Knip is a linter that finds unused files, dependencies, and exports in JavaScript and TypeScript projects.
The tool addresses code bloat and maintenance burden by identifying dead code and unnecessary dependencies. It scans projects to detect unused exports, files that are not imported anywhere, and dependencies listed in package.json that the codebase does not actually use. By removing these artifacts before shipping, developers reduce bundle size, lower maintenance overhead, and simplify future refactoring work.
Knip suits teams working on JavaScript or TypeScript codebases of any size who want to keep their projects lean and maintainable. It is particularly valuable in monorepos and projects with complex dependency graphs where unused code can accumulate unnoticed. The tool integrates into development workflows as a linter and offers a VS Code extension for real-time feedback during editing. It also provides a language server and model context protocol support for integration into other development environments.
The project shows consistent, focused development activity. Maintenance is regular and responsive to issues and pull requests. The codebase demonstrates careful attention to code quality and testing practices. Development prioritizes stability and reliability in the core analysis engine rather than rapid feature expansion. The maintainer actively engages with the community through multiple channels and welcomes contributions through a documented process.
