Linting is the process of analyzing code to identify potential errors, stylistic issues, and programming best practices. It helps developers catch mistakes early in the development process, improving code quality and maintainability. Linting tools, often referred to as linters, can be integrated into code editors or run as part of a build process. These tools check for various issues, such as syntax errors, unused variables, and inconsistent formatting. By providing feedback on code, linting encourages adherence to coding standards and can help teams collaborate more effectively. Popular linting tools include ESLint for JavaScript and Pylint for Python.