Chous

Chous
Original author	Cheez Lin
Developer	Cheez Lin
Initial release	January 3, 2026; 15 days ago (2026-01-03)
Stable release	0.1.4 / January 6, 2026; 12 days ago (2026-01-06)
Written in	TypeScript
Operating system	Cross-platform
Available in	English, Chinese
Type	Static code analysis
License	MIT License
Website	github.com/cheezone/chous

Chous (pronounced /tʃoʊs/) is a static code analysis tool for analyzing and enforcing file structure conventions in software projects. It was created by Cheez Lin in 2026.^[1] Rules in Chous are configurable, and customized rules can be defined and loaded. Chous focuses on where files are located and how they are named, rather than analyzing the content within files. The tool includes built-in presets for popular frameworks and languages (including Next.js, Nuxt 3, Nuxt 4, Go, and Python), and integrates with AI-powered code editors such as Cursor through native hooks.^[2] Chous automatically detects framework versions (e.g., Nuxt 3 vs Nuxt 4) and applies the appropriate preset rules.

Chous was created to address the gap in static analysis tools that focus solely on code quality and style within files, but do not enforce structural conventions about file organization and naming patterns. Traditional linters like ESLint analyze code syntax and patterns, while Chous focuses on the architecture layer—ensuring consistent file structure across projects, from small agile projects to large monorepos. The tool was designed with AI-assisted development workflows in mind, recognizing that as developers increasingly rely on AI code editors, maintaining consistent project structure becomes both more important and more challenging.^[1] The name "Chous" comes from the Chinese phrase "抽丝剥茧" (chōu sī bō jiǎn, meaning "to draw out silk threads, to untangle"), reflecting the tool's purpose of untangling complex file structure issues.^[3]

Chous uses a human-readable DSL that allows developers to define rules using natural language patterns:

• Basic constraints: Enforce the existence of specific files or directories
• Naming conventions: Apply kebab-case, PascalCase, or camelCase rules to files and directories
• Nested blocks: Use `in <dir>:` syntax to scope rules to specific directories, preventing path repetition
• Automated suggestions: Provide automated file organization recommendations (e.g., moving assets to appropriate subdirectories)

Chous includes presets for common project types:

• Next.js: App router and page router conventions
• Nuxt 3: Directory structures based on Nuxt 3.x documentation
• Nuxt 4: Directory structures and dynamic route patterns
• Go: Standard Go workspace layouts
• Python: PEP 8 compliant project structures
• JavaScript/TypeScript: Common JS/TS project patterns

Chous automatically detects framework versions and applies the appropriate preset. For example, it distinguishes between Nuxt 3 and Nuxt 4 projects and applies version-specific rules accordingly.

Chous provides native integration with Cursor, an AI-powered code editor. The integration includes automated hooks that run file structure checks after AI-generated edits, ensuring that AI-assisted code generation maintains the project's structural conventions.^[2]

As the first dedicated file structure linter, Chous addresses a previously unmet need in software development tooling. The tool is particularly valuable in scenarios where:

• Multiple developers collaborate on large codebases
• Projects need to maintain consistent architecture patterns
• AI code editors are used, which may generate code that doesn't follow project conventions
• Monorepo projects require strict structural organization

• ESLint - JavaScript code quality linter
• JSHint - JavaScript code quality tool
• Prettier - Code formatter
• Static program analysis - General category of tools

• GitHub repository