What is the best dead code detection tool in 2026?

For multi-language projects, CleanAI provides the most comprehensive coverage by combining ts-prune, ESLint, Periphery, and Vulture into a single scan with IDE integration. For TypeScript-only projects, Knip and ts-prune are strong free alternatives.

Knip is an open-source tool that finds unused files, dependencies, and exports in JavaScript and TypeScript projects. It is more comprehensive than ts-prune but TypeScript/JavaScript only.

Do I need a dead code tool if I use an AI IDE?

Yes, especially if you use an AI IDE. AI-assisted coding with Cursor, Windsurf, or Copilot generates dead code faster than manual coding due to rapid iteration cycles. A dedicated scanner catches what AI tools leave behind.

The Best Dead Code Detection Tools in 2026

The dead code detection landscape has evolved significantly since 2025. AI-assisted coding tools like Cursor and Copilot have made dead code accumulation faster, while new detection tools have emerged to keep up. Here is the definitive guide for 2026.

1. CleanAI (Multi-Language, IDE-Integrated)

CleanAI is a VS Code and Cursor extension that combines multiple analysis tools into a single scan with visual results and automated safe removal.

Languages: TypeScript, JavaScript, Swift, Python

What it detects:

Unused exports (via ts-prune)
Unused imports and variables (via ESLint)
Unused Swift declarations (via Periphery)
Unused Python code (via Vulture)
Orphaned files

Key differentiator: Auto Clean (Safe) -- incrementally removes dead code by commenting out each finding, running your build, and only confirming removal if the build passes. This eliminates the risk of breaking changes.

Best for: Teams using multiple languages or AI IDEs who want a unified scanning and removal workflow inside their editor.

Price: Free tier (limited scans/month), Pro and Team paid plans.

2. Knip (JavaScript/TypeScript)

Knip has emerged as the most comprehensive open-source tool for JavaScript and TypeScript dead code detection. It goes beyond ts-prune by also finding unused dependencies, unused files, and unused configuration entries.

What it detects:

Unused files
Unused dependencies in package.json
Unused exports
Unused types
Unused enum members

npx knip

Best for: JavaScript/TypeScript monorepos that need thorough dependency and export analysis from the command line.

Price: Free, open source.

3. ts-prune (TypeScript)

ts-prune remains a reliable, focused tool for finding unused TypeScript exports. It is lightweight and fast, making it ideal for CI pipelines.

npx ts-prune

Best for: TypeScript projects that need a quick CI check for unused exports.

Price: Free, open source.

4. ESLint (JavaScript/TypeScript)

ESLint's @typescript-eslint/no-unused-vars rule catches unused imports and variables per-file. It is the most widely adopted dead code prevention tool.

Best for: Per-file linting in CI and on-save. Pairs with ts-prune or Knip for project-wide analysis.

Price: Free, open source.

5. Periphery (Swift)

Periphery is the gold standard for Swift dead code detection. It analyzes Xcode projects and Swift Package Manager packages to find unused declarations.

periphery scan --project MyApp.xcodeproj --schemes MyApp

Best for: iOS and macOS projects. Detects unused classes, structs, protocols, functions, properties, and enum cases.

Price: Free, open source.

6. Vulture (Python)

Vulture finds unused code in Python projects using AST analysis. The confidence score helps filter false positives from Python's dynamic patterns.

vulture src/ --min-confidence 80

Best for: Python projects of any size.

Price: Free, open source.

2026 Comparison Table

| Tool | Languages | Unused Exports | Unused Imports | Unused Files | IDE UI | Auto-Remove | Price | |------|-----------|---------------|---------------|-------------|--------|-------------|-------| | CleanAI | TS/JS/Swift/Python | Yes | Yes | Yes | VS Code/Cursor | Yes (safe) | Freemium | | Knip | JS/TS | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | Free | | ts-prune | TypeScript | Yes | No | No | No | No | Free | | ESLint | JS/TS | No | Yes | No | Plugin | Yes (--fix) | Free | | Periphery | Swift | Yes | N/A | Yes | No | No | Free | | Vulture | Python | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | Free |

Recommended Setup for 2026

The optimal dead code detection stack depends on your project:

TypeScript/JavaScript only:

ESLint with no-unused-vars in CI (catches imports on every PR)
Knip or ts-prune in CI (catches unused exports and files)
CleanAI in the editor (visual review and safe removal)

Multi-language (TypeScript + Swift or Python):

ESLint in CI for TypeScript
CleanAI in the editor (unified scanning across all languages)

AI IDE users (Cursor, Windsurf, Copilot):

All of the above, plus weekly CleanAI scans to catch AI-generated dead code

The key insight for 2026: dead code accumulates faster than ever due to AI-assisted coding. The tools to detect it have kept pace, but you need to actually run them.