The Future of PHPLint

[llaville]

Hello to PHPLint community,

For those who don't know me yet, I've begun to be a contributor to this project since version 3.2

After lot of suggestions adopted by @overtrue, I've joined the PHPLint team and became a new collaborator since version 6.0

I've also rewritten base code (you have now) since version 9.0

We have reached another milestone now with future version 10.0
As recommended by @staabm with ticket #217, I've begun to work on new enhancements in parallel to version 9.6.x

I'd like to share my ideas with you and encourage you to do the same.

• reduce required dependencies as much as possible
• add new feature and replacing existing ones by a new Extension architecture (acting as look like Composer plugins) -- that will allow to load only what final user have really need
• a better cache system that will allow multiple strategies to invalidate cache entries (expiration date, tags, ...)

These are few ideas, but I hope you've more to propose. It's up to you now to make PHPLint 10.0 the best PHP Linter Tool you have ever dreams !

[llaville]

I've a different approach now, than when I wrote initially this report in April 2025.

I've learn more and I'll apply it on new 10.0 architecture

Main goal will be to have a vendor-agnostic solution.

What does it means for PHPLint project ?

• zero dependencies (by default) except PHP itself
• let final users used what framework (Symfony, Laravel, ... other) they want to used and have extension(s) compatible with it !

Important

For all users, that means that I will restart from scratch on branch 10.0 soon

[overtrue]

Thank you for your long-standing contributions and dedication. As I am currently busy with work and other open-source projects, you are very welcome to take the lead and move forward boldly with this project.

My view is quite simple: as long as a design meets real needs and is scientifically sound from an engineering perspective, it is a good design. I don’t have many personal requirements or constraints. More than the outcome itself, I value whether everyone involved can gain something from the process—be it technical growth, improved design thinking, or deeper experience with open-source collaboration. All of that is meaningful progress.

I would also like to take this opportunity to say that you have done an excellent job throughout this process. Your long-term commitment, thoughtful contributions, and steady maintenance have been greatly appreciated and have had a real positive impact on the project.

I also warmly welcome other users to share their ideas and thoughts so we can continue improving the project together.

Once again, sincere thanks to @llaville for the long-term contributions. If needed, I am happy to transfer the repository to you. GitHub will handle the redirection automatically, so this will not affect any existing users.

[llaville]

I'm gonna be short. I warmly appreciate your words @overtrue

I will continue along the path I started with version 9.0, and I will continue for as long as possible !