RuboCop
RuboCop: A free, configurable Ruby linter with formatting, autocorrection, security cops, and CI support. Ranked #18 of 33 in Linters by our editors (7.4/10); pricing: Open source; best for ruby teams wanting style and security checks.
At a glance
- Editor score7.4 / 10
- PricingOpen source
- Best forRuby teams wanting style and security checks
- Paid fromFree
- CI supportYes
- Founded2012
- Facts checked21 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Combines style, layout, lint, naming, metrics, and security checks
- Autocorrects supported offenses and supports project-specific settings
- Works across editors and CI systems with LSP and structured output
Where it doesn't
- Supports Ruby rather than multiple programming languages
- Autocorrection applies only to supported offenses
- Custom cops and formatter extensions require project configuration
Our verdict on RuboCop
RuboCop is an open-source Ruby static code analyzer and formatter for developers and teams working with Ruby code. It checks style, layout, lint, metrics, naming, security, Bundler, and gemspec rules, making it suitable for teams that want one tool covering code consistency and selected security checks. It is distributed as a Ruby gem and supports command-line use alongside editor integrations. The project is free and open source, with no conventional commercial SaaS tier structure.
Its strongest capability is configurable analysis. Teams can adjust cops and project-specific settings, add custom cops, and extend formatters for local standards. RuboCop can automatically correct many detected offenses, while security-focused cops add checks beyond formatting and style. This combination suits Ruby codebases that want enforceable conventions without limiting rules to a fixed default configuration. The main boundary is scope: RuboCop supports Ruby, and autocorrection is limited to supported offenses, so teams should review changes and retain separate tools where broader language coverage is required.
Editor and CI fit are another major strength. Built-in Language Server Protocol integration connects RuboCop with Ruby LSP, Solargraph, Visual Studio Code, Emacs, Vim/Neovim, and RubyMine/IntelliJ IDEA. CI-oriented output formats, including JUnit and GitHub Actions, also support workflows using GitHub Actions or Jenkins. Ruby teams seeking style, formatting, security checks, and configurable enforcement should consider RuboCop. Teams needing a multi-language linter or a hosted commercial service should choose a different category option.
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RuboCop pricing
RuboCop fact sheet
| Free plan | Not verified |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Languages supported | 1 |
| Autofix | Yes |
| Custom rules | Yes |
| Security rules | Yes |
| IDE support | Ide |
| CI support | Yes |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Support | Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 15 integrations: Ruby LSP, Solargraph, Visual Studio Code, Emacs, Vim, Neovim … See all → |
| Pricing | Open source |
| Website | rubocop.org |
| Facts checked | 21 Sep 2026 |
RuboCop integrations
RuboCop lists 15 integrations on its own site.
- Ruby LSP
- Solargraph
- Visual Studio Code
- Emacs
- Vim
- Neovim
- RubyMine
- IntelliJ IDEA
- Helix
- Sublime Text
- pre-commit
- overcommit
- Rake
- Guard
- GitHub Actions
See all RuboCop integrations →
Alternatives to RuboCop
- 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 RuboCop alternatives →
Also Ranked In
RuboCop is ranked in 2 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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