PHPStan vs Standard JS: What are the differences?

Introduction

PHPStan and Standard JS are both static analysis tools used for code quality and error detection. However, there are key differences between these two tools. In this article, we will explore the main differences between PHPStan and Standard JS.

1. Integration with PHP and JavaScript: The most fundamental difference between PHPStan and Standard JS is the programming language they focus on. PHPStan is specifically designed to analyze PHP code, while Standard JS is used for analyzing JavaScript code. This means that PHPStan is suitable for PHP projects, whereas Standard JS is better suited for JavaScript projects.

2. Type System: Another significant difference is the approach to type checking and system in both tools. PHPStan uses static type analysis to detect type-related errors during the development process. It utilizes annotations and static analysis to infer and validate type information in PHP code. On the other hand, Standard JS follows a different approach and primarily focuses on enforcing coding style and detecting potential errors based on predefined rules, but it does not perform static type checking like PHPStan.

3. Syntax and Supported Features: PHPStan and Standard JS also differ in terms of syntax and the features they support. PHPStan supports the full range of PHP syntax and features, including object-oriented programming, namespaces, and PHP-specific features. In contrast, Standard JS supports the syntax and features of JavaScript, including ES6+ syntax, modules, and modern JavaScript frameworks like React and Vue.

4. Configuration and Customization: PHPStan and Standard JS also differ in terms of configuration and customization options. PHPStan provides a wide range of configuration options that allow developers to customize the analysis process according to their project's specific needs. It allows fine-grained control over various aspects such as ignored errors, strictness levels, and ruleset configuration. Standard JS, on the other hand, follows a more opinionated approach and provides a default configuration that enforces a specific set of rules. While some customization is possible, it is generally less flexible compared to PHPStan.

5. Integration with Development Environments: PHPStan and Standard JS also differ in their integration with development environments. PHPStan offers robust integration with popular PHP development environments, such as PhpStorm, allowing for seamless integration into the development workflow. It provides real-time feedback and suggestions within the IDE, making it easier for developers to catch and fix errors. Standard JS, on the other hand, provides integrations with JavaScript development environments, such as Visual Studio Code and Sublime Text, offering similar benefits for JavaScript developers.

6. Community and Ecosystem: Lastly, PHPStan and Standard JS differ in terms of their community and ecosystem. PHPStan has a strong community and a well-developed ecosystem with various plugins and extensions available. It is widely adopted and supported by the PHP community, making it easier to find resources, documentation, and community support. Standard JS also has a dedicated community and ecosystem, although it might not be as extensive as PHPStan's. However, as JavaScript is a popular language, it has a large user base and resources available.

In summary, PHPStan is a static analysis tool for PHP code, focusing on type checking and error detection, while Standard JS is used for JavaScript code analysis, primarily enforcing coding style rules and detecting potential errors. They differ in terms of the programming language they support, their approach to type checking, syntax and features, configuration options, integration with development environments, and community and ecosystem support.