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Steep

Free#13 of 21 in Ruby Static Analysis Tools

Steep: A focused, open-source Ruby type checker for teams working with RBS. Ranked #13 of 21 in Ruby Static Analysis Tools by our editors (7.3/10); pricing: Free plan; best for teams using RBS signatures for Ruby type checks.

7.3/10Editor score
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Steep7.3 Visit Steep

At a glance

  • Editor score
    7.3 / 10
  • Pricing
    Free plan
  • Best for
    Teams using RBS signatures for Ruby type checks
  • Free plan
    Yes
  • Paid from
    Free
  • Security analysis
    No
  • Facts checked
    26 Sep 2026

  • Where it wins

    • Checks Ruby code against RBS, including generics and nullable types
    • Flow-sensitive checks help catch type errors during development
    • Editor language-server features and configurable Rake tasks

  • Where it doesn't

    • Focused on type checking, not general code or security analysis
    • Requires configuring source and signature paths in a Steepfile
    • Self-hosted workflow with community and documentation support

Our verdict on Steep

Ruby teams that want type checks during development can use Steep to compare source code with declarations in RBS signature files. It is an open-source static type checker, not a general-purpose code analysis suite, and it does not require changes to the Ruby runtime. The fit is strongest for developers and teams already adopting RBS who want to identify type errors as part of their workflow; projects seeking security checks or broad code-quality analysis should look elsewhere.

Steep supports gradual typing features including generics, union types, nullable types, and flow-sensitive analysis. Developers configure source and signature paths in a Steepfile, then run checks from the command line. It can also generate prototype RBS declarations from Ruby code, including prototypes based on Sorbet RBI and runtime APIs. These capabilities make it useful both for checking existing signatures and for helping establish them, although signature configuration is part of the work rather than an automatic substitute for defining a type system.

The product is self-hosted and available on Linux, macOS, and Windows. Language-server features support editor integrations for Visual Studio Code, Sublime Text, Vim, and Neovim, while configurable Rake tasks include watch mode. Steep is free and open source, with community and documentation support. Choose it when RBS-based type checking and editor feedback are priorities; avoid it if you need hosted service delivery, autofix, security analysis, or a broader static-analysis tool.

Your product? Our editors can test Steep in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →

Steep pricing

Plans Free planFree Free to use — no paid tier required for the core job.
See plans on github.com

Steep fact sheet

Free planYes
Paid fromFree
Security analysisNo
Type checkingYes
Automated fixesNo
Custom rulesNot verified
Hosted optionNo
Self-hosted optionYes
DeploymentSelf-hosted
PlatformsLinux, macOS, Windows
SupportCommunity, Docs
Built forSolo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate)
Integrations4 integrations: Visual Studio Code, Sublime Text, Vim, Neovim
PricingFree plan
Websitegithub.com
Facts checked26 Sep 2026

Steep integrations

Steep lists 4 integrations on its own site.

  • Visual Studio Code
  • Sublime Text
  • Vim
  • Neovim

Alternatives to Steep

See all Steep alternatives →

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Featured on iTechGuides

Featured on iTechGuides — Steep 7.3/10

Steep is listed in our Ruby Static Analysis Tools directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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