Flake8
Flake8: A free, extensible Python linter for teams enforcing consistent code standards. Ranked #23 of 33 in Linters by our editors (6.9/10); pricing: Free plan; best for python teams enforcing PEP 8.
At a glance
- Editor score6.9 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forPython teams enforcing PEP 8
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- CI supportYes
- Facts checked21 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Combines PyFlakes, pycodestyle, and McCabe checks in one tool
- Supports third-party and local plugins for custom rules
- Integrates with Git, Mercurial, pre-commit, and CI workflows
Where it doesn't
- Findings require manual edits because automatic fixing is not provided
- The documented workflow centers on command-line and hooks
- Focuses on code quality rather than security-specific analysis
Our verdict on Flake8
Flake8 is an open-source command-line linter for Python teams that want consistent style, syntax, import, and complexity checks. It combines PyFlakes, pycodestyle, and McCabe checks, then adds extensibility through third-party and local plugins. That makes it a practical fit for projects enforcing PEP 8 or maintaining shared Python quality rules across Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Configuration is designed to live with the project. Teams can use setup.cfg, tox.ini, or .flake8 to manage checks, select or ignore specific violation codes, and disable rules where needed. Built-in and custom format strings support different reporting needs, while Git and Mercurial hooks, pre-commit, and CI workflows help place linting into development checks. Its free, open-source model also keeps adoption straightforward for teams that want a Python-focused linter without paid tiers.
Flake8 is narrower than a tool that combines linting with automatic remediation, security analysis, or an IDE-centered workflow. It reports findings, but developers must make the corrections themselves, and its published workflow is centered on the command line and hooks. Choose Flake8 when Python style, imports, syntax, complexity, configuration, and plugin support are the priority. Teams seeking automatic fixes or security-specific rules should choose a complementary or alternative tool built around those capabilities.
Your product? Our editors can test Flake8 in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
Flake8 pricing
Flake8 fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Languages supported | 1 |
| Autofix | No |
| Custom rules | Yes |
| Security rules | No |
| IDE support | None |
| CI support | Yes |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 3 integrations: pre-commit, Git hooks, Mercurial hooks |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | flake8.pycqa.org |
| Facts checked | 21 Sep 2026 |
Flake8 integrations
Flake8 lists 3 integrations on its own site.
- pre-commit
- Git hooks
- Mercurial hooks
Alternatives to Flake8
- 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
Used Flake8? Be the first to review it
The editor score above is our own research. What this page doesn't have yet is a reader's view — what you used Flake8 for, what worked and what didn't. No stars are seeded and no review is paid for; an editor reads every one before it appears.
Write a reviewTwo minutes · verified accounts only · read by an editor before it appears
Featured on iTechGuides
Flake8 is listed in our Linters directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.
<a href="https://www.itechguides.com/products/flake8/"><img src="https://www.itechguides.com/best/badge/flake8.svg" alt="Featured on iTechGuides" width="230" height="46"></a>
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Last updated · How we research and update