diff --git a/src/lint/linter/ArcanistLinter.php b/src/lint/linter/ArcanistLinter.php
--- a/src/lint/linter/ArcanistLinter.php
+++ b/src/lint/linter/ArcanistLinter.php
@@ -114,9 +114,17 @@
    */
   final public function setEngine(ArcanistLintEngine $engine) {
     $this->engine = $engine;
+    $this->didSetEngine($engine);
     return $this;
   }
 
+  /**
+   * @task state
+   */
+  protected function didSetEngine(ArcanistLintEngine $engine) {
+    return;
+  }
+
 
   /**
    * @task state