eslint vs prettier vs standard vs xo: Which is Better JavaScript Code Quality Tools?

Package	Downloads	Stars	Size	Issues	Publish	License

eslint	40,270,587	24,962	3.32 MB	104	3 days ago	MIT
prettier	38,315,740	49,220	7.7 MB	1,390	3 months ago	MIT
standard	382,293	29,077	164 kB	122	24 days ago	MIT
xo	84,673	7,671	68 kB	59	2 months ago	MIT

Configuration Flexibility

eslint: ESLint offers extensive configuration options, allowing developers to customize rules, set environments, and define plugins tailored to their specific needs. This flexibility makes it suitable for a wide range of projects and coding styles.
prettier: Prettier is designed to require minimal configuration, focusing on enforcing a consistent code style with sensible defaults. While it can be configured to some extent, its opinionated nature means that most users will benefit from using it without extensive adjustments.
standard: Standard is completely zero-config, meaning it comes with a predefined set of rules that cannot be changed. This simplicity is beneficial for teams that want to avoid configuration overhead and adhere to a consistent style without debate.
xo: XO provides a balanced approach with sensible defaults and some configurable options. It aims to enforce best practices while still allowing for some customization, making it a good middle ground for teams.

Integration with Build Tools

eslint: ESLint integrates seamlessly with various build tools and IDEs, enabling real-time linting during development. It can be easily incorporated into CI/CD pipelines to ensure code quality before merging changes.
prettier: Prettier can be integrated into build processes and editors, allowing for automatic code formatting on save or during builds. This ensures that all code adheres to the same formatting rules consistently across the project.
standard: Standard can be integrated into build tools and CI environments, but its zero-config nature means it may require additional setup for specific integrations. It is straightforward to use in most scenarios without much overhead.
xo: XO supports integration with various build tools and editors, providing real-time feedback during development. It can also be used in CI environments to enforce code quality checks.

Community and Ecosystem

eslint: ESLint has a large and active community, with numerous plugins and extensions available for various frameworks and libraries. This extensive ecosystem allows developers to enhance their linting experience significantly.
prettier: Prettier also has a robust community and is widely adopted across many projects. Its popularity has led to numerous integrations with other tools and platforms, making it a standard choice for code formatting.
standard: Standard has a smaller community compared to ESLint but is still widely used. Its simplicity and zero-config approach have garnered a dedicated user base, especially among those who prefer convention over configuration.
xo: XO is a newer tool with a growing community. While it may not have as many plugins as ESLint, it is designed to be modern and user-friendly, appealing to developers looking for a straightforward linting solution.

Learning Curve

eslint: ESLint has a steeper learning curve due to its extensive configuration options and flexibility. New users may need time to understand how to set up and customize their linting rules effectively.
prettier: Prettier is easy to learn and use, as it focuses solely on formatting and requires minimal configuration. Developers can quickly adopt it without needing to understand complex rules.
standard: Standard is very easy to pick up since it requires no configuration. Developers can start using it immediately, making it a great choice for teams looking for simplicity.
xo: XO has a moderate learning curve, as it offers some configuration options while still being user-friendly. Developers familiar with ESLint will find it relatively easy to adapt.

Error Detection

eslint: ESLint excels in error detection, identifying a wide range of issues from stylistic problems to potential bugs in the code. Its ability to catch errors early in the development process is one of its key strengths.
prettier: Prettier focuses primarily on formatting rather than error detection. While it ensures consistent code style, it does not catch logical errors or potential bugs in the code.
standard: Standard provides basic error detection based on its predefined rules, but it may not catch as many issues as ESLint due to its limited configurability.
xo: XO offers good error detection capabilities, combining some of the best practices from ESLint while maintaining a simpler setup. It helps catch common issues while promoting a clean code style.

eslint: Choose ESLint if you need a highly configurable linter that allows you to define your own rules and integrate with various plugins for specific frameworks or libraries. ESLint is ideal for teams that want to enforce custom coding standards and catch a wide range of issues in their code.

prettier: Choose Prettier if your primary goal is to maintain consistent code formatting across your project with minimal configuration. Prettier is opinionated and focuses solely on formatting, making it perfect for teams that want to avoid debates over code style and ensure uniformity in code appearance.

standard: Choose Standard if you prefer a zero-configuration approach to JavaScript coding standards. Standard enforces a set of predefined rules without the need for configuration files, making it suitable for projects where simplicity and convention over configuration is desired.

xo: Choose XO if you want a modern linter with a focus on simplicity and a built-in set of rules that align with best practices. XO also supports TypeScript and offers a straightforward setup, making it a great choice for projects that want to enforce quality without extensive configuration.