PHP_CodeSniffer is a static analysis tool, coding standard linter, and command-line validator for PHP. It scans files and directories to detect and report formatting errors and language-specific coding violations without executing the code.
The project functions as an automated code formatter capable of correcting detected style and formatting violations to bring source code into compliance with defined standards. It uses token-based lexical analysis to match code patterns against rule sets, ensuring consistency across a codebase.
The tool provides comprehensive capabilities for recursive file auditing, severity-based result filtering, and customizable report generation. It includes automation features for continuous integration, such as exit code control, file exclusion patterns, and inline violation suppression.
Users can manage analysis settings through project configuration files, global preferences, and custom standard path management.