Top 3 Splint Alternatives for Robust C Program Analysis

Splint is a well-known tool for statically checking C programs, excelling at identifying security vulnerabilities and coding mistakes. While Splint offers a solid foundation for code analysis, developers often look for Splint alternative solutions that might offer different features, broader language support, or a more tailored user experience. This article explores some of the best alternatives to Splint, helping you find the perfect static analysis tool for your C and C++ projects.

Top Splint Alternatives

Whether you're seeking a free, open-source solution or one with specific debugging capabilities, these alternatives provide robust options for improving your code quality and security.

Cppcheck

Cppcheck is a powerful static analysis tool specifically designed for C/C++ code. Unlike many compilers and other analysis tools, Cppcheck focuses on detecting bugs and programming errors that compilers might miss, rather than syntax errors. It's an excellent open-source Splint alternative, available across multiple platforms including Windows, Linux, PortableApps.com, and Eclipse, making it highly versatile for various development environments. Its key features include bug detection, compiler-independent analysis, and portability.

lgtm.com

lgtm.com is a web-based platform for comprehensive code analytics, offering a robust Splint alternative, especially for open-source projects. It provides free usage for open-source software and boasts readily available results for over 55k projects, with the option to add your own. This platform excels in detecting bugs and performing static code analysis across various languages, including Java and Python, making it a versatile choice for multi-language projects. As a free, web-based solution, lgtm.com provides excellent accessibility and collaborative features for teams.

Infer

Facebook Infer is a popular static analysis tool that serves as a strong Splint alternative, particularly for Objective-C, Java, and C codebases. Infer is designed to pinpoint potential bugs and vulnerabilities in your code, providing a list of issues to address. It is a free and open-source tool, primarily available for Linux environments, making it a great choice for developers working within that ecosystem. Its key features include advanced bug detection, debugger integration, and comprehensive static analysis capabilities, ensuring high-quality and secure code.

Choosing the right static analysis tool depends on your specific needs, programming languages, and team workflow. Explore these Splint alternatives to find the best fit for your projects and enhance your code quality and security.