PHP_CodeSniffer
PHP_CodeSniffer: A focused, free PHP linter with custom rules, autofix, reporting, and CI support. Ranked #19 of 33 in Linters by our editors (7.3/10); pricing: Free plan; best for PHP teams enforcing coding standards.
At a glance
- Editor score7.3 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forPHP teams enforcing coding standards
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- CI supportYes
- Facts checked21 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Built-in PSR-12 and support for external coding standards
- Custom XML rulesets and custom sniffs for team conventions
- Autofix, detailed reports, filtering, and CI support
Where it doesn't
- Focused on PHP file scanning in the current 4.x series
- No IDE support is supplied
- Autofix applies only to supported violations
Our verdict on PHP_CodeSniffer
PHP_CodeSniffer is an open-source command-line tool for PHP developers and teams enforcing coding standards. Its phpcs script tokenizes PHP files and reports violations against selected standards, while phpcbf automatically fixes supported violations. The current 4.x series focuses on PHP file scanning and requires PHP 7.2 or later, making the product a focused fit for PHP code-quality workflows rather than a multi-language linting suite.
The free open-source model keeps the product accessible for individual developers and teams. Its built-in PSR-12 standard provides a ready starting point, while support for external standards, custom XML rulesets, and custom sniffs allows teams to encode more specific conventions. Command-line filtering by sniff, severity, and exclusions helps narrow checks for particular workflows. The main limitation is that automatic correction is limited to violations supported by phpcbf, so teams may still need manual changes for other findings.
PHP_CodeSniffer fits teams that prefer scriptable tooling and need CI execution, selectable checks, and multiple report formats, including full, summary, JSON, XML, and JUnit reports. It can be installed as PHAR files, through Composer or Phive, or from source, giving PHP projects several installation paths. There is no IDE support supplied, so teams seeking editor-integrated feedback may prefer a linter with native IDE integration. Choose PHP_CodeSniffer for standards enforcement centered on PHP, custom rules, reporting, and CI; look elsewhere if multi-language scanning or built-in IDE support is essential.
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PHP_CodeSniffer pricing
PHP_CodeSniffer fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Languages supported | 1 |
| Autofix | Yes |
| Custom rules | Yes |
| Security rules | Not verified |
| IDE support | Not verified |
| CI support | Yes |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | github.com |
| Facts checked | 21 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to PHP_CodeSniffer
- ESLintA free, extensible JavaScript linter with autofix, plugins, and broad developer-tool integrations.9.4
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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