLint: Free and open source.
Which is easier to set up, Infer or SwiftLint?
SwiftLint is easier to get started with (rated beginner); Infer is rated intermediate and usually needs more setup.
Is Infer or SwiftLint more popular?
SwiftLint has more GitHub stars (19.8k) than Infer (15.7k). Popularity isn't the same as fit — check which one matches your use case above.
What are other alternatives to Infer and SwiftLint?
Other options people compare them with include PHPStan, Super-Linter.
Keep comparing
Built from our catalogue entries for both products: open-source details come from each project's README (AI-assisted, refreshed weekly) and GitHub data; AI-tool details are editorial. Spotted something wrong? Let us know from either product's page.