ShellCheck
ShellCheck is a free static analysis tool for Bash and sh scripts.
What ShellCheck is
ShellCheck is a free static analysis tool for Bash and sh scripts. It identifies syntax problems, semantic issues, and subtler pitfalls that could cause scripts to fail in future situations, then provides warnings and suggestions. Users can paste a script into ShellCheck.net for instant feedback or run it from a terminal with `shellcheck yourscript`. Listed editor integrations include Vim, Emacs, Sublime, Pulsar Edit, and VS Code, with GCC-compatible warnings available for other editors. ShellCheck can also be added to builds or test suites; listed CI services include Travis CI, Codacy, Code Climate, CodeFactor, CircleCI, GitHub Actions, and Trunk. Output options include JSON, CheckStyle-compatible XML, GCC-compatible warnings, and readable text with or without ANSI colors. Installation routes include package managers, precompiled binaries, Docker, and source compilation. ShellCheck is licensed under GPLv3, with documentation in its wiki and bug reporting through GitHub issues. The project notes that it has no official Apple Silicon binaries and that compiling from source requires 2 GB of RAM.
Good
- Free software under the GPLv3 license.
- Checks Bash and sh scripts for syntax and semantic issues.
- Can run on the web, terminal, editors, or CI services.
- Offers JSON, XML, GCC-compatible, and readable text output.
- Installation options include package managers and Docker.
Watch out
- No official Apple Silicon binaries are available.
- Source compilation requires 2 GB of RAM.
- Its focus is Bash and sh scripts.
Who it suits
ShellCheck suits people writing or maintaining Bash and sh scripts who want warnings and suggestions in a web page, terminal, editor, or build process. The project describes interactive use as its main purpose, while also supporting builds and test suites.
Verdict
ShellCheck provides script checks through a web page, terminal, editors, and build integrations, with several output formats. Apple Silicon users should note the lack of official binaries, and source compilation requires 2 GB of RAM.
Plans and prices
From ShellCheck's own pricing page, checked 7 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| ShellCheck | Free | Static analysis for shell scripts · use on web, terminal, in editors, or in build and test suites · Free, open-source software under GPLv3 |
The facts
Each one read from ShellCheck's own pages, with the date it was checked.
Where it runs
- Apple Silicon
- The project states that it has no official Apple Silicon binaries and points to third-party builds.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Platforms
- The project documents binaries for Linux, macOS, and Windows and package manager installations across several operating systems.checked 7 Oct 2026
What it does
- Build requirement
- Compiling ShellCheck from source requires 2 GB of RAM, according to the project README.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Checks
- It aims to identify syntax problems, semantic issues, and subtle pitfalls that could make scripts fail in future circumstances.checked 7 Oct 2026
- CI integrations
- The project lists services including Travis CI, Codacy, Code Climate, CodeFactor, CircleCI, GitHub Actions, and Trunk as supporting ShellCheck.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Command line
- ShellCheck can run from a terminal with the command `shellcheck yourscript`.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Editor integrations
- The project lists integrations for Vim, Emacs, Sublime, Pulsar Edit, and VS Code, with GCC error compatibility for other editors.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Install options
- The project documents installation through package managers, precompiled binaries, Docker, and source compilation.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Intended use
- The project says ShellCheck is mostly intended for interactive use, but can also be added to builds or test suites.checked 7 Oct 2026
- License
- ShellCheck is available under the GPLv3 license.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Output formats
- ShellCheck can emit JSON, CheckStyle compatible XML, GCC compatible warnings, and human-readable text with or without ANSI colors.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- ShellCheck is a static analysis tool that gives warnings and suggestions for Bash and sh scripts.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Support and documentation
- The project documents ShellCheck in its wiki and invites users to report bugs through GitHub issues.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Web use
- Users can paste a shell script on ShellCheck.net for instant feedback.checked 7 Oct 2026
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