Java Code Analysis Tools

Question

I need to use a tool to view the code in my project. I use the Eclipse IDE (Helios) along with maven.I should be able to define my own rules. I am doing a reading and it looks like Sonar can do this job for me. Are there any other tools available and has anyone used sonar before?

Answer 1

We use Crucible in our corporation. It has a web interface and allows many users to simultaneously view the code, but in case you have more than 5/10 users, it will cost a fortune.

Answer 2

No doubt my personal choice is Sonar http://www.sonarsource.org

For more information, you will need screencasts: http://www.sonarsource.org/screencasts/

This tool is fully customizable. You can configure each plugin (PMD, checkstyle, findbugs, cobertura, .........).

On the website you can find an interesting following article:

Effective code review with sonar

Answer 3

I use FindBugs, which is part of Sonar. It is used to search for potential errors. There is also a tool called Checkstyle that can check coding conventions, it can fit your needs.

Hope this helps.