By Andrey Karpov
In the modern world of software development, code quality is becoming a critical factor that determines a project success. Errors in code can entail severe consequences.
Related: The convergence of network, application security
For example, vulnerabilities in banking applications can lead to financial data leaks, and errors in medical systems can threaten the health of patients. Such incidents not only harm users but also undermine trust in technology in general, and pose reputational risks to companies. In the global economy where every mistake can cost millions, it is important to identify and fix problems early in the development process.
Code analysis is the process of detecting errors, flaws, and security defects in software. It can be performed manually or automatically. What manual analysis is concerned, we basically mean the classic code review method. Code review has the purpose of error search, working out recommendations on code improvement, and also contributes to education of new programmers.
Finding potential vulnerabilities is another important aspect of code analysis. Hackers can exploit some vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to data or systems. With the growing threat of cyber attacks, data security is becoming a priority for many companies. Therefore, regular code checks help protect information in advance and minimize risks.
Karpov
The same as methods of detecting errors in code, vulnerability detection methods range from manual testing to automated solutions. However, the manual approach is often insufficient, especially in large and complex projects. Therefore, the automated search for potential vulnerabilities becomes inevitable.
One of the ways to analyze code automatically is to use static analyzers. A static code analyzer is a tool that examines source code for errors and potential vulnerabilities without executing it. The analyzer helps developers detect problems even before the code is run. This reduces the cost of fixes and prevents many negative consequences. This process is similar to an editor checking a text for typos and grammar errors before publication.
A static analysis tool can be integrated into development processes, allowing you to run the analysis automatically with each code change. This ensures that developers receive immediate feedback after making changes to the code. This approach helps maintain high-quality standards and minimize the likelihood of errors.
Static analyzers not only detect errors but also provide developers with detailed reports and documentation with recommendations on how to eliminate the flaws. It can be used for training and improving the programming skills of a team, as developers can study the causes of errors and avoid them in the future. This approach to learning contributes to a high-quality-code culture within the team.
Static analyzers enable you to allocate more resources for solving business problems. Errors found in the early development stages require less time and effort to fix than those found later. This not only saves developers’ resources but also reduces financial risks for the company. Timely bug fixing prevents possible losses from releasing a low-quality product.
Our team develops the PVS-Studio SAST solution and has extensive experience in helping companies implement static analysis into their development process. For readers, we’re offering a promo code, #thelastwatchdog, for a 30-day trial version of the static analyzer. This will allow you to test the tool on your projects and decide whether static analysis meets the needs of your business. Also, you can always contact us if you have any questions on static analysis. I hope we can assist you in improving your software development processes.
About the essayist: Andrey Karpov is a co-founder of the PVS-Studio project. He has been a CTO for a long time and taken part in the development of the C++ analyzer core. Now Andrey is engaged in team management, employee training, and DevRel activities.
