Clang Static Analyzer

Website

clang-analyzer.llvm.org

Categories

#Code Analysis #Code Coverage #Development #Code Review

PVS-Studio

Website

pvs-studio.com

Categories

#Code Analysis #Code Coverage #Development #Code Review

Clang Static Analyzer features and specs

• Integration with Clang
  The Clang Static Analyzer is built as part of the Clang project, ensuring seamless integration with the Clang compiler. This allows for easy adoption in projects that already use Clang for compiling, as there is no need for additional tooling setup.
• Open Source
  Being an open-source tool, Clang Static Analyzer is freely available for anyone to use and modify. This encourages a community-driven approach to improvements and provides the flexibility to tailor the tool to specific needs.
• Path-sensitive Analysis
  Clang Static Analyzer performs path-sensitive analysis, which means it evaluates different execution paths in the code to detect complex bugs that may only manifest under certain conditions.
• Deep C/C++ Support
  As part of the LLVM project, Clang Static Analyzer offers robust support for C and C++ languages, leveraging the deep language understanding from the Clang front-end.

Possible disadvantages of Clang Static Analyzer

• Limited Language Support
  While it is excellent for C and C++, Clang Static Analyzer has limited support for other programming languages, which can be a drawback for projects involving multiple languages.
• False Positives
  Like many static analysis tools, Clang Static Analyzer can generate false positives, where it reports issues that are not actual bugs. This can require developers to spend additional time reviewing and dismissing spurious warnings.
• Complex Setup for Non-Clang Projects
  Projects that are not already using Clang might face a more complex setup process to integrate Clang Static Analyzer, as it requires adapting build configurations to use Clang.
• Performance Overhead
  Running Clang Static Analyzer can introduce significant performance overhead during the analysis phase, which might lead to longer build or integration times, especially for large codebases.

PVS-Studio features and specs

• Comprehensive Code Analysis
  PVS-Studio offers a detailed static code analysis that helps to identify a wide range of potential issues in C, C++, C#, and Java code, including bugs, coding errors, and potential vulnerabilities.
• Integration with Development Environments
  Seamless integration with popular IDEs like Visual Studio, IntelliJ IDEA, and others, which allows developers to receive immediate feedback on code quality as they write and modify code.
• Cross-Platform Support
  PVS-Studio supports multiple operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and macOS, providing flexibility for diverse development environments.
• Rich Set of Diagnostic Rules
  The tool comes with an extensive set of diagnostic rules designed specifically for each supported language, enabling early detection of potential issues specific to the language.
• Regular Updates
  The vendor provides frequent updates that include new diagnostics, improved algorithms, and support for newer language standards, ensuring the tool remains current and effective.

Possible disadvantages of PVS-Studio

• Cost
  PVS-Studio is a commercial product, requiring a paid subscription or license, which might be a constraint for small companies or independent developers.
• Steep Learning Curve
  New users might find it challenging to navigate and utilize all features effectively due to the comprehensive nature of the software.
• Resource Intensive
  The analysis process can be resource-intensive, which might slow down performance on older or less powerful machines.
• Integration Complexity
  While integration is possible with many systems, setting it up in CI/CD pipelines or with certain build systems may require significant configuration effort.
• Potential for False Positives
  Like many static analysis tools, PVS-Studio may occasionally produce false positives, requiring developers to spend time reviewing non-issues.

2019 LLVM Developers’ Meeting: A. Dergachev “Developing the Clang Static Analyzer”

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Generic Talks - PVS-Studio

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