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🔐 What is SAST?

Static Application Security Testing (SAST) is a method of scanning your source code (or compiled code) without executing it, to detect:

• Coding bugs
• Insecure patterns (e.g., SQL injection, XSS)
• Vulnerable libraries
• Compliance violations (e.g., OWASP Top 10, CWE)

SAST tools help shift security left — detecting issues early in the SDLC.

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✅ Most Popular SAST Tools in 2025

1. SonarQube

• Type: Open Source + Enterprise
• Languages: 25+ (Java, Python, JS, C#, etc.)
• Intro: The most popular general-purpose SAST platform. It focuses on code quality, security, and technical debt.
• Strengths: Easy CI/CD integration, OWASP/CWE detection, supports branches and PR analysis.

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2. Semgrep

• Type: Open Source + Pro
• Languages: Python, JS, Go, Java, YAML, Terraform, more
• Intro: Lightweight, fast SAST scanner using customizable rule patterns. Great for modern dev teams.
• Strengths: Blazing fast scans, highly customizable rules, shift-left focused (pre-commit hooks, CI).

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3. Checkmarx SAST

• Type: Commercial
• Languages: 30+ including modern and legacy
• Intro: Enterprise-grade SAST platform with deep integration and risk scoring.
• Strengths: Deep code analysis, SAST + SCA, regulatory compliance mapping (PCI-DSS, HIPAA, etc.)

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4. Fortify Static Code Analyzer (by Micro Focus)

• Type: Commercial
• Languages: 25+ including legacy systems
• Intro: One of the earliest enterprise SAST tools, used in finance, defense, etc.
• Strengths: Extensive language support, audit tools, IDE integration, good for regulated industries.

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5. Veracode Static Analysis

• Type: Commercial (SaaS-based)
• Languages: Wide language support
• Intro: Cloud-native SAST platform that focuses on quick onboarding and compliance scanning.
• Strengths: No need for local infrastructure, scans in cloud, supports security SLAs.

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6. CodeQL (by GitHub / Microsoft)

• Type: Open Source + GitHub Advanced Security
• Languages: JavaScript, Python, C++, C#, Java, Go
• Intro: Code-as-data analysis engine that queries source code like a database.
• Strengths: Deep vulnerability hunting, GitHub-native, customizable queries.

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7. Bandit

• Type: Open Source (Python only)
• Intro: Lightweight SAST tool for Python projects.
• Strengths: Fast, easy to run in CI, beginner-friendly for Python devs.

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8. Brakeman

• Type: Open Source (Ruby on Rails)
• Intro: Rails-focused SAST scanner.
• Strengths: No configuration, fast, covers Rails-specific vulnerabilities.

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9. AppSweep (by Guardsquare)

• Type: Open Source + Commercial
• Intro: Static analysis for Android mobile apps.
• Strengths: Deep Android-specific analysis, integrates with Android Studio.

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📊 SAST Tool Comparison Table (2025)

Tool	Type	Languages Supported	Strengths	Best For
SonarQube	OSS + Paid	25+	Code quality + security + tech debt	General-purpose SAST
Semgrep	OSS + Paid	Modern languages + IaC	Custom rules, fast scans, pre-commit hooks	Shift-left, developer-centric
Checkmarx SAST	Paid	30+	Enterprise integration, compliance mapping	Large orgs, regulated sectors
Fortify SCA	Paid	25+	Legacy + enterprise coverage	Enterprises with complex stacks
Veracode SAST	Paid (SaaS)	20+	SaaS-based scans, fast onboarding	Mid-large cloud-first teams
CodeQL	OSS + Paid	Java, JS, Python, etc.	GitHub-native, query-based vuln hunting	GitHub users, bug bounty
Bandit	OSS	Python	Easy to use	Python-only projects
Brakeman	OSS	Ruby on Rails	Rails-specific scan engine	Rails projects
AppSweep	OSS + Paid	Android (Java/Kotlin)	Mobile SAST, Android Studio integration	Android mobile developers

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🧠 Recommendation: What to Learn?

Goal	Recommended Tool(s)
✅ Broad language + code quality	SonarQube
✅ Modern, dev-first scanning	Semgrep
✅ GitHub-based analysis	CodeQL
✅ Enterprise security compliance	Checkmarx or Fortify
✅ Mobile app scanning	AppSweep
✅ Python-only	Bandit

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