How to use the command scan-build (with examples)

The scan-build command-line utility is used to run a static analyzer over a codebase as part of performing a regular build. It is part of the Clang Static Analyzer, which is a tool that can help detect bugs and issues in source code.

Use case 1: Build and analyze the project in the current directory

Code:

scan-build make

Motivation: Running the scan-build make command allows you to perform a regular build of your project while also leveraging the static analyzer to identify any potential issues in your code. This can help catch bugs early, before they cause problems in the running application.

Explanation:

• scan-build: Invokes the scan-build command-line utility.
• make: The build tool command to build the project. This will compile the source code and create the executable.

Example output:

scan-build: Using '/usr/bin/clang' for static analysis
scan-build: Building '/path/to/project' using 'scan-build --use-analyzer=/usr/bin/clang make'
scan-build: 'scan-view /path/to/project/scan-view' directory created
scan-build: Run '/path/to/project/scan-view/index.html' to examine bug reports.
scan-build: Analysis done.

Use case 2: Run a command and pass all subsequent options to it

Code:

scan-build command command_arguments

Motivation: The scan-build command allows you to run any command and pass all subsequent options to it. This is useful when you want to analyze a specific command or tool using the static analyzer.

Explanation:

• scan-build: Invokes the scan-build command-line utility.
• command: The command to be executed and analyzed by the static analyzer.
• command_arguments: Any arguments or options required by the command.

Example output:

scan-build: Using '/usr/bin/clang' for static analysis
scan-build: Building '/path/to/command' using 'scan-build --use-analyzer=/usr/bin/clang command command_arguments'
scan-build: 'scan-view /path/to/command/scan-view' directory created
scan-build: Run '/path/to/command/scan-view/index.html' to examine bug reports.
scan-build: Analysis done.

Use case 3: Display help

Code:

scan-build

Motivation: When you are unsure of how to use the scan-build command-line utility or need to quickly reference the available options, running scan-build without any arguments will display the help message.

Explanation:

• scan-build: Invokes the scan-build command-line utility with no additional arguments.

Example output:

Usage: scan-build [options] [command]

Options:
  -h, --help            Show help message and exit.
  -o OUTPUT, --output=OUTPUT
                        Store analyzer reports in the specified directory.
  -plist-absolute-paths
                        Make generated paths absolute.
  -plist-html           Generate HTML version of the plist.
  -plist-files=<GLOB>   Include only files that match the given glob pattern.
  -plist               Save analyzer reports as plist files.
  --keep-empty          Keep empty analyzer reports.
  -v, --verbose         Print verbose diagnostics.
  --status-bugs         Treat non-zero analyzer status as bugs.
  --status-features     Treat non-zero analyzer status as features.
  --status-todo         Treat non-zero analyzer status as to-dos.
  --mode=MODE           Specify a build mode ('debug' or 'release').
  --use-analyzer=ANALYZER
                        Use the specified analyzer instead of the one in
                        $PATH.
                        
...

Conclusion:

The scan-build command-line utility is a powerful tool for running a static analyzer over a codebase during a regular build. By using the examples provided, you can easily incorporate static analysis into your development process, catching potential issues and improving the overall quality of your code.