During the initial creation phase of software development, static code analysis is a commonly used technique. Developers analyze their own source code as part of this analysis process before running it. This indicates that the testing of applications takes place in production or in without the benefit of a runtime environment. Static code analysis is often performed as part of Software Testing (also called white-box testing) in the stage of implementation (SDL) of the Security Development Lifecycle.
Learn the value of static code analysis in software development and how it increases software security, stability, and quality in this article. This article will also examine the benefits and tools of static code analysis software.
The benefit of Static Code Analysis
Static code Analysis tools have many benefits, particularly when it comes to connecting with industry requirements. Some of them we describe there.
SPEED
Manual code reviews are difficult for developers. Automated tools work much more quickly. Early problems have been solved by static code checking. In addition, it indicates the exact location of the code error. Thus, you’ll be able to correct those mistakes more quickly. Moreover, fixing coding errors observed early on is less expensive.
Empowering Developers with Bug Detection
Software developers and engineers often face issues that don’t show up until much later on in the application’s their lives period. While manual code analysis often depends on running the code and hoping that an error shows up during quality control testing, static code analysis software enables developers to find and fix problems that would otherwise be hidden away in the code, leading to cleaner deployments and fewer challenges in the future.
Documentation and Knowledge Exchange
Information from static analysis is used to document code improvements and issues. They could additionally promote information sharing among the development team so that they can benefit from found issues and recommended solutions.
Implementation
As far as you have programs to be analyzed, you can apply static analysis early in the software development lifecycle (SDLC). This will give you more time to address any problems the tool finds. Static analysis’s greatest feature is its ability to identify the reliable line of code that has been identified as problematic.
Supports various coding standards
The code needs to be faithful to the industry’s particular standards. MISRA C, MISRA C++, and AUTOSAR C++ 14 Coding Guidelines, which are for instance, are utilized while creating systems that need to be reliable and secure.
Manually verifying that the code fulfills with a given coding standard is very time-consuming and ineffective. Because static analyzers are so quick.
Duplication
With the help of this feature, you can minimize the size and level of detail of your code base .It can highlight areas where you can simplify and refactor your project by transferring lines of code that are unnecessary to different functions that you can use in the future.
This is a great chance for you to significantly boost your code by moving the method into a separate function and at the same time covering that function with tests. This can even result in the creation of stand-alone components.
DEPTH
There are certain code execution paths that testing cannot cover. A static code analyzer, however, can.While you work on your build, the code is analyzed by a static code analyzer. In-depth analysis of your code’s potential weaknesses will be provided, based on the rules you’ve followed.
Best Practice For Static Code Analysis
There are some errors we need to dispel before we can discuss the suggested procedures for static code analysis. For example, static analyzers are not meant for single use. Moreover, static analysis and dynamic analysis are not better. The following are recommended practices to adhere to when using SAST tools:
- Identify the scale of the issue
- Maximize the accessibility of the code.
- When writing the code, keep usefulness in mind.
- Allow for upgrades in case a code requires more functionality down the road.
- Write code that executes rapidly.
Top 8 static code analysis tools
Para Soft
Without any question, one of the best tools for testing static analyses is Para soft. Because it can support different kinds of static analysis techniques, such as Pattern Based, Flow-Based, Third- Parties Analysis, Metrics, and Multivariate analysis, it differs slightly from other static analysis tools. In addition to its ability to detect errors, the tool also has a feature that helps to prevent errors.
JUnit
Unit is a widely used framework for unit testing. It promotes the creation and execution of test cases, reducing error rates and boosting code security. Developers can define and test cases with JUnit by using annotations and APIs.Because it evaluates complex code, JUnit is one of the best test frameworks for Java-based applications. Its simple structure facilitates a simple use. The test range is broad and can ultimately save time and money. The program’s ability to give up messages when reporting line numbers and error codes is its lone drawback.
Features of the JUnit;
- Easy and natural way to create scenarios for testing.
- a strong framework for reports and test performance.
- There is comprehensive reference material available for users.
KlocWork
When it comes to C++ static code analysis tools, Klocwork from Perforce is the best. It leads the industry for a reason—one major benefit is that it specializes in handling big codebases. It allows you to create custom checkers and has over a thousand checkers. Unlike some other tools, it takes into account false positives and false negatives. Additionally, it is one of the few tools that offers differential analysis, which allows you to get the fastest analysis times for new and modified code. Furthermore, the security aspect is essentially covered because it is not just another static analysis tool but also an SAST (static application security testing) tool.
Black Duck Software
Black Duck Software is used to manage permit implementation and identify security risks.A tool for software composition analysis (SCA) is Black Duck Software. It is used to detect and control related safety risks in open source software through scanning. Furthermore, SCA tools are also used to manage open source software license compliance.
The industry-leading solutions from Black Duck Software are used by organizations all over the world to secure and manage open source software, removing the hassle associated with operational risk, open source license compliance, and safety risks.
Smart Bear Collaborator
A code analyze tool that works well for both remote and collaborative teams is called Smart Bear Collaborator. It can view a wide range of documents, including source code, requirements, test plans, user stories, and documentation, with its long browsing capabilities. Git Hub, Git Lab, Jira, Eclipse, Visual Studio, and other programs can all be built with it. It provides features for electronic signatures as validation. gives thorough reports. Numerous other features are included in SmartBear, like managing and tracking defects, personalizing overview examples, and working together on software objects. You can test it out for free, and a 5-user package costs $554 per year.
OCLint
For Linux and Mac OS X, OCLint is a stand-alone program analysis tool for C/C++ and Objective-C applications. It performs all of the functions that a static analysis tool should, including discovering errors, unnecessary code, and inactive code. Moreover, it has an extremely flexible configuration that enables users to customize it to meet their unique requirements.
Embold
By speeding up code reviews, Embold is a very intelligent software analytics platform that helps teams and developers produce higher quality software faster.This gives clear Illustrations and automatically promotes wireless networks within the code. With the aid of multi-vector diagnostic, users can transparently manage and enhance the quality of their software by having it analyzed from a variety of angles, including software design.
ReShift
Reshift is a SaaS-based program that allows organizations and their software development team to easily identify weaknesses faster than any other program before fully automated programs are developed. Reshift’s best feature is that it speeds up both the process of locating issues and flaws and speeds up program fixes. It identifies every potential risk that could endanger your program and assists every company in meeting the higher standards. Reshift assists all programmers, developers, and their teams in creating safe software.
Conclusion
Tools for static code analysis have several advantages for software testing. These tools can aid in raising the caliber and dependability of software by seeing possible problems early in the development process. Static code analysis tools can also guarantee that code is written according to best practices and standards, which will improve the codebase’s availability over time. Finally, by spotting potential flaws and security problems, static code analysis tools help enhance software security.
