Clang Static Analyzer is an open source static analysis tool that was released in 2005 and is extensively used by Apple. It integrates with Xcode to identify possible runtime errors in code as it is being written in real time with minimal setup effort and no additional computing resources required. Clang is free to use, updated regularly, and while it will not find all errors, it provides suggestions to help improve code quality and catch syntax issues.

1. Clang Static Analyzer
Doug Schuster

2. History
● Released in 2005
● Completely open source
● Extensively used by apple with LLVM (low-
level virtual machine)
● Allows for idle time analysis to help identify
possible runtime errors

3. Sustainability
● Updated quickly for XCode 5
● Updates are released every few months

4. Performance
● Runs as an add-on for xcode -> no extra
noticeable computing power required
● Results are displayed in real time as code is
created, checking syntax and common
errors

5. Pricing
● Clang is a free, open source piece of
software

6. Benefit/Cost Analysis
● Clang easily imports into Xcode, so setup
effort is minimal
● Free software = no financial cost
● Clang points out and offers suggestions to
possible problem spots and syntax errors
○ Note: clang will not find all errors and may mark
correct code as incorrect

7. Compatibility
● Clang is built for Mac OSX, but can be built
for other platforms

8. Tutorial/Training
● http://clang-analyzer.llvm.
org/checker_dev_manual.html
● http://clang-analyzer.llvm.org/faq.html
● http://stackoverflow.
com/questions/3455157/example-code-to-
trigger-clangs-static-analyser
● http://lists.cs.uiuc.edu/pipermail/cfe-
dev/2013-January/026877.html

9. Maintenance
● Clang does not update automatically
● The site recommends checking every few
weeks for a new version

10. Comparison to OCLint
Clang
● Integrates into xcode
● Based off the LLVM
compiler
● Open source
● Mac OS, but source can
be built from scratch
for other platforms
OCLint
● Stand alone analyzer
● Based off the LLVM
compiler
● Open source
● Mac and Linux OS

11. Hello World
● You must tell Xcode to use the clang analyzer
● To give it the path, use the command:
--use-checker-build
sudo checker-276/set-xcode-analyzer --use-checker-build=/tmp/checker-276
● More details on switching analyzers can be found at
http://clang-analyzer.llvm.org/xcode.html

12. Hello World Example