What Are the Available Static Code Analysis Tools for Apex?

Question

What Are the Best Static Code Analysis Tools for Apex?

I’m looking for static code analysis tools specifically designed for Apex development. While the Force.com Security Source Code Scanner is a well-known option, it has the limitation of operating through a queue system, which can delay the analysis. I’m interested in finding a tool that I can run locally, enabling quick feedback and making refactoring more efficient during short development cycles. Could you suggest tools or solutions that meet these needs?

Answer

Static code analysis tools are essential for developers to identify potential issues, improve code quality, and enforce best practices in their code. These tools analyze source code without executing it, providing valuable insights into security vulnerabilities, code complexity, and more. If you’re working with Apex, it’s crucial to select the right static analysis tool to help you maintain high-quality code.

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Force.com Security Source Code Scanner

One of the most commonly known tools for Apex static code analysis is the Force.com Security Source Code Scanner. This tool primarily focuses on identifying security vulnerabilities in your Apex code. While it serves an important purpose, it does have some limitations. One significant drawback is that it operates on a queue-based system, which means you cannot run the analysis immediately. Your request is placed in a queue, and the analysis runs when it can, causing potential delays in getting results.

CodeScan: A Powerful Local Solution

If you prefer a more immediate and local solution, CodeScan is a tool worth considering. CodeScan offers an enterprise-grade static analysis tool tailored for Apex. It boasts over 100 static analysis checks, including several checks specific to Apex. The tool also provides code complexity metrics, helping you identify areas where your code can be optimized.

CodeScan integrates with SonarQube, a popular code quality platform, offering enhanced features such as:

• Graphs and Timelines: Visualize your code quality and track improvements or regressions over time.
• Code Reviews: Conduct code reviews directly within the tool, allowing your team to maintain consistent coding standards.
• Custom Rule Creation: You can build your own static analysis rules using XPath.
• Continuous Integration: CodeScan can be integrated into your CI/CD pipeline, automatically running Apex class tests and recording results as part of your build process.

For those who prefer trying out the tool before committing, you can visit Code Scan’s demo page, where you can upload a single file for static analysis. While the demo version is not as feature-rich as the enterprise version, it provides a good preview of what Code Scan can do.

See also: Salesforce CRM Basic Interview Questions

Eclipse Version for Local Development

CodeScan also provides an Eclipse version that integrates directly into your development environment. This version runs the static analysis locally, providing immediate feedback on your code as you work. This feature is especially useful for developers who want to fix issues in real time without waiting for an external tool to complete its analysis.

Conclusion

Choosing the right static analysis tool for your Apex code depends on your development needs. If you’re looking for a tool that can analyze security vulnerabilities, the Force.com Security Source Code Scanner is a good option. However, if you prefer a more robust and local solution, CodeScan offers a powerful set of features, including custom rule creation, integration with SonarQube, and local analysis within your IDE. Whichever tool you choose, incorporating static code analysis into your workflow will help improve the overall quality and maintainability of your Apex code.

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