# Proselint

> library and command-line prose linter utility

**Wikidata**: [Q107380603](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q107380603)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/proselint

## Summary
Proselint is a free software library and command-line utility designed to act as a linter for prose. Written in the Python programming language, it checks text for stylistic and grammatical issues. It is available under the 3-clause BSD License and can be installed via various package managers including PyPI, Fedora, and FreeBSD.

## Key Facts
- **Classification:** Proselint is a Python package, free software, and console application used as a prose linter.
- **License:** It is distributed under the **3-clause BSD License**.
- **Latest Stable Version:** Version **0.13.0** was released on **November 7, 2021**.
- **Programming Language:** The utility is written in **Python**.
- **Dependencies:** The software depends on the **click**, **future**, and **six** libraries.
- **Source Code:** The code is maintained in a Git repository hosted on GitHub at `https://github.com/amperser/proselint`.
- **Package Names:** It is distributed as `proselint` on PyPI and Fedora, `python3-proselint` on Ubuntu and Debian, and `devel/py-proselint` on FreeBSD.
- **Website:** The official website is `http://proselint.com/`.

## FAQs
### Q: What operating systems does Proselint run on?
A: Proselint is written in Python, making it cross-platform. The source data specifically notes compatibility with BSD operating systems and lists availability in repositories for Debian, Ubuntu, Fedora, openSUSE, NetBSD, and macOS (via MacPorts).

### Q: Is Proselint free to use?
A: Yes, Proselint is classified as free software released under the 3-clause BSD License, allowing users to run, study, change, and distribute it.

### Q: Where can I report bugs or issues with Proselint?
A: Issues can be reported via the GitHub issue tracker located at `https://github.com/amperser/proselint/issues`.

## Why It Matters
Proselint bridges the gap between programming utilities and natural language processing by applying the concept of "linting"—traditionally used to flag errors in source code—to written prose. This tool plays a significant role for writers and developers who value consistency and style accuracy in their text documentation.

As a free and open-source tool, it lowers the barrier to entry for automated editing, providing an alternative to proprietary grammar checkers. Its availability across diverse software repositories (PyPI, Debian, FreeBSD, Fedora, etc.) ensures it integrates easily into existing development and writing environments. By functioning as both a library and a command-line tool, it offers flexibility for both interactive use and integration into larger automated pipelines.

## Notable For
- Being a **prose linter** based on the "lint" utility concept but applied to natural language rather than computer code.
- Availability across a wide range of **Unix-like operating systems** and package managers (FreeBSD, NetBSD, Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, openSUSE).
- Implementation as a **Python package**, allowing it to be used as a software library in addition to a standalone command-line tool.
- Release under the permissive **3-clause BSD License**.

## Body
### Technical Specifications and Dependencies
Proselint is implemented as a Python package and requires the Python programming language to run. The software relies on three specific libraries to function: `click` (often used for command-line interfaces), `future`, and `six`. The tool is designed to run within a console environment and is classified as a console application.

### Version History
The most recent stable version identified in the provided data is **0.13.0**. This version was released on **November 7, 2021**.

### Distribution and Installation
Proselint is widely distributed through various software repositories, making it accessible on multiple operating systems:
- **PyPI:** Available as `proselint`.
- **Debian/Ubuntu:** Available as `python3-proselint`.
- **Fedora:** Available as `proselint`.
- **FreeBSD:** Available via the port `devel/py-proselint`.
- **NetBSD:** Available in the `wip/proselint` package.
- **macOS:** Available via MacPorts as `proselint`.
- **openSUSE:** Available as `python-proselint`.

### Development and Licensing
The project's source code is hosted on GitHub under the organization `amperser`. It is copyrighted but licensed as free software under the **3-clause BSD License**. The preferred source code repository URL is `https://github.com/amperser/proselint.git`.

## References

1. [Source](https://github.com/amperser/proselint/blob/main/LICENSE.md)
2. [Source](https://github.com/amperser/proselint/releases/tag/0.13.0)