mindent

**mindent** is a command-line utility designed to format and indent source code or text files in a consistent and readable manner. It is particularly useful for developers and programmers who need to maintain clean, standardized indentation in their codebases. The tool is often employed as part of automated build processes or as a pre-commit hook to ensure code consistency before changes are committed to version control systems.

Developed primarily for Unix-like operating systems, **mindent** operates by reading input from standard input or a specified file and applying indentation rules to the text. It supports various indentation styles, including spaces, tabs, or a mix of both, allowing users to customize the output according to project conventions. The tool is lightweight and does not require complex configuration, making it accessible for both casual and professional use.

One of the key features of **mindent** is its ability to handle nested structures such as code blocks, lists, or blockquotes, ensuring proper alignment and hierarchy. Unlike more advanced tools like **Prettier** or **Black**, which offer extensive formatting capabilities, **mindent** focuses on indentation alone, making it a minimalist solution for users who primarily need indentation correction without additional styling or syntax-aware formatting.

The utility is often used alongside other tools in a developer’s workflow, such as **indent** or **astyle**, depending on specific project needs. While not as widely recognized as some other code formatting tools, **mindent** remains a reliable option for those seeking a simple, efficient way to standardize indentation in text-based files. It is typically distributed via package managers on Linux distributions or can be compiled from source.