# pylint

This rule guides Pylint setup for Python projects, covering code structure, exception handling, and checks in pre-commit and CI.

- rule · `type=rule` · Cursor · ★ 3580
- Author: sanjeed5
- License: CC0-1.0 · policy=mirror · the beginning of the file is at the end of this page
- Source: https://github.com/sanjeed5/awesome-cursor-rules-mdc/tree/HEAD/rules-mdc/pylint.mdc
- Updated: 2026-05-19
- HTML: https://affpapa.org/en/nevibecode/rules/pylint

## What it does

The rule applies to `**/*.py` files. It recommends keeping Pylint settings in `pyproject.toml`, disabling checks by default, then enabling the `convention`, `refactor`, `warning`, and `error` categories. It also suggests filtering results by confidence.

The guidance covers docstrings for modules, classes, and functions, PEP 8 naming, and breaking up complex code. It also advises catching specific exceptions and removing unused imports and variables. For pre-commit, run Pylint after Ruff and Black. If the project has no `pyproject.toml`, the shown pre-commit example cannot use its configured settings file.

For CI, the rule gives a GitHub Actions example that produces JSON output and sets a `--fail-under` threshold. To add the rule to Cursor, place `.cursor/rules/pylint.mdc` in the project.

## Install

### Cursor (native platform)

**Manually: put the files in place**
- File: `.cursor/rules/pylint.mdc` — Frontmatter: description, globs, alwaysApply

### Claude Code

**Manually: put the files in place**
- File: `.claude/rules/pylint.md` — The paths frontmatter field limits the files: move globs from the source into paths

### Codex

**AGENTS.md**
- Codex reads AGENTS.md: paste the rule text there

### GitHub Copilot

**Manually: put the files in place**
- File: `.github/instructions/pylint.instructions.md` — The applyTo field sets which files it applies to: move globs from the source into applyTo

### Windsurf (Devin Desktop)

**Manually: put the files in place**
- File: `.devin/rules/pylint.md`

### Cline

**Manually: put the files in place**
- File: `.clinerules/pylint.md`

Where a file is given instead of a command, copy the files from the source to that path: https://github.com/sanjeed5/awesome-cursor-rules-mdc/tree/HEAD/rules-mdc/pylint.mdc

## When to use it
- configure Pylint through `pyproject.toml`
- flag missing docstrings and naming issues
- spot complex functions that need refactoring
- catch broad exception handling and unused code
- run Pylint in pre-commit and CI

## Example prompts
- Check my Python files against the Pylint rule and suggest fixes.
- Set up Pylint for this project in `pyproject.toml` using the rule.
- Add a pre-commit run for Pylint after Ruff and Black.

## Source text · pylint.mdc · CC0-1.0

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````text
---
description: Definitive guidelines for configuring and using pylint for deep semantic analysis and code quality in Python projects.
globs: **/*.py
---
# pylint Best Practices

Pylint is our go-to for **deep semantic analysis** and identifying complex code smells in Python. While Ruff handles fast style checks and MyPy ensures type correctness, Pylint focuses on broader architectural and logical issues. This guide ensures Pylint is a powerful, not noisy, part of our workflow.

## 1. Configuration is King: `pyproject.toml`

Always use `pyproject.toml` for Pylint configuration. This ensures consistency across all environments and developers.

**Action**: Generate a baseline config and commit it.
```bash
pylint --generate-toml-config > pyproject.toml
```

### 1.1. Silence the Noise, Enable What Matters

Pylint is notoriously noisy by default. Start by disabling everything and selectively enabling relevant categories. Focus on `convention`, `refactor`, `warning`, and `error` for semantic checks.

❌ BAD: Default Pylint output (overwhelming)
```bash
pylint your_module.py # Flooded with style and minor issues
```

✅ GOOD: Targeted Pylint checks in `pyproject.toml`
```toml
# pyproject.toml
[tool.pylint.main]
disable = "all"
enable = [
    "convention",
    "refactor",
    "warning",
    "error",
    # Add specific messages if needed, e.g., "W0611", "R0913"
]
```

### 1.2. Filter by Confidence

Reduce false positives by only showing warnings with high confidence.

✅ GOOD: Filter low-confidence warnings in `pyproject.toml`
```toml
# pyproject.toml
[tool.pylint.main]
confidence = ["HIGH", "CONTROL_FLOW"] # Focus on reliable detections
```

## 2. Code Organization & Readability

Pylint helps enforce structural best practices beyond basic style.

### 2.1. Docstrings for Everything

Every module, class, and function **must** have a docstring. Pylint enforces this.

❌ BAD: Missing docstrings
```python
def calculate_sum(a, b):
    return a + b
```

✅ GOOD: Clear and concise docstrings
```python
"""This module provides basic arithmetic operations."""

def calculate_sum(a: int, b: int) -> int:
    """
    Calculates the sum of two integers.

    :param a: The first integer.
    :param b: The second integer.
    :return: The sum of a and b.
    """
    return a + b
```
*Pylint messages: `C0114` (module), `C0115` (class), `C0116` (function/method)*

### 2.2. Naming Conventions

Adhere to PEP 8 naming. Pylint helps catch deviations, especially for constants.

❌ BAD: Inconsistent naming
```python
shift = 3 # Pylint will flag as C0103: invalid-name
def my_function(): pass
```

✅ GOOD: PEP 8 compliant naming
```python
SHIFT_AMOUNT = 3 # Constants are UPPER_CASE
def my_function(): pass # Functions are snake_case
```
*Pylint message: `C0103` (invalid-name)*

### 2.3. Manage Complexity

Pylint flags overly complex functions or classes, indicating a need for refactoring.

❌ BAD: Monolithic function (Pylint `R0915` too-many-statements, `R0912` too-many-branches)
```python
def process_data_and_save(data, config):
    # ... 50 lines of data validation ...
    # ... 30 lines of data transformation ...
    # ... 20 lines of database interaction ...
    # ... 10 lines of logging ...
    pass
```

✅ GOOD: Break down into smaller, focused units
```python
def _validate_data(data):
    # ... validation logic ...
    pass

def _transform_data(data):
    # ... transformation logic ...
    pass

def _save_to_db(data, config):
    # ... database interaction ...
    pass

def process_data_and_save(data, config):
    _validate_data(data)
    transformed_data = _transform_data(data)
    _save_to_db(transformed_data, config)
    # ... logging ...
```
*Pylint messages: `R0913` (too-many-arguments), `R0914` (too-many-locals), `R0915` (too-many-statements), `R0902` (too-many-instance-attributes), `R0904` (too-many-public-methods)*

## 3. Robustness & Error Prevention

Pylint identifies patterns that lead to bugs or make debugging difficult.
````
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