swift-format
swift-format is a free, Apache-2.0 licensed tool for formatting and linting Swift source code.
What swift-format is
swift-format is a free, Apache-2.0 licensed tool for formatting and linting Swift source code. Its format command processes one or more files or code received through standard input. The lint command checks files for style violations and writes diagnostics to standard error. A JSON configuration file adjusts supported behavior, and the tool searches parent directories for a .swift-format file. Swift applications can use the SwiftFormat package module, including SwiftFormatter and SwiftLinter APIs. Swift Package Manager plugins provide formatting and linting commands, and the project supplies formatting technology for SourceKit-LSP. Installation is documented through the Swift toolchain, Homebrew, or source builds. The README says Swift 6, included with Xcode 16, and later include swift-format in the toolchain. Earlier versions may not recognize newer syntax. The project presents its style as experimental rather than a proposed default.
Good
- Formats files or standard input
- Lint diagnostics go to standard error
- JSON configuration supported
- Swift Package Manager plugins included
- Apache-2.0 open-source license
Watch out
- Earlier versions may miss newer syntax
- No default Swift style is proposed
- Installation may require building from source
Who it suits
It suits Swift developers who need command-line formatting, lint checks, package plugins, or library APIs. It is also relevant for SourceKit-LSP integrations.
Verdict
swift-format provides formatting and linting through commands, plugins, APIs, and SourceKit-LSP technology. Its compatibility depends on matching the tool version with the Swift syntax in use.
Plans and prices
From swift-format's own pricing page, checked 11 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| swift-format | Free | Apache-2.0 licensed · available via Swift toolchain, Homebrew, or source |
The facts
Each one read from swift-format's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Configuration
- Users can customize supported behavior with a JSON configuration file, and the tool searches parent directories for a .swift-format file.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Formatting
- Its format command formats one or more Swift source files or source code read from standard input.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Install options
- The project documents installation through the Swift toolchain, Homebrew, or building from source.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- swift-format provides formatting technology for SourceKit-LSP.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Language compatibility
- Earlier swift-format versions may not recognize syntax added in later language and parser versions.checked 11 Oct 2026
- License
- The repository identifies its license as Apache-2.0.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Linting
- Its lint command checks Swift files for style violations and prints diagnostics to standard error.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Operating systems
- The README documents using the tool through the Swift toolchain and Homebrew and building it from source; it does not specify operating system support on that page.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- swift-format provides formatting technology for Swift source code and building blocks for code formatting transformations.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Style caveat
- The project says no default Swift code style guidelines have yet been proposed and describes its current style as one possibility for experimentation.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Swift API
- Swift applications can use the SwiftFormat package module, including SwiftFormatter and SwiftLinter APIs.checked 11 Oct 2026
- SwiftPM plugins
- The package provides Swift Package Manager command plugins for formatting and linting source code.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Toolchain inclusion
- The README says Swift 6, included with Xcode 16, and later include swift-format in the toolchain.checked 11 Oct 2026
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