Close Menu
SalesforceCodex
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    Trending
    • Top 10 Salesforce Flow Features of Salesforce Summer ’25
    • Unlock the Power of Vibe Coding in Salesforce
    • How to Implement Dynamic Queueable Chaining in Salesforce Apex
    • How to Implement Basic Queueable Chaining in Salesforce Apex
    • How to Suppress PMD Warnings in Salesforce Apex
    • Top 10 PMD Issues Salesforce Developers Should Focus on in Apex
    • How to Use Graph API for Outlook-Salesforce Connection
    • Enhancing Performance with File Compression in Apex
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    SalesforceCodex
    Subscribe
    Tuesday, May 20
    • Home
    • Architecture
    • Salesforce
      • News
      • Apex
      • Integration
      • Books Testimonial
    • Questions
    • Certification
      • How to Prepare for Salesforce Integration Architect Exam
      • Certification Coupons
    • Integration Posts
    • Downloads
    • About Us
      • Privacy Policy
    SalesforceCodex
    Home»Architecture»Best Code Analysis Tools For Salesforce Development

    Best Code Analysis Tools For Salesforce Development

    Dhanik Lal SahniBy Dhanik Lal SahniMay 29, 2023Updated:May 29, 2023No Comments7 Mins Read
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Code Analysis Tools in Salesforce
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

    With the increase in custom business requirements, a lot of customization is required in Salesforce applications. These customizations can be done using low code or pro code approaches. In both scenarios, developers/admins have to follow the best practice given by Salesforce. If developers will not follow these best practices then Salesforce application performance will degrade for that business. To handle this problem, a lot of code analysis tools are available for Salesforce Developers to use and make their code best as per the requirement. This post will provide detail about the best code analysis tools for Salesforce development.

    Before we see the best code analysis for Salesforce, let us first understand the types of code analysis tools

    Types of Code Analysis Tools

    Static Code Analyzer

    Static code analysis is a technique that involves analyzing the code without executing it. It examines the source code or compiled code to identify potential issues, such as bugs, vulnerabilities, coding standards violations, and performance bottlenecks. Static code analyzers use a set of predefined rules and patterns to analyze the code structure, syntax, and logic.

    Dynamic Code Analyzer

    Dynamic code analysis involves analyzing the code while it is being executed or tested. It monitors the behavior of the code during runtime, capturing data on variables, inputs, and outputs. Dynamic analysis tools may perform functions like code coverage analysis, memory profiling, security issues, and performance monitoring.

    Most code analysis tools provide static code analysis and very few support dynamic code analysis.

    Static Code Analysis Tools

    I have reviewed tools based on the below parameters

    Open Source Availability

    Price is a major factor in deciding any tool usage. Tools that are free or have community edition is used mostly. I have started using Apex PMD as it is free and easy to use.

    Supports Apex

    Apex is the most critical code which is required to scan for vulnerabilities. Most of our application logic is written in Apex so this is a very important factor for using any code analysis tool.

    Supports Visual Force Pages (VFs), LWC and Aura Component

    We create UI logic in Visual Force Pages (VFs), Lightning Web Components (LWC) and Aura Components. Most code analysis tools are supporting Apex code only but tools should support UI components as well for code analysis.

    Supports ANT Integration

    ANT integration is required when we set up Continous Integration/Delivery (CI/CD) using some Dev Ops tool. We want that whenever code is deployed to the next environment, the Code analysis tool will execute the code and the code will only move when there is no major vulnerability in the code.

    Support Quality Gate

    A quality gate is an indicator that tells whether our code meets the minimum level of quality required for the project. This is very important when we use Continous Integration/Delivery (CI/CD).

    Duplicate Code Detector

    Duplicate code detection allows us to find code that has been generated by Copy/Paste Programming. Duplicate code will increase code lines and maintenance code as well. Ideally, our code should not be having duplicate code.

    Integration with Dev Ops Platform

    Dev Ops tools help us manage our code properly. Our code analyzer tool should be integrated with the Dev Ops tools to provide code quality issues. Dev Ops tool can take decisions using the quality gate to move code to the next environment.

    VS Code Integrated

    Developers use Visual Studio Code to write Apex, LWC, Aura or Visual Force Page code. Tools should support VS code for code analysis. It should be integrated within VS code. If code is integrated with VS Code, Developer will get issues while coding itself, this way the issue can resolve early.

    Number of rulesets

    Ruleset is a very important factor for code analysis tools. The number of rulesets is higher specific to Salesforce code will be better for code analysis. It will handle all aspects of code logic.

    Custom Rule Support

    Custom Ruleset creation is another requirement for code analysis tools. Organizations want to add their own rulesets for code review like a class should start with SFD, LWC should have suffix UI etc.

    Community Support

    We always need help while using tools. Community support is another important factor in deciding on code analysis tools.

    Cloud, Self-Hosted and IDE Product

    Tools should be supported in Integrated Development Environment (IDE). Cloud-hosted and Self-hosted tools are also sometimes required for enterprise project development.

    Based on the above parameters, I have selected the below tools for comparison

    1. Apex PMD
    2. Sonar Qube
    3. Code Scan
    4. DigitSec-S4

    Code Analysis Tool Feature Comparison

    Below image is showing a feature-wise comparison of all the above-mentioned code analysis tools.

    code analysis tools for Salesforce - SalesforceCodex

    Apex PMD is not supporting Lightning Web Component and Aura Lightning Component code analysis but we can use ESLint VS Code extension for analyzing lightning components.

    CodeScane has the largest ruleset for Salesforce which will help in identifying all issues.

    Popular Code Analysis Tools

    The below image is showing code analysis tool’s popularity. Apex PMD is the most popular tool as it is easy to use and it’s free for use.

    Salesforce Code Analysis Tools - SalesforceCodex

    Apart from the above-mentioned tools, there are other tools like CheckMarx, Clayton, Codecy, CodeClimate, Org Scanner, and Documentation Center. Salesforce provides free code analysis using CheckMarx. It will analyze code in Org and then send a report with all code issues.

    Dynamic Code Analysis Tools

    In Salesforce, dynamic code analysis tools are commonly used for testing, performance monitoring, and debugging purposes. While Salesforce does not provide a specific built-in dynamic code analysis tool, there are several techniques and tools available that can be used for dynamic analysis in the Salesforce environment. Here are a few examples:

    Salesforce Apex Debugger

    The Apex Debugger is a built-in tool in the Salesforce Developer Console that allows developers to debug and step through their Apex code during runtime. It provides features such as setting breakpoints, inspecting variables, and executing code line by line to identify and fix issues.

    Debug Logs

    Salesforce allows developers to enable debug logs to capture detailed information about the execution of Apex code. Debug logs can be generated for specific users, profiles, or execution contexts. They provide a valuable resource for troubleshooting and analyzing the behavior of the code during runtime.

    Test Execution

    Salesforce provides a robust testing framework for executing unit tests and ensuring the quality and functionality of the code. Developers can write unit tests to validate the behaviour of Apex code and verify that it meets the desired requirements.

    Performance Monitoring Tools

    Salesforce provides performance monitoring tools, such as the Lightning Usage App, which allows you to monitor the performance and usage statistics of your Lightning components and pages. These tools provide real-time insights into the performance characteristics of your Salesforce applications, including response times, component rendering times, and API call durations.

    External Monitoring Tools

    There are third-party monitoring and analytics tools that can be integrated with Salesforce to provide dynamic code analysis capabilities. These tools, such as New Relic or AppDynamics, allow you to monitor the performance, transactions, and interactions within your Salesforce applications. They provide in-depth insights into the runtime behaviour, identify performance bottlenecks, and help optimize the application’s performance.

    Summary:

    Code analysis tool is important nowadays as custom code is increasing. Based on our requirements we must use some code analysis tool. Apex PMD is a free tool, at least we can start with this tool and then based on business requirements, we can move to other tools like SonarQube, CodeScan or DigitSec.

    References:

    Sonar Qube – Apex

    Apex PMD

    CodeScan

    DigitSec

    Other Posts

    Steps for Successful Salesforce data migration

    Automating data synchronization between Salesforce and Amazon Seller

    apex code analysis apex pmd checkmarx code analysis code analyzer code review tools codescan digitsec dynamic code analyzer lwc code analysis pmd salesforce apex code analyzer salesforce code analysis tools Salesforce code review tools sonarqube static code analyzer top code analysis tool top code analysis tool in Salesforce
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Previous ArticleBook Testimonials – Salesforce Platform Enterprise Architecture, 4th Ed
    Next Article Salesforce DevOps for Developers: Enhancing Code Quality and Deployment Efficiency
    Dhanik Lal Sahni
    • Website
    • Facebook
    • X (Twitter)

    With over 18 years of experience in web-based application development, I specialize in Salesforce technology and its ecosystem. My journey has equipped me with expertise in a diverse range of technologies including .NET, .NET Core, MS Dynamics CRM, Azure, Oracle, and SQL Server. I am dedicated to staying at the forefront of technological advancements and continuously researching new developments in the Salesforce realm. My focus remains on leveraging technology to create innovative solutions that drive business success.

    Related Posts

    By Dhanik Lal Sahni6 Mins Read

    Top 10 Salesforce Flow Features of Salesforce Summer ’25

    May 11, 2025
    By Dhanik Lal Sahni6 Mins Read

    Unlock the Power of Vibe Coding in Salesforce

    April 30, 2025
    By Dhanik Lal Sahni5 Mins Read

    How to Implement Dynamic Queueable Chaining in Salesforce Apex

    April 21, 2025
    Add A Comment
    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    Ranked #1 SALESFORCE DEVELOPER BLOG BY SALESFORCEBEN.COM
    Featured on Top Salesforce Developer Blog By ApexHours
    Recent Posts
    • Top 10 Salesforce Flow Features of Salesforce Summer ’25
    • Unlock the Power of Vibe Coding in Salesforce
    • How to Implement Dynamic Queueable Chaining in Salesforce Apex
    • How to Implement Basic Queueable Chaining in Salesforce Apex
    • How to Suppress PMD Warnings in Salesforce Apex
    Ranked in Top Salesforce Blog by feedspot.com
    RSS Recent Stories
    • How to Connect Excel to Salesforce to Manage Your Data and Metadata February 9, 2025
    • Difference Between With Security and Without Security in Apex January 2, 2025
    • Top Reasons to Love Salesforce Trailhead: A Comprehensive Guide December 5, 2024
    • How to Utilize Apex Properties in Salesforce November 3, 2024
    • How to Choose Between SOQL and SOSL Queries July 31, 2024
    Archives
    Categories
    Tags
    apex (110) apex code best practice (8) apex rest (11) apex trigger best practices (4) architecture (22) Asynchronous apex (9) AWS (5) batch apex (9) batch processing (4) code optimization (8) code review tools (3) custom metadata types (5) design principle (9) einstein (3) flow (15) future method (4) google (6) google api (4) integration (19) integration architecture (6) lighting (8) lightning (64) lightning-combobox (5) lightning-datatable (10) lightning component (29) Lightning web component (61) lwc (50) named credential (8) news (4) optimize apex (3) optimize apex code (4) Permission set (4) Queueable (9) rest api (23) S3 Server (4) salesforce (140) salesforce apex (46) salesforce api (4) salesforce api integration (5) Salesforce Interview Question (4) salesforce news (5) salesforce question (5) solid (6) tooling api (5) Winter 20 (8)

    Get our newsletter

    Want the latest from our blog straight to your inbox? Chucks us your detail and get mail when new post is published.
    * indicates required

    Ranked #1 SALESFORCE DEVELOPER BLOG BY SALESFORCEBEN.COM
    Featured on Top Salesforce Developer Blog By ApexHours
    Recent Posts
    • Top 10 Salesforce Flow Features of Salesforce Summer ’25
    • Unlock the Power of Vibe Coding in Salesforce
    • How to Implement Dynamic Queueable Chaining in Salesforce Apex
    • How to Implement Basic Queueable Chaining in Salesforce Apex
    • How to Suppress PMD Warnings in Salesforce Apex
    Ranked in Top Salesforce Blog by feedspot.com
    RSS Recent Stories
    • How to Connect Excel to Salesforce to Manage Your Data and Metadata February 9, 2025
    • Difference Between With Security and Without Security in Apex January 2, 2025
    • Top Reasons to Love Salesforce Trailhead: A Comprehensive Guide December 5, 2024
    • How to Utilize Apex Properties in Salesforce November 3, 2024
    • How to Choose Between SOQL and SOSL Queries July 31, 2024
    Archives
    Categories
    Tags
    apex (110) apex code best practice (8) apex rest (11) apex trigger best practices (4) architecture (22) Asynchronous apex (9) AWS (5) batch apex (9) batch processing (4) code optimization (8) code review tools (3) custom metadata types (5) design principle (9) einstein (3) flow (15) future method (4) google (6) google api (4) integration (19) integration architecture (6) lighting (8) lightning (64) lightning-combobox (5) lightning-datatable (10) lightning component (29) Lightning web component (61) lwc (50) named credential (8) news (4) optimize apex (3) optimize apex code (4) Permission set (4) Queueable (9) rest api (23) S3 Server (4) salesforce (140) salesforce apex (46) salesforce api (4) salesforce api integration (5) Salesforce Interview Question (4) salesforce news (5) salesforce question (5) solid (6) tooling api (5) Winter 20 (8)

    Get our newsletter

    Want the latest from our blog straight to your inbox? Chucks us your detail and get mail when new post is published.
    * indicates required

    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest YouTube Tumblr LinkedIn Reddit Telegram
    © 2025 SalesforceCodex.com. Designed by Vagmine Cloud Solution.

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

    Ad Blocker Enabled!
    Ad Blocker Enabled!
    Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors. Please support us by disabling your Ad Blocker.