What is the difference between linting and formatting?

What is the difference between linting and formatting?

Linting refers to the process of analyzing code for potential errors, bugs, or stylistic issues, while formatting is about arranging the code to improve readability and maintain a consistent style.

Can you give me examples of tools for each?

Sure! For linting, popular tools include ESLint for JavaScript and Pylint for Python. For formatting, Prettier is widely used for JavaScript, and Black is a great choice for Python.

Do I need to use both linting and formatting?

Using both is recommended! Linting helps catch errors and enforce coding standards, while formatting ensures your code looks clean and consistent.

What happens if I only use one of them?

If you only use linting, you might miss out on consistent code style, which can lead to readability issues. If you only format, you may overlook potential bugs or errors in your code.