actionlint
actionlint: A focused open-source linter for validating GitHub Actions workflows in CI and editors. Ranked #22 of 33 in Linters by our editors (7.0/10); pricing: Open source; best for gitHub Actions workflow validation.
At a glance
- Editor score7.0 / 10
- PricingOpen source
- Best forGitHub Actions workflow validation
- Paid fromFree
- CI supportYes
- Facts checked21 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Strong expression type, input/output, and reusable-workflow validation
- Security checks for script injection and hard-coded credentials
- Runs through CI, editors, Docker, pre-commit, and a web playground
Where it doesn't
- Focused on GitHub Actions rather than general-purpose programming languages
- No AI features
- Some integrations require separate tools such as ShellCheck or Pyflakes
Our verdict on actionlint
actionlint is an open-source command-line linter for GitHub Actions workflow files. It is designed for teams and developers who need to catch workflow syntax errors, expression issues, action input and output mismatches, reusable-workflow problems, runner label errors, glob and dependency issues, and invalid cron expressions. Its narrow focus makes it a fit for GitHub Actions maintenance rather than a general-purpose programming-language linting tool.
Its strongest area is workflow-aware validation. actionlint provides strong type checking for workflow expressions and checks action inputs and outputs alongside reusable workflows. It also includes security checks for script injection and hard-coded credentials, plus integrations with ShellCheck and Pyflakes for related script and Python validation. Teams can run it through GitHub Actions, Docker, or pre-commit, while reviewdog and Problem Matchers support reporting workflows. VS Code, Emacs, Vim, and Neovim integrations extend it into common editing environments.
The project is distributed as open source under the MIT license, with support across web, Windows, macOS, Linux, and an API. An online WebAssembly playground offers a browser-based way to inspect workflow files, and the Go API supports programmatic use. Choose actionlint when GitHub Actions validation is the priority and workflow-specific checks matter more than broad language coverage. Choose an alternative when you need one linter for multiple programming languages or expect AI-assisted features.
Your product? Our editors can test actionlint in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
actionlint pricing
actionlint fact sheet
| Free plan | Not verified |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Languages supported | Not verified |
| Autofix | Not verified |
| Custom rules | Yes |
| Security rules | Yes |
| IDE support | Editor |
| CI support | Yes |
| Deployment | Self-hosted, Browser extension |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Support | Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 9 integrations: ShellCheck, Pyflakes, Docker, reviewdog, Problem Matchers, super-linter … |
| Pricing | Open source |
| Website | rhysd.github.io |
| Facts checked | 21 Sep 2026 |
actionlint integrations
actionlint lists 9 integrations on its own site.
- ShellCheck
- Pyflakes
- Docker
- reviewdog
- Problem Matchers
- super-linter
- pre-commit
- VS Code
- Emacs
Alternatives to actionlint
- ESLintA free, extensible JavaScript linter with autofix, plugins, and broad developer-tool integrations.9.4
- RuffFree Python linting and formatting with more than 900 built-in rules.9.2
- ShellCheckA free, open-source linter for shell syntax, portability, robustness and security checks.9.0
See all actionlint alternatives →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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