Static Analysis Tools
Let mature linters guard AI-generated code
Core Concept
In AI-assisted development, mature static analysis tools (like ESLint, Ruff, SpotBugs, etc.) are not replaced by AI, but serve as reliable external validation mechanisms integrated into the Agent’s feedback loop.
AI + Linter Collaboration Loop
AI Generates Code
AI Agent quickly generates functional code
Linter Detects Issues
Static analysis tools find style, bug, and security issues
Feedback to AI
Provide linter report to AI
AI Fixes
AI fixes based on specific error messages
Repeat Until Passing
Loop until all checks pass
Division of Work
| Role | Strengths |
|---|---|
| AI | Quickly generate code, implement new features, explore multiple solutions |
| Linter | Precisely catch style inconsistencies, potential bugs, security vulnerabilities, performance issues |
This division is more efficient and reliable than “letting AI self-check”:
- Linter provides deterministic, high-coverage feedback
- Avoids AI hallucinations or subjective bias
- Aligns with modern engineering practices (CI/CD, pre-commit hooks)
Tool Selection Quick Reference
| Language | Linter | Formatter | Type Checking |
|---|---|---|---|
| TypeScript | ESLint / Biome | Prettier / Biome | TypeScript Compiler |
| Python | Ruff | Ruff / Black | MyPy / Pyright |
| Java | SpotBugs + Checkstyle | Google Java Format | Java Compiler |
| Go | golangci-lint | gofmt | Go Compiler |
| Rust | Clippy | rustfmt | Rust Compiler |
JavaScript / TypeScript Tools
Recommended Configuration
| Tool | Purpose | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| ESLint | Code quality checking | ⭐⭐⭐ Mature and stable |
| Prettier | Code formatting | ⭐⭐⭐ Industry standard |
| Biome | Lint + Format all-in-one | ⭐⭐ Emerging, fast |
| TypeScript | Type checking | ⭐⭐⭐ Essential |
Rules Particularly Useful for AI
| Rule | Purpose |
|---|---|
no-console | AI often leaves debug code |
no-unused-vars | AI may generate unused variables |
prefer-const | Maintain code consistency |
no-duplicate-imports | AI may duplicate imports |
no-explicit-any | Enforce type safety |
Python Tools
Recommended Configuration
| Tool | Purpose | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Ruff | Lint + Format | ⭐⭐⭐ Extremely fast, compatible with many rules |
| Black | Code formatting | ⭐⭐ Opinionated but consistent |
| MyPy | Static type checking | ⭐⭐⭐ Essential for type safety |
| Pyright | Type checking | ⭐⭐ Faster alternative |
Java Tools
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| SpotBugs | Find potential bugs |
| Checkstyle | Code style checking |
| PMD | Code quality checking |
| Error Prone | Compile-time bug detection |
Pre-commit Hooks
Automatically run checks before code commits, preventing problematic code from entering the repository:
| Tool | Languages | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Husky + lint-staged | JS/TS | Only checks staged files, fast |
| pre-commit | Python/General | Multi-language support, flexible configuration |
| lefthook | General | Written in Go, extremely fast |
Editor Integration
Ensure tools integrate with Cursor for real-time feedback:
| Setting | Purpose |
|---|---|
editor.formatOnSave | Auto-format on save |
source.fixAll.eslint | Auto-fix ESLint issues on save |
source.organizeImports | Auto-organize imports on save |
AI Collaboration Best Practices
| Practice | Description |
|---|---|
| Feed errors back to AI | Copy linter report for AI to fix |
| Declare in Cursor Rules | Inform AI of project toolchain |
| Use auto-fix | Run --fix to auto-fix simple issues |
| Focus on high priority | Errors > Warnings, Security > Style |
Configuration Checklist
| Category | Check Item |
|---|---|
| Linter | ✅ ESLint/Ruff/SpotBugs configured |
| Formatter | ✅ Prettier/Ruff/gofmt configured |
| Type Checking | ✅ TypeScript/MyPy strict mode enabled |
| Editor | ✅ Auto-format and fix on save |
| Git Hooks | ✅ Pre-commit hooks configured |
| CI | ✅ Pipeline includes lint checks |
Next Steps
After configuring static analysis tools, set up Automated Testing Frameworks to verify functional correctness.