# golangci-lint

> Go linters aggregator

**Wikidata**: [Q112143959](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q112143959)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/golangci-lint

## Summary
golangci-lint is a free and open-source tool that aggregates multiple Go linters into a single utility, simplifying static code analysis for Go projects. It supports cross-platform usage and integrates easily with development workflows via command-line interfaces, CI systems, and IDEs. The project is written in Go and maintained by the open-source community.

## Key Facts
- golangci-lint is an aggregator of Go linters designed to streamline static analysis.
- It is licensed under the GPL-3.0 license (SPDX identifier Q27016754).
- First releases date back to at least June 2018, including versions like 1.6, 1.7, and 1.8 released within weeks of each other.
- Written in the Go programming language, which was developed starting in November 2009.
- Supports cross-platform operation across operating systems such as Linux, macOS, and Windows.
- Available through major package managers including Homebrew, Chocolatey, AUR, FreeBSD Ports, MacPorts, and Docker Hub.
- Hosted on GitHub at https://github.com/golangci/golangci-lint with public issue tracking enabled.
- Official website and documentation hosted at https://golangci-lint.run.

## FAQs
### Q: What is golangci-lint used for?
A: golangci-lint is used to perform static code analysis on Go programs by combining multiple linters into one unified interface. It helps developers identify syntax errors, style issues, performance concerns, and potential bugs early in the development cycle.

### Q: Is golangci-lint free to use?
A: Yes, golangci-lint is distributed as free and open-source software under the GPL-3.0 license. Users can freely run, study, modify, and redistribute it.

### Q: How do I install golangci-lint?
A: You can install golangci-lint using popular package managers such as Homebrew (macOS), Chocolatey (Windows), or AUR (Arch Linux). Alternatively, you can download binaries directly from GitHub or pull the official image from Docker Hub.

## Why It Matters
golangci-lint plays a critical role in modern Go development by centralizing various linter tools into a single executable. Before its introduction, developers had to manually manage and execute numerous individual linters, leading to fragmented setups and inconsistent enforcement of coding standards. By unifying these tools, golangci-lint improves developer productivity, ensures consistent code quality, and reduces configuration overhead. Its integration capabilities with continuous integration pipelines make it essential for maintaining high-quality, maintainable Go codebases in both small-scale and enterprise environments.

## Notable For
- Being one of the most widely adopted linter aggregators specifically tailored for the Go ecosystem.
- Supporting over ten early version releases between June and July 2018, indicating rapid initial development and adoption.
- Integration with diverse platforms and ecosystems including Docker, CI services, and OS-specific package managers.
- Maintaining active presence on social media and federated networks such as Mastodon (@golangcilint@fosstodon.org) and Bluesky (golangci-lint.run).

## Body

### Overview
golangci-lint serves as a centralized command-line utility for running multiple Go linters simultaneously. It enhances efficiency by eliminating the need to configure and invoke several separate tools. As a result, it has become a standard component in many Go-based software projects.

### Development & Licensing
The tool is developed openly on GitHub under the GNU General Public License v3.0 (GPL-3.0), making it part of the broader free and open-source software movement. This licensing model allows users full freedom to inspect, modify, and share the software.

### Version History
Initial stable versions were released rapidly during mid-2018:
- **v1.6** – Released on June 11, 2018
- **v1.7** – Released on June 18, 2018
- **v1.8** – Released on June 28, 2018
Subsequent patch versions followed shortly thereafter, showing strong early momentum in feature delivery and bug fixes.

### Platform Support
golangci-lint operates on a cross-platform basis, supporting major operating systems including but not limited to:
- Linux
- macOS
- Microsoft Windows
This flexibility makes it suitable for heterogeneous development teams and deployment environments.

### Distribution Channels
It is readily accessible through multiple distribution mechanisms:
- Package managers: Homebrew (macOS), Chocolatey (Windows), Arch User Repository (Linux), FreeBSD Ports, MacPorts
- Container images via Docker Hub (`golangci/golangci-lint`)
- Direct binary downloads from GitHub Releases

### Community Engagement
The project maintains visibility and engagement through:
- Social accounts: Twitter handle `@golangci`, Mastodon account `@golangcilint@fosstodon.org`
- Documentation site: https://golangci-lint.run
- Issue tracker: https://github.com/golangci/golangci-lint/issues

These elements contribute to a vibrant and responsive open-source community around the tool.

## References

1. [Source](https://github.com/golangci/golangci-lint/blob/master/LICENSE)
2. [Release 1.6. 2018](https://github.com/golangci/golangci-lint/releases/tag/v1.6)
3. [Release 1.6.1. 2018](https://github.com/golangci/golangci-lint/releases/tag/v1.6.1)
4. [Release 1.7. 2018](https://github.com/golangci/golangci-lint/releases/tag/v1.7)
5. [Release 1.7.1. 2018](https://github.com/golangci/golangci-lint/releases/tag/v1.7.1)
6. [Release 1.7.2. 2018](https://github.com/golangci/golangci-lint/releases/tag/v1.7.2)
7. [Release 1.7.3. 2018](https://github.com/golangci/golangci-lint/releases/tag/v1.7.3)
8. [Release 1.8. 2018](https://github.com/golangci/golangci-lint/releases/tag/v1.8)
9. [Release 1.8.1. 2018](https://github.com/golangci/golangci-lint/releases/tag/v1.8.1)
10. [Release 1.9. 2018](https://github.com/golangci/golangci-lint/releases/tag/v1.9)
11. [Release 1.9.1. 2018](https://github.com/golangci/golangci-lint/releases/tag/v1.9.1)
12. [Release 1.9.2. 2018](https://github.com/golangci/golangci-lint/releases/tag/v1.9.2)
13. [Release 1.9.3. 2018](https://github.com/golangci/golangci-lint/releases/tag/v1.9.3)
14. [Release 1.10. 2018](https://github.com/golangci/golangci-lint/releases/tag/v1.10)
15. [Release 1.10.1. 2018](https://github.com/golangci/golangci-lint/releases/tag/v1.10.1)
16. [Release 1.10.2. 2018](https://github.com/golangci/golangci-lint/releases/tag/v1.10.2)
17. [Release 1.11. 2018](https://github.com/golangci/golangci-lint/releases/tag/v1.11)
18. [Release 1.11.1. 2018](https://github.com/golangci/golangci-lint/releases/tag/v1.11.1)
19. [Release 1.11.2. 2018](https://github.com/golangci/golangci-lint/releases/tag/v1.11.2)
20. [Release 1.11.3. 2018](https://github.com/golangci/golangci-lint/releases/tag/v1.11.3)
21. [Release 1.12. 2018](https://github.com/golangci/golangci-lint/releases/tag/v1.12)
22. [Release 1.12.1. 2018](https://github.com/golangci/golangci-lint/releases/tag/v1.12.1)
23. [Release 1.12.2. 2018](https://github.com/golangci/golangci-lint/releases/tag/v1.12.2)
24. [Release 1.12.3. 2018](https://github.com/golangci/golangci-lint/releases/tag/v1.12.3)
25. [Release 1.12.4. 2018](https://github.com/golangci/golangci-lint/releases/tag/v1.12.4)
26. [Release 1.12.5. 2018](https://github.com/golangci/golangci-lint/releases/tag/v1.12.5)
27. [Release 1.13. 2019](https://github.com/golangci/golangci-lint/releases/tag/v1.13)
28. [Release 1.13.1. 2019](https://github.com/golangci/golangci-lint/releases/tag/v1.13.1)
29. [Release 1.13.2. 2019](https://github.com/golangci/golangci-lint/releases/tag/v1.13.2)
30. [Release 1.14.0. 2019](https://github.com/golangci/golangci-lint/releases/tag/v1.14.0)
31. [Release 1.15.0. 2019](https://github.com/golangci/golangci-lint/releases/tag/v1.15.0)
32. [Release 1.16.0. 2019](https://github.com/golangci/golangci-lint/releases/tag/v1.16.0)
33. [Release 1.17.0. 2019](https://github.com/golangci/golangci-lint/releases/tag/v1.17.0)
34. [Release 1.17.1. 2019](https://github.com/golangci/golangci-lint/releases/tag/v1.17.1)
35. [Release 1.18.0. 2019](https://github.com/golangci/golangci-lint/releases/tag/v1.18.0)
36. [Release 1.19.0. 2019](https://github.com/golangci/golangci-lint/releases/tag/v1.19.0)
37. [Release 1.19.1. 2019](https://github.com/golangci/golangci-lint/releases/tag/v1.19.1)
38. [Release 1.20.0. 2019](https://github.com/golangci/golangci-lint/releases/tag/v1.20.0)
39. [Release 1.20.1. 2019](https://github.com/golangci/golangci-lint/releases/tag/v1.20.1)
40. [Release 1.21.0. 2019](https://github.com/golangci/golangci-lint/releases/tag/v1.21.0)
41. [Release 1.22.0. 2019](https://github.com/golangci/golangci-lint/releases/tag/v1.22.0)
42. [Release 1.22.1. 2019](https://github.com/golangci/golangci-lint/releases/tag/v1.22.1)
43. [Release 1.22.2. 2019](https://github.com/golangci/golangci-lint/releases/tag/v1.22.2)
44. [Release 1.23.0. 2020](https://github.com/golangci/golangci-lint/releases/tag/v1.23.0)
45. [Release 1.23.1. 2020](https://github.com/golangci/golangci-lint/releases/tag/v1.23.1)
46. [Release 1.23.2. 2020](https://github.com/golangci/golangci-lint/releases/tag/v1.23.2)
47. [Release 1.23.3. 2020](https://github.com/golangci/golangci-lint/releases/tag/v1.23.3)
48. [Release 1.23.6. 2020](https://github.com/golangci/golangci-lint/releases/tag/v1.23.6)
49. [Release 1.23.7. 2020](https://github.com/golangci/golangci-lint/releases/tag/v1.23.7)
50. [Release 1.23.8. 2020](https://github.com/golangci/golangci-lint/releases/tag/v1.23.8)