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codespell vs CSpell: catalog facts
codespellCSpell

Best for: Developers checking source trees and text files for common typos

Best for: Developers checking spelling in code and project documentation

Free

Free and open source under the GPL-2.0 license.

Free

Free and open source under the MIT license.

Command line Command line
  • Checks source code and other text files
  • Can apply suggested spelling fixes
All 3 strengths for codespell
  • Checks source code and other text files
  • Can apply suggested spelling fixes
  • Supports specific paths and file patterns
  • Checks spelling across large projects
  • Supports multiple languages and custom dictionaries
All 3 strengths for CSpell
  • Checks spelling across large projects
  • Supports multiple languages and custom dictionaries
  • Integrates with editors and CI workflows
  • Checks for common misspellings rather than all dictionary words
  • Requires Python 3.9 or above
  • The command-line tool requires a Node.js environment
Downloadable app Downloadable app
Open source Open source
License: GPL-2.0-only License: MIT
Not stated if an account is needed Not stated if an account is needed
Not stated if it works offline Not stated if it works offline
Sources for codespell

Catalog checked October 8, 2026

Sources for CSpell

Catalog checked October 8, 2026

“Not stated” means we have not confirmed it. Features can vary by device and plan.