Linting, though a term that might evoke mixed feelings, is a valuable process in programming, involving the analysis of code for errors and style issues, akin to spell-checking in text editors. Flake8 is a popular linting tool that checks Python code for PEP8 standard violations, helping developers maintain clean and error-free code. The author shares a personal journey of overcoming initial apprehension toward linting and illustrates Flake8's utility through an example of running it on an old script, revealing common issues like improper comment formatting and line length violations. The article highlights how Flake8 can be customized to ignore specific issues through configuration files, making it a flexible tool for developers. Additionally, the author notes the integration of Flake8 into the PyBites CodeChallenges platform, enhancing coding practice by providing real-time feedback. Despite any personal dislike for the word "linting," the author advocates for Flake8's inclusion in a programmer's toolkit due to its ability to improve code quality and adherence to standards.