Astral review
A free Python code-quality toolkit, not a package manager.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Astral is a Python developer-tools company whose tools include Ruff, an open-source linter and formatter. Ruff is aimed at Python developers and teams that want to check code quality from the command line, in an editor, or in CI. It checks Python files and directories, supports Jupyter Notebook files, and can automatically fix supported findings with the --fix option. Although Astral appears in a Python Package Managers directory, Ruff focuses on linting and formatting rather than package management; teams looking to manage dependencies should choose a package-management tool instead.
Ruff’s standout feature is the breadth of its lint checks: it includes more than 900 built-in rules, with configurable selection, extension, and suppression. It also has a built-in formatter, and its language server provides editor diagnostics, code actions, and formatting. Integrations include Visual Studio Code, Zed, pre-commit, Docker, GitHub Actions, and GitLab CI/CD. That range gives teams options for incorporating checks into local editing and automated workflows, while keeping the core use case centered on Python code quality.
Ruff is open source and has a free plan; the published product details describe it as a tool rather than a hosted subscription. It is available across Windows, macOS, Linux, and self-hosted deployment, with documentation as the listed support channel. Teams that need configurable linting, autofixes, and formatting across editors or CI should consider Ruff. Those who need package installation or dependency management, or require user-created custom rules, should look for a different fit.
Astral pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Checks Python code with more than 900 built-in lint rules
- Can autofix supported findings and format code
- Works in editors and CI, including GitHub Actions and GitLab CI/CD
- Where it doesn't
- Does not manage Python packages
- Custom rule support is not documented as user-created rules
- Documentation is the listed support channel
Astral fact sheet, pricing and score →
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