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Developer Tools · head to head

ESLint vs Keil MDK

ESLint logo

ESLint

Developer Tools

Find and fix problems in JavaScript code

From
Free
Rated
-
Keil MDK logo

Keil MDK

Developer Tools

Microcontroller Development Kit for Arm-based devices

From
Free
Rated
-

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: ESLint slow performance on large codebases compared to newer tools like Oxlint and Biome; Keil MDK pricing for Essential and Professional subscriptions not disclosed on primary site

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which ESLint and Keil MDK actually diverge.

Attributes where ESLint and Keil MDK differ
AttributeESLintKeil MDK
Pricing modelUnknownfreemium
PlatformsBrowser-based JavaScript, Node.js, Any JavaScript environmentWeb
Founded2019Unknown

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Developer Tools).

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

ESLint

  • Statically analysing JavaScript and JSX to find problems before runtimenot Keil MDK
  • Automatically fixing issues with syntax-aware rewritesnot Keil MDK
  • Enforcing a consistent code style across a teamnot Keil MDK
  • Running as a CI step to block non-conforming codenot Keil MDK
  • Writing custom rules for project-specific conventionsnot Keil MDK

Keil MDK

  • Embedded software developmentnot ESLint
  • ARM microcontroller programmingnot ESLint
  • Professional development environmentsnot ESLint

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

ESLint

  • Slow performance on large codebases compared to newer tools like Oxlint and Biome
  • Complexity in configuration from scratch, particularly for TypeScript support
  • Limited built-in TypeScript support, requiring separate parsers and coordination with new TypeScript features

Keil MDK

  • Pricing for Essential and Professional subscriptions not disclosed on primary site
  • Customers must contact Arm Developer Tools store for subscription rates

Pricing, plan by plan

ESLint

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the ESLint review.

Keil MDK

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Keil MDK review.

Which should you pick?

Choose ESLint if

  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Browser-based JavaScript, Node.js, Any JavaScript environment.

Choose Keil MDK if

  • You want to start without paying.

Questions people ask

Is ESLint or Keil MDK better?
Neither clearly leads. ESLint starts at Free and Keil MDK at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, ESLint or Keil MDK?
ESLint starts at Free and Keil MDK at Free.
Does ESLint or Keil MDK run on more platforms?
ESLint runs on Browser-based JavaScript, Node.js, Any JavaScript environment. Keil MDK runs on Web.
Can I use ESLint for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is ESLint best used for?
ESLint is most often used for statically analysing javascript and jsx to find problems before runtime, automatically fixing issues with syntax-aware rewrites, enforcing a consistent code style across a team, running as a ci step to block non-conforming code. Of those, statically analysing javascript and jsx to find problems before runtime and automatically fixing issues with syntax-aware rewrites are not what Keil MDK is typically brought in for.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

ESLint: Does ESLint automatically fix code issues?

Many problems ESLint finds can be automatically fixed via the --fix flag. ESLint fixes are syntax-aware so you won't experience errors introduced by traditional find-and-replace algorithms.

Source
Keil MDK: Does Keil MDK have a free version?

Yes, Keil MDK Community Edition is free for non-commercial projects. Essential and Professional editions are available as monthly or annual subscriptions.

Source
ESLint: How much does ESLint cost?

ESLint is completely free and open-source software maintained by the OpenJS Foundation. The project accepts voluntary donations from sponsors.

Source
Keil MDK: How much do Keil MDK paid editions cost?

Specific pricing for Essential and Professional editions is not published on the main site. Rates are available from the Arm Developer Tools store or by contacting Arm sales.

Source
ESLint: Can I write custom ESLint rules?

Yes. You can develop custom rules that work alongside built-in functionality through ESLint's plugin system, allowing complete customization for your project needs.

Source
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