🔐 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.
✅ Most Popular SAST Tools in 2025
1. Aikido Security
Aikido delivers state-of-the-art SAST as part of its unified security platform, with an emphasis on usability for developers. It scans source code for vulnerabilities and bug risks in real time, providing results that are actionable and noise-free.
Key Features
Multi-Language Code Scanning
- Supports a wide range of languages and frameworks, including Java, Python, JavaScript/TypeScript, C#, Go, and more
- Identifies issues such as SQL injection, XSS, hard-coded secrets, and insecure configurations
AI Auto-Remediation
- Automatically generates fix patches for discovered vulnerabilities
- Can suggest or auto-create patches, such as sanitizing unsafe user input
- Significantly reduces time to remediate issues
IDE & PR Integration
- Runs scans directly in developers’ IDEs or as pull request checks
- Comments on problematic code lines in PRs
- Provides immediate “shift-left” feedback, helping developers fix issues before merge and integrate security seamlessly into development workflows
Pros
- High Precision
Achieves up to 85% fewer false positives than legacy scanners through context-aware analysis and deduplication, making alerts more trustworthy. - Developer-Centric Design
Provides clear descriptions and code examples for each issue without overwhelming developers with jargon, focusing on guidance and education. - Part of a Platform
Correlates findings with runtime and dependency data, such as verifying whether a vulnerable function is exploitable in production, to help prioritize remediation.
Cons
- New and Rapidly Evolving
As a newer SAST solution, Aikido releases new rules and improvements frequently. While generally positive, the product may change faster than more static legacy tools. - Broader Scope
Aikido is not a single-focus SAST tool but part of a broader platform. Teams seeking only a point solution may find themselves adopting additional capabilities, though many appreciate the unified approach after use.
2. 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.
3. 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).
4. 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.)
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. Brakeman
- Type: Open Source (Ruby on Rails)
- Intro: Rails-focused SAST scanner.
- Strengths: No configuration, fast, covers Rails-specific vulnerabilities.
10. AppSweep (by Guardsquare)
- Type: Open Source + Commercial
- Intro: Static analysis for Android mobile apps.
- Strengths: Deep Android-specific analysis, integrates with Android Studio.
📊 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 |
🧠 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 |