Infer vs SonarQube: What are the differences?

Key Differences between Infer and SonarQube

1. Analysis Technique: Infer and SonarQube employ different analysis techniques to identify code quality issues. Infer is a static analysis tool that uses a combination of abstract interpretation and symbolic execution to detect bugs and vulnerabilities. On the other hand, SonarQube utilizes a rule-based approach, where it compares code against a set of predefined rules to identify issues.

2. Supported Languages: Another significant difference is the set of supported languages. Infer primarily focuses on providing analysis for C, C++, and Objective-C code. In contrast, SonarQube supports a wide range of languages, including Java, C#, JavaScript, Python, and many more.

3. Integration and CI/CD Support: Both Infer and SonarQube offer integration options with build systems and CI/CD pipelines. However, the approach differs to some extent. Infer can easily integrate with build systems like Gradle, Buck, and Maven, allowing analysis during the build process. SonarQube provides plugins for popular build tools like Maven and Gradle, enabling seamless integration with CI/CD pipelines.

4. Developer-Friendly Tool: Infer focuses on providing developers with fast feedback during the development process, aiming to catch defects before they surface in code reviews or testing. It provides actionable reports by identifying the exact location of bugs and vulnerabilities. SonarQube, on the other hand, offers a more comprehensive analysis of various code quality aspects, along with reporting and visualization features for code maintainability and technical debt.

5. Cost and Licensing: The two tools also differ in terms of cost and licensing. Infer is an open-source tool released under the MIT license, making it free to use and modify. SonarQube comes in both open-source and commercial editions, with the commercial editions offering additional features and support that come at a cost.

In summary, Infer stands out with its advanced static analysis techniques, focused language support, and developer-centric features, while SonarQube offers a broader language support, comprehensive code quality analysis, and customizable reporting capabilities.