Steep
Static type checking for Ruby with RBS signatures
At a glance
- Editor scoreNot yet scored
- PricingFree plan
- Best forTeams using RBS signatures for Ruby type checks
- Free planYes
- Paid fromNone
- Security analysisNo
- Facts checked26 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.
Steep pricing
Steep fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | None |
| Security analysis | No |
| Type checking | Yes |
| Automated fixes | No |
| Custom rules | Not verified |
| Hosted option | No |
| Self-hosted option | Yes |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Linux, macOS, Windows |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 4 integrations: Visual Studio Code, Sublime Text, Vim, Neovim |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | github.com |
| Facts checked | 26 Sep 2026 |
Steep integrations
Steep lists 4 integrations on its own site.
- Visual Studio Code
- Sublime Text
- Vim
- Neovim
Alternatives to Steep
- OpenText Fortify SASTBroad code analysis and workflow integrations for teams with enterprise SAST needs.—
- Snyk CodeSecurity-focused code scanning with IDE, pull-request, and CI/CD workflows.6.3
- GitHub CodeQLSemantic queries and pull-request alerts for teams working in GitHub-centered workflows.6.3
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026
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