Top tools for static code analysis in Java

We all know that writing flawless code is no easy feat, and that's where static code analysis tools come in handy. Think of them as a second pair of eyes, helping you spot issues early, boost code quality, and enhance security. Here’s a rundown of some of the best static code analysis tools for Java.

1. Checkstyle

- What it does: Checkstyle is all about keeping your Java code tidy and up to scratch with your team’s standards. It spots any style slip-ups, making sure everyone’s on the same page with the coding guidelines. This tool is brilliant for keeping your code neat, readable, and easy to work on. It comes with loads of built-in coding standards, and you can tweak it to fit your project’s unique rules.

• You can create and enforce custom style guides using XML configuration
• Generates reports on style violations
• It includes a variety of predefined rule sets, such as Google Java Style Guide and Sun Coding Standards, to facilitate quick adoption

By automatically sniffing out style violations, Checkstyle nips inconsistencies in the bud, helping you dodge potential errors. Plus, it streamlines code reviews by catching stylistic slip-ups from the get-go, saving time and hassle.

- Integration: Integrates with IDEs like Eclipse and IntelliJ IDEA and build tools like Maven and Gradle for seamless enforcement of coding standards

- Free: Yes

- Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate

2. FindBugs /SpotBugs

- What it does: SpotBugs, picking up where FindBugs left off, dives into Java bytecode to sniff out potential bugs and vulnerabilities. Unlike tools that focus on style, SpotBugs zeros in on real issues like null pointer dereferences, array index out-of-bounds, and concurrency hiccups. It’s flexible, with plugins that let you add extra security checks and coding rules.

• Utilises sophisticated pattern-matching algorithms to detect bug patterns, with support for over 400 bug patterns categorised by priority and type
• Allows developers to create custom bug detectors using the SpotBugs API, enabling tailored analysis to meet specific project needs
• SpotBugs can analyse large codebases with minimal performance overhead, providing quick turnaround times in CI environments

Its flexibility means you can tailor it for various security needs, making it adaptable to whatever your project demands. With seamless integration across a host of development tools, it’s a go-to for loads of Java developers looking to keep their code in tip-top shape.

- Integration: Compatible with Eclipse, IntelliJ IDEA, and NetBeans for in-IDE analysis. Integrates with Maven, Gradle, and Ant for automated build-time analysis

- Free: Yes

- Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate

3. FindSecurityBugs

- What it does: FindSecurityBugs, an extension of SpotBugs, zeroes in on security vulnerabilities, pinpointing threats like SQL injection, XSS, and more in your Java code. It beefs up SpotBugs with security-focused checks, making it a must-have for developers keen on fortifying their applications against attacks. If you're serious about locking down your code, FindSecurityBugs is your go-to tool.

• Includes over 200 security bug patterns, covering issues such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and insecure deserialisation
• Easily integrates with SpotBugs and popular IDEs, providing real-time security insights during development
• Supports custom security rules, enabling organisations to target specific vulnerabilities relevant to their codebase

FindSecurityBugs is a crucial tool for any project where security is top of the agenda. With its focus on identifying vulnerabilities early on, it becomes indispensable for keeping your code secure.

- Integration: Works with CI/CD pipelines and build tools like Maven and Gradle, ensuring security checks are part of the continuous integration process.

- Free: Yes

- Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate

4. SonarQube

- What it does: SonarQube is a top-notch platform for continuously checking code quality and security. It combs through your code to spot bugs, code smells, and security vulnerabilities across a bunch of languages. By integrating smoothly with CI/CD pipelines, it offers real-time feedback, helping teams catch issues early on. Its powerful dashboard and reporting features let teams track quality trends, technical debt, and vulnerabilities over time. With support for custom rules and a vast array of plugins, SonarQube is highly adaptable, meeting the specific needs of different projects with ease.

• Includes over 1000 built-in rules covering code quality, security, and maintainability. Users can extend these with custom rules using XPath or writing plugins in Java.
• Allows teams to set thresholds for code quality metrics, such as code coverage, complexity, and duplication. This ensures that code cannot be deployed unless it meets predefined quality standards.
• Detects vulnerabilities based on CWE (Common Weakness Enumeration) and OWASP guidelines, providing actionable insights for remediation.
• Integrates with testing tools like Jacoco to provide detailed code coverage analysis and highlight areas of code duplication.

Its ability to enforce code quality gates ensures that only code meeting predefined standards gets deployed, which seriously boosts project reliability and security. The open-source Community Edition makes it accessible to small teams and projects, while the Enterprise Edition packs in advanced features tailored for large organisations. Whether you're a small startup or a big corporation, SonarQube has you covered for keeping your code top-notch.

- Integration: Seamlessly integrates with CI/CD tools like Jenkins, GitLab CI, Bamboo, and Bitbucket Pipelines. SonarQube's REST API allows integration with custom tools and workflows.

- Free: Community Edition is free; Developer and Enterprise Edition is paid

- Skill Level: Intermediate

5. PMD

- What it does: PMD is a cracking tool that digs into your source code to spot a variety of programming flaws, like dead code, inefficient code, and overly complex methods. It helps enforce coding standards and promotes best practices among development teams. With its high customisability, developers can craft custom rule sets to match their project's unique needs. Plus, PMD supports a range of languages beyond Java, making it a versatile pick for projects that juggle multiple languages.

• Allows developers to create custom rules using XPath or Java, tailoring the analysis to specific project requirements
• Offers metrics like cyclomatic complexity, coupling, and cohesion, helping teams assess code quality and maintainability.
• Beyond Java, PMD supports languages like Apex and JavaScript, making it a versatile tool for projects involving multiple technologies.

Its versatility and customisability make it a top choice for teams that need bespoke code quality checks. Its seamless integration with various build tools ensures that code quality is consistently monitored and maintained throughout the development process. Whether you're tweaking rules to fit your project or keeping an eye on code across multiple languages, PMD has got you covered.

- Integration: Integrates with Maven, Gradle, Ant, and various IDEs, providing real-time feedback during the development process.

- Free: Yes

- Skill Level: Intermediate

6. Checkmarx

- What it does: Checkmarx is a top-tier static application security testing (SAST) tool that dives deep into your source code to uncover security vulnerabilities. It supports a broad spectrum of programming languages and integrates smoothly with development environments and CI/CD pipelines. With real-time code scanning and detailed vulnerability reports, Checkmarx gives developers actionable insights to fix issues early in the development process, keeping your code secure from the get-go.

• Covers OWASP Top Ten, CWE, and other security frameworks, with over 2000 built-in rules for detecting vulnerabilities such as SQL injection, XSS, and CSRF.
• Combines static and dynamic analysis techniques to improve detection accuracy and reduce false positives.
• Supports seamless integration with IDEs like Eclipse and Visual Studio, as well as DevOps tools like Jenkins, Bamboo, and TeamCity.
• Codebashing: An integrated training platform that provides developers with interactive lessons on how to fix identified vulnerabilities, enhancing security awareness and skills.

Its scalability and speed in scanning large codebases make it a perfect fit for enterprise environments.

- Integration: Checkmarx's RESTful API allows integration with custom workflows and tools, ensuring security checks are embedded throughout the development lifecycle.

- Free: No

- Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced

7. Fortify Static Code Analyzer

- What it does: Fortify SCA conducts in-depth security analysis, offering detailed insights into security risks. It integrates smoothly with a variety of IDEs and CI/CD tools, ensuring that security checks are an integral part of the development lifecycle. With an extensive rule set for detecting vulnerabilities and robust reporting and dashboard features, Fortify SCA is the go-to choice for organisations with strict security demands. It's a powerhouse for keeping your applications secure and compliant.

• Covers a broad spectrum of vulnerabilities, including OWASP Top Ten, SANS, and CWE, offering detailed insights and remediation guidance.
• Analyses over 25 programming languages, making it a unified platform for complex, multi-language projects.

Its knack for delivering detailed analysis and actionable insights empowers organisations to uphold high security standards and shield applications from potential exploits. Its scalability and capability to handle large codebases make it a robust choice for enterprises. With Fortify SCA, you can ensure your applications remain secure and resilient against threats.

- Integration: Fortify SCA integrates with development tools and platforms like Jenkins, Bamboo, and Visual Studio, facilitating continuous security enforcement.

- Free: No

- Skill Level: Advanced

Integrating advanced static code analysis tools into your development workflow can do wonders for your Java projects. These tools help you catch bugs early, maintain coding standards, and strengthen the security of your applications. They're essential for experienced developers who want to uphold high standards of quality and security, particularly in complex and large-scale projects. By keeping your code in check with the right tools, you can ensure your projects run smoothly and stay secure from start to finish.