Code

Review
Principles,
Processes
and Tools
Aditya Pratap Bhuyan

April 25

2014
Code
Review
Details for
Java

Table of Contents
1.
2.

Introduction, Purpose and Target Audience .......................................................... 2

Need of Code Review ................................................................................................ 3
2.1. What is Code Review ............................................................................................. 3
2.2. Need of Code Review ............................................................................................. 3
3. Ways and Type of Code Review .............................................................................. 4
3.1. Types of Code Review............................................................................................ 4
3.2. Scope of Code Review ............................................................................................ 4
3.3. Automated Code Review ....................................................................................... 5
3.4. Steps of Code Review ............................................................................................. 5
3.5. Detailed Code Review ............................................................................................ 6
3.5.1. General Guideline ............................................................................................ 6
3.5.2. File Level .......................................................................................................... 6
3.5.3. Class Level ........................................................................................................ 7
3.5.4. Method/Function Level.................................................................................... 7
3.5.5. Exception/ Error Handling.............................................................................. 7
3.5.6. Common Coding Errors................................................................................... 7
4. Great Programming Mistakes ................................................................................. 9
4.1. Mistakes in Exception Handling ........................................................................... 9
4.2. Mistakes in Common Java API .......................................................................... 12
4.3. Mistakes in Design ............................................................................................... 14
4.4. Mistakes in Architecture ..................................................................................... 14
4.4. Mistakes in Servlets & JSP ................................................................................. 15
4.5. Mistakes in EJB.................................................................................................... 16
4.6. Mistakes in Web Services .................................................................................... 16
4.7. Mistakes in Other J2EE Design .......................................................................... 17
5. Static Code Review Tools ....................................................................................... 17
5.1. Open Source Products ......................................................................................... 18
5.1.1. Multi language Support................................................................................ 18
5.1.2. Language Specific ......................................................................................... 18
5.2. Commercial Products .......................................................................................... 20
5.2.1. Multi language Support................................................................................ 20
5.2.2. Language Specific ......................................................................................... 22
6. References ................................................................................................................ 24

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1. Introduction, Purpose and Target Audience

Code review is a basic mechanism for validating the
design and implementation of software. It also helps to maintain
a level of consistency in design and implementation practices
across projects and among the various modules in side the
projects.
Code reviews can often find and remove common
vulnerabilities such as format string exploits, race conditions,
memory leaks and buffer overflows, thereby improving software
security. Online software repositories based on Subversion (with
Redmine or Trac), Mercurial, Git or others allow groups of
individuals to collaboratively review code. Additionally, specific
tools for collaborative code review can facilitate the code review
process.
The document is intended to give a general idea about
code review. It discusses the purpose, methods and tools used
for code review. It doesnt cover reporting code review and code
profiling.
This document is useful for software developers,
Technical Leads, Architects and Project Managers to give them
the idea of code review.

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2. Need of Code Review

2.1. What is Code Review
Code review is systematic examination (often as peer review) of
computer source code. It is intended to find and fix mistakes
overlooked in the initial development phase, improving both the
overall quality of software and the developers' skills. Reviews are
done in various forms such as pair programming, informal
walkthroughs, and formal inspections.

2.2. Need of Code Review

The purpose of a code review is for someone other than the
programmer to critically go through the code of a module to ensure
that it meets the functional and design specifications, is wellwritten and robust. An incidental benefit is that the reviewer may
learn some new programming techniques, and more people in the
team become familiar with the module.
The reviewer should not try to fix any bugs or improve the code.
S/he should merely inform the programmer about potential bugs
and possible improvements. The responsibility for actually making
the changes and testing them lies with the programmer.

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3. Ways and Type of Code Review

3.1. Types of Code Review
Code review practices fall into three main categories: pair
programming, formal code review and lightweight code review.
Formal code review, such as a Fagan inspection, involves a
careful and detailed process with multiple participants and
multiple phases. Formal code reviews are the traditional method
of review, in which software developers attend a series of
meetings and review code line by line, usually using printed
copies of the material. Formal inspections are extremely
thorough and have been proven effective at finding defects in
the code under review.
Lightweight code review typically requires less overhead than
formal code inspections, though it can be equally effective when
done properly. Lightweight reviews are often conducted as part
of the normal development process.
a. OverOver-thethe-shoulder One developer looks over the author's
shoulder as the latter walks through the code.
b. Email passpass-around Source code management system emails
code to reviewers automatically after checkin is made.
c. Pair Programming Two authors develop code together at the
same workstation, such is common in Extreme Programming.
d. ToolTool-assisted code review Authors and reviewers use
specialized tools designed for peer code review.
Some of these may also be labeled a "Walkthrough"
(informal) or "Critique" (fast and informal).
Many teams that eschew traditional, formal code review use
one of the above forms of lightweight review as part of their
normal development process. The lightweight reviews uncoveres
as many bugs as formal reviews, but were faster and more costeffective.

3.2. Scope of Code Review

These are the following areas which are covered during code
review.
a. Goal review: is the issue being fixed actually a bug? Does the
patch fix the fundamental problem?
b. API/design review: Because APIs define the interactions
between modules, they need special care. Review is especially
important to keep APIs balanced and targeted, and not too
specific or over designed. There are also specific API change
rules that must be followed.
c. Maintainability review:
review: Code which is unreadable is impossible
to maintain. If the reviewer has to ask questions about the

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d.

e.

f.

g.

purpose of a piece of code, then it is probably not documented

well enough. Does the code follow the coding style guide?
Security review: Does the design use security concepts such as
input sanitizers, wrappers, and other techniques? Does this code
need additional security testing such as fuzz-testing or static
analysis?
Integration review:
review Does this code work properly with other
modules? Is it localized properly? Does it have server
dependencies? Does it have user documentation?
Testing review: Are there tests for correct function? Are there
tests for error conditions and incorrect inputs which could
happen during operation?
License review: Does the code follow the code licensing rules?

3.3. Automated Code Review

Automated code review software checks source code for
compliance with a predefined set of rules or best practices. The
use of analytical methods to inspect and review source code to
detect bugs has been a standard development practice. This
process can be accomplished both manually and in an
automated fashion. With automation, software tools provide
assistance with the code review and inspection process. The
review program or tool typically displays a list of warnings
(violations of programming standards). A review program can
also provide an automated or a programmer-assisted way to
correct the issues found.
Some static code analysis tools can be used to assist with
automated code review. They compare favorably to manual
reviews, but they can be done faster and more efficiently. These
tools also encapsulate deep knowledge of underlying rules and
semantics required to perform this type analysis such that it
does not require the human code reviewer to have the same
level of expertise as an expert human auditor. Many Integrated
Development Environments also provide basic automated code
review functionality. For example the Eclipse and Microsoft
Visual Studio IDEs support a variety of plugins that facilitate
code review.
Next to static code analysis tools, there are also tools that
analyze and visualize software structures and help humans to
better understand these. Such systems are geared more to
analysis because they typically do not contain a predefined set
of rules to check software against. Some of these tools (e.g.
SonarJ, Sotoarc, Structure101) allow to define target
architectures and enforce that target architecture constraints
are not violated by the actual software implementation.

3.4. Steps of Code Review

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1. Obtain print-outs of the specs and design documents and of

the code. Write your comments neatly on the print-outs, with
your name, date and other relevant details.
2. Read through the specs and design documents to get an
understanding of the purpose of the code and how it achieves
this purpose.
3. Compare the class hierarchy and/or function call-tree from
the design document with the actual code. Note any
discrepancies.
4. Identify the important data structures from the design
document. Check this against the actual code. Note any
discrepancies.
5. Check for adherence to the project's coding standard
6. Check the style and correctness of each of the following:
(a) Each file
(b) Each class
(c) Each function/method
7. Check the handling of exceptions and errors
8. Check the user interaction
9. Look for common errors
10.
0. Read the test plan. Verify that it checks the software limits.

3.5. Detailed Code Review

3.5.1. General Guideline
a.
b.
c.
d.

h.

Comments in Javadoc format in the case of Java files.

In-line comment for each global or other important variable
Declarations of logically related variables grouped together.
For example: first input parameters, then output variables, then
temporaries, with a comment and blank line separating the
blocks.
Simple names for temporaries. For example: String s; int num;
Reuse temporaries. For example: use "s" instead of
"s1...s2...s3".
Comment at the start of statement block such as loop or
conditional
Comment to explain any unusual code

i.

Proper choice and capitalisation of names

e.
f.
g.

3.5.2. File Level

a. top-of-file comment present.
b. Date stamp and programmer's name present.

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c. Copyright notice such as "Copyright (C) 2011 Syniverse

Software Services India Ltd."
d. Find out from the project manager what is appropriate.
e. "Imports" and "uses" clauses -- check for cyclic dependencies
(file A uses file B which uses file A)

3.5.3. Class Level

a. Class comment present
b. Class variables tally with design document
c. "public" variables to be used rarely -- mainly in the case of
data-only classes
d. Any "static" variable must have an explanatory comment
e. Number of functions/class should not exceed 10 normally

3.5.4. Method/Function Level

a. Comment block with fields (purpose, arguments, return, errors)
filled in
b. Any "static" variable must have an explanatory comment
c. Length should not exceed 30 lines normally
d. Function should normally have arguments, i.e., minimize direct
use of global or class variables.

3.5.5. Exception/ Error Handling

a. All exceptions must be handled in one of the following ways:
propagate the exception
catch the exception and take some action
catch the exception and ignore it. *Must* have an
explanatory comment.
b. If a function returns an error code, it must be checked and action
taken as above.
c. Recovery action (exit, ignore or retry) must be justified
d. Output from the error/exception handling:
a lowlow-level, library function:
log the error Should not popup a dialog, or write to stdout
or exit
a nonnon-interactive daemon:
log the error . Should not popup a dialog, or write to
stdout
an interactive function:
popup a dialog box or write to stdout (depending on
whether it is a GUI or CLI); optionally also log the error
e. Use the project's standard error handling function/class.

3.5.6. Common Coding Errors

a. no default case in a "switch" or nested "if-then-else-if."
b. no error code to handle "impossible" cases (which will occur
sooner or later)
c. error return value of a system call or function is ignored
d. exception thrown by a function is not caught by the caller
e. bounds of fixed-size arrays or vectors exceeded
f. '<' instead of '<='

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g.
h.
i.
j.
k.
l.

'>' instead of '>='

'==' instead of '!='
'=' instead of '=='
range of a data type such as char or int exceeded
type-casts that could cause errors
unnecessary use of language features. For example,
Integer object instead of an int
Vector instead of an array.
m. use of a variable instead of a constant
n. use of numbers in the code instead of defining symbolic
constants
o. use of uninitiallised variables

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4. Great Programming Mistakes

4.1. Mistakes in Exception Handling
1. Log and Throw
Example:
catch (NoSuchMethodException e) {
LOG.error("Blah", e);
throw e;
}
or
catch (NoSuchMethodException e) {
LOG.error("Blah", e);
throw new MyServiceException("Blah", e);
}
or
catch (NoSuchMethodException e) {
e.printStackTrace();
throw new MyServiceException("Blah", e);
}
All of the above examples are equally wrong. This is one of the most annoying
error-handling antipatterns. Either log the exception, or throw it, but never do
both. Logging and throwing results in multiple log messages for a single
problem in the code, and makes life hell for the support engineer who is
trying to dig through the logs.
2. Throwing
Throwing Exception
Example:
public void foo() throws Exception {
This is just sloppy, and it completely defeats the purpose of using a checked
exception. It tells your callers "something can go wrong in my method." Real
useful. Don't do this. Declare the specific checked exceptions that your
method can throw. If there are several, you should probably wrap them in
your own exception
3. Throwing the Kitchen Sink
Example:
public void foo() throws MyException,
AnotherException, SomeOtherException,
YetAnotherException
{
Throwing multiple checked exceptions from your method is fine, as long as
there are different possible courses of action that the caller may want to take,

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depending on which exception was thrown. If you have multiple checked

exceptions that basically mean the same thing to the caller, wrap them in a
single checked exception.
4. Catching Exception
Example:
try {
foo();
} catch (Exception e) {
LOG.error("Foo failed", e);
}
This is generally wrong and sloppy. Catch the specific exceptions that can be
thrown. The problem with catching Exception is that if the method you are
calling later adds a new checked exception to its method signature, the
developer's intent is that you should handle the specific new exception. If
your code just catches Exception (or worse, Throwable), you'll probably never
know about the change and the fact that your code is now wrong.
5. Destructive Wrapping
Example:
catch (NoSuchMethodException e) {
throw new MyServiceException("Blah: " +
e.getMessage());
}
This destroys the stack trace of the original exception, and is always wrong.
6. Log and Return Null
Example:
catch (NoSuchMethodException e) {
LOG.error("Blah", e);
return null;
}
or
catch (NoSuchMethodException e) {
e.printStackTrace();
return null;
} // Man I hate this one
Although not always incorrect, this is usually wrong. Instead of returning null,
throw the exception, and let the caller deal with it. You should only return null
in a normal (non-exceptional) use case (e.g., "This method returns null if the
search string was not found.").
7. Catch and Ignore

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Example:
catch (NoSuchMethodException e) {
return null;
}
This one is insidious. Not only does it return null instead of handling or rethrowing the exception, it totally swallows the exception, losing the
information forever.
8. Throw from Within Finally

Example:

try {
blah();
} finally {
cleanUp();
}This is fine, as long as cleanUp() can never throw an exception. In the
above example, if blah() throws an exception, and then in the finally
block, cleanUp() throws an exception, that second exception will be
thrown and the first exception will be lost forever. If the code that you call
in a finally block can possibly throw an exception, make sure that you
either handle it, or log it. Never let it bubble out of the finally block.
9. Unsupported Operation Returning Null

Example:

public String foo() {

// Not supported in this implementation.
return null;
}
When you're implementing an abstract base class, and you're just
providing hooks for subclasses to optionally override, this is fine.
However, if this is not the case, you should throw an
UnsupportedOperationException instead of returning null. This makes it
much more obvious to the caller why things aren't working, instead of her
having to figure out why her code is throwing some random
NullPointerException.

10.

Ignoring InterruptedException

Example:

while (true) {
try {
Thread.sleep(100000);
} catch (InterruptedException e) {}
doSomethingCool();
}
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InterruptedException is a clue to your code that it should stop

whatever it's doing. Some common use cases for a thread getting
interrupted are the active transaction timing out, or a thread pool
getting shut down. Instead of ignoring the
InterruptedException, your code should do its best to finish up
what it's doing, and finish the current thread of execution. So to
correct the example above:

while (true) {
try {
Thread.sleep(100000);
} catch (InterruptedException e) {
break;
}
doSomethingCool();
}
11.

Relying on

getCause()

catch (MyException e) {
if (e.getCause() instanceof FooException) {}
The problem with relying on the result of getCause is that it
makes your code fragile. It may work fine today, but what happens
when the code that you're calling into, or the code that it relies on,
changes its underlying implementation, and ends up wrapping the
ultimate cause inside of another exception? Now calling getCause
may return you a wrapping exception, and what you really want is
the result of getCause().getCause(). Instead, you should
unwrap the causes until you find the ultimate cause of the
problem. Apache's commons-lang project provides
ExceptionUtils.getRootCause() to do this easily.

4.2. Mistakes in Common Java API

12.
Null Returning from a method with return type Collection or
Array

Null should never be returned from a method returning a
collection or an array. Instead return a empty array (a static
final empty array) or one of the empty collections (e.g.
Collections.EMPTY_LIST assuming the client should not be
modifying the collection).
13.

14.

Unnecessary thread safety for StringBuffer

Use StringBuilder rather then StringBuffer, unless
synchronization is required. StringBuilder is not thread safe,
and therefore avoids the synchronization overhead of
StringBuffer.
Comparing URLs with URL.equals()
URL.equals()

Implementation of equals() in java.net.URL is based on a fancy
rule saying that URLs of two hosts are equal as long as they are

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15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

21.

resolving to the same IP address. It is known to be

incompatible with virtual hosting and should not be used.
equals()
equals() and hashCode() are contextcontext-sensitive

equals() and hashCode() implementations should rely only
on an internal object state. Making them dependent on other
objects, context of use and other external conditions conflicts
with the general contracts of consistency:
Not taking advantage of toString()

Overriding toString() method gives you a cheap way to provide
human-readable labels for objects in output. When the objects
are used in GUI containers, such as JLists or JTables, it allows
to use the default models and renderers instead of writing the
custom ones.
Instantiation of immutable objects

Creating new instances of immutable primitive type wrappers
(such as Number subclasses and Booleans) wastes the
memory and time needed for allocating new objects. Static
valueOf() method works much faster than a constructor and
saves the memory, as it caches frequently used instances.
Unbuffered IO

Reading and writing I/O streams byte-by-byte is too expensive,
as every read()/write() call refers to the underlying native
(JNI) I/O subsystem. Usage of buffered streams reduces the
number of native calls and improves I/O performance
considerably.
equals() doesnt check null arguments

If you override equals() method in your class, always check if
an argument is null.
null If a null value is passed, equals() must
unconditionally return false (no NullPointerException
should be thrown!).
compareTo() is incompatible with equals()

If a class implements Comparable, compareTo() method
must return zero if and only if equals() returns true for the
same non-null argument (and vice versa). Violating this rule
may cause unexpected behavior of the objects.
Linked List as arrays

java.util.LinkedList is a special type of collection designed
for sequential access (stacks and queues). Being used as a
random-accesed array, it is much slower than other List
implementations. For instance, getting an item by index
(get(n)) has constant complexity O(1) for ArrayLists, while
for LinkedList, the complexity of that operation is O(n).

22. Synchronizes Collections Every

Every Where

Vector and Hashtable are just the synchronized versions of
the ArrayList an HashMap but working much slower. Use
unsynchronized collections unless thread-safety is really
required.
23. Accessing the Map values using KeySet Iterator

A common mistake is to retrieve values from a Map while
iterating over the Map keys with keySet(). Calling
Map.get(key) for each entry is expensive and should be
avoided for better performance.Use entrySet() iterator to
avoid the Map.get(key) lookup.
24.
equals() is overridden
overridden where hashCode() is not

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If you override equals() in your class, always provide a

custom implementation of hashCode() that returns the same
hash code value for two or more equal objects. This is, in fact,
a general contract defined by Java API Specification. Violation
of this rule (which is likely the case if equals() method is
overridden while hashCode() is inherited from Object) may
cause numerous bugs and unexpected behaviours.

4.3. Mistakes in Design

1.

Programming to Concrete Classes Rather than Interfaces

Interfaces

This is an important design principle, and is often broken.
Programming to an interface than a concrete class provides
innumerable benefits. You will not be tied into using a specific
implementation, and there will be a provision for changing
behavior at runtime. The word "interface" implies either a Java
interface or an abstract class. As long as you can apply
polymorphism, the application's behavior isn't locked into
specific code. Note that this principle is not applicable in
situations when you know that the behavior is not going to
change.
2. Excessive Coupling

When coding, one basic software concept to keep in mind is
that less coupling is generally better. For example, if you code
a method to perform a certain task, it should perform only that
task, helping to keep the code clean, readable and
maintainable. But inevitably, certain aspects such as logging,
security, and caching tend to creep in. There are, fortunately,
good ways to avoid this. One such technique, Aspect Oriented
Programming (AOP), provides a neat way to achieve this by
injecting the aspect's behavior into the application at compile
time. For more info, refer to the DevX AOP articles in the
related resources section of this article.

3. Development: The Golden Hammer

When coding, one basic software concept to keep in mind is
that less coupling is generally better. For example, if you code
a method to perform a certain task, it should perform only that
task, helping to keep the code clean, readable and
maintainable. But inevitably, certain aspects such as logging,
security, and caching tend to creep in. There are, fortunately,
good ways to avoid this. One such technique, Aspect Oriented
Programming (AOP), provides a neat way to achieve this by
injecting the aspect's behavior into the application at compile
time.

4.4. Mistakes in Architecture

1. Reinventing the Wheel

This term doesn't need any description. When developing
software, you usually have two choicesbuild on top of an
existing technology or start from scratch. While both can be
applicable in different situations, it is nevertheless useful to
analyze existing technology before reinventing the wheel to
develop functionality that already exists and can satisfy the
requirements. This saves time, money as well as leveraging
knowledge that developers already might have.
2. Vendor locklock-in

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This occurs when the software is either partly or wholly

dependent on a specific vendor,. One advantage of J2EE is its
portability, but it still gives vendors the opportunity to provide
rich proprietary features. Assuredly, such features can aid
during development, but they can also have a reverse impact at
times. One such problem is loss of control. You're probably
familiar with the feeling that the feature you need is always six
months away. Another such problem is when vendor changes to
the product break your software, degrade interoperability, force
constant upgrades, etc.
One solution is to provide an isolation layer on top of the
proprietary stuff. For example, Commons Logging allows you to
plug in any logging framework such as Log4J or Java Logging.

Anti Patterns in J2EE

Layer
Antipattern
Persistence Dredge
Stifle
JSP
Too much session data
Embedded Navigational Information
Servlet
Common Functionality in Every Servlet
Accessing Fine-grained EJB Interfaces
EJBs
Large Transactions
Overloading queues in JMS
Web services Assuming SOA = Web service
J2EE
Hardcoded JNDI lookups
Not leveraging EJB container
3.

4.4. Mistakes in Servlets & JSP

1. Overusing Session Data

Using the JSP session as a common data space is an easy
temptation to fall prey to. The session provides a simple
mechanism for storing transferring data. But an increase in site
traffic and the accompanying increase in session data can cause
crashes. Also, a careless dump in the session might result in
conflicting keys, resulting in application errors. An even worse
situation would be an error that shared data across sessions
when it is not meant to be shared, potentially exposing
sensitive user information.
Even without such technical issues, it is a bad idea to allow
bloated sessions. Session data should be used only for
information required for workflow across multiple user
interfaces, and the session should be cleaned up when the
information is no longer needed.
2. Embedded Navigational Information
Information

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3.

4.

5.

This occurs when developers hardcode or embed links to other

JSPs. If the page names change, someone must search for and
change all the referring links in other pages. Designing a
carefully thought-out navigational scheme initially can prevent
this maintenance nightmare at a later stage.
Common Functionality in Every Servlet

Hard-coding functionality that is common across multiple
servlets in an application makes it hard to maintain. Instead,
developers should remove the repeated code from the servlets.
Using a framework such as Struts provides a neat way of
specifying application flow in an XML filewhich can be altered
without altering the servlet code. Other common techniques
exist as well, such as Front Controller and filters that you can
use to remove hard-coded values at different levels.
Accessing FineFine-grained EJB Interfaces

Marshaling and unmarshalling data involved in a remote call
across the network can cause major time latency in
applications. Latency can also occur due to multiple remote
calls. Based on the needs on the application, the solution might
involve redesigning the EJBs, but if that's not the case, servlets
should not remotely access an EJB entity via a fine-grained API.
If the EJB's expose both fine and coarse-grained APIs then
servlets should use single calls to the coarse-grained API in
preference to making multiple calls to the fine-grained
methods.
Use Of Class Level Variables in Servlet

Servlets are single instances per application. For each incoming
request, the servlet container creates a new thread. If class
level variables would be used in Servlets, then it would be
shared among all threads and all threads can alter the value.
We should be careful when using class level variables in
Servlet.

4.5. Mistakes in EJB

1. Large Tra
Transactions
nsactions

Transactions that involve complicated processes that invoke
multiple resources can lock out other threads waiting for the
same resources for significant time periods. This can cause
impact on performance. It's generally prudent to break such
transactions into smaller chunks (depending on the
application's needs), or to use alternatives such as stored
procedures for lengthy database processes.
2. Overloading Queues in JMS

JMS provides both queue and topic destinations. A queue can
house different kinds of messages, for example, map (binary)
messages or text-based messages. But if you take advantage
of this feature to send different kinds of messages on the same
queue, it becomes the onus of the consumer to distinguish
between them. A better solution would be to separate them
out. You can accomplish that programmatically or by using two
separate destinations, depending on the application
requirements.

4.6. Mistakes in Web Services

1. Assuming SOA = Web Service

The term Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) is often confused
with Web services, but the fact is that SOA concepts were
around long before Web services were born. SOA strives for

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loose coupling between components. It provides a software

service that is consumed by another software service. Lately
however, SOA has become synonymous with Web services. Just
keep in mind that it's is entirely possible to base SOA on other
service technologies as well.

4.7. Mistakes in Other J2EE Design

1. HardHard-coding JNDI Lookups

The Java Naming and Directory Interface provides a convenient
way to look up object information, such as the location of an
EJB interface. But JNDI lookup operations are generally
expensive, especially if performed repeatedly. If you cache the
results though, you can obtain significant performance
improvements. One such caching scheme is to use a singleton
class.
But networks aren't static. As the network changes, even the
lookups can change. This means that for each network change,
a programmer needs to revisit the application code, make any
required changes, and recompile/redeploy the code. An
alternative would be to provide configurable lookups via an XML
configuration file so that developers don't have to recompile the

code every time a network change occurs.

2. Failing to Leverage EJB Container Features

When developing enterprise components, there are two
alternativesuse the services the container provides or write
your own services. Although there are numerous alternatives
such as Spring, EJBs are still used widely in conjunction with
these frameworks. When using EJBs, you should attempt to use
the container's services, such as clustering, load balancing,
security, transactions management, fault tolerance, and data
storage. Failing to leverage the rich features of the container
where possible will eventually result in reinventing the wheel
(an architecture antipattern mentioned earlier in this article).
I'm sure you've realized the significance of antipatterns in
juxtaposition with design patterns. Even if you weren't already
aware of the names of some of the antipatterns described in
this article, you should be able to recognize their features and
the problems they can cause. Classifying and naming these
antipatterns provides the same benefits as classifying and
naming design patterns;doing so gives software managers,
architects, designers, and developers a common vocabulary
and helps them recognize possible sources of error or
maintenance headaches in advance.

5. Static Code Review Tools

Static program analysis is the analysis of computer software
that is performed without actually executing programs built from
that software (analysis performed on executing programs is
known as dynamic analysis). In most cases the analysis is
performed on some version of the source code and in the other
cases some form of the object code. The term is usually applied
to the analysis performed by an automated tool, with human
analysis being called program understanding, program
comprehension or code review.

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The sophistication of the analysis performed by tools varies

from those that only consider the behavior of individual
statements and declarations, to those that include the complete
source code of a program in their analysis. Uses of the
information obtained from the analysis vary from highlighting
possible coding errors (e.g., the lint tool) to formal methods
that mathematically prove properties about a given program
(e.g., its behavior matches that of its specification).
There are a lot of tools available for static code analysis.
These tools are open source and commercial. Few tools are
generic and few of them are language dependent. Many tools
can be added as plugin to standard IDEs like eclipse.

5.1. Open Source Products

Many groups and communities are contributing with a number
of static code analyzers in open source platform.

5.1.1. Multi language Support

a)

Copy/Paste Detector (CPD) PMDs duplicate code detection

for (e.g.) Java, JSP, C, C++ and PHP code.

b) Sonar A continuous inspection engine to manage the
technical debt (unit tests, complexity, duplication, design,
comments, coding standards and potential problems).
Supported languages are Java, Flex, PHP, PL/SQL, Cobol and
Visual Basic 6.
c) Yasca Yet Another Source Code Analyzer, a plugin-based
framework for scanning arbitrary file types, with plugins for
scanning C/C++, Java, JavaScript, ASP, PHP, HTML/CSS,
ColdFusion, COBOL, and other file types. It integrates with other
scanners, including FindBugs, JLint, PMD, and Pixy.

5.1.2. Language Specific

.NET (C#, VB.NET and all .NET compatible languages)
a)

FxCop Free static analysis for Microsoft .NET programs that

compile to CIL. Standalone and integrated in some Microsoft

Visual Studio editions. From Microsoft.
b) Gendarme Open-source (MIT License) equivalent to FxCop
created by the Mono project. Extensible rule-based tool to find
problems in .NET applications and libraries, particularly those
that contain code in ECMA CIL format.

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c)

StyleCop Analyzes C# source code to enforce a set of style

and consistency rules. It can be run from inside of Microsoft
Visual Studio or integrated into an MSBuild project. Free
download from Microsoft.

ActionScript
a)

Apparat A language manipulation and optimization

framework consisting of intermediate representations for
ActionScript.

C
a)

b)

c)
d)
e)
f)
g)

Antic C and CPP analyzer, can detect errors such as division

by 0 and array index bounds. A part of JLint, but can be used as
standalone.
BLAST (Berkeley Lazy Abstraction Software verification Tool) A
software model checker for C programs based on lazy
abstraction.
Clang A compiler that includes a static analyzer.
Frama-C A static analysis framework for C.
Lint The original static code analyzer for C.
Sparse A tool designed to find faults in the Linux kernel.
Splint An open source evolved version of Lint (for C).

C++
a)

cppcheck Open-source tool that checks for several types of

errors, including the use of STL.

Java
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

Checkstyle Besides some static code analysis, it can be used

to show violations of a configured coding standard.
FindBugs An open-source static bytecode analyzer for Java
(based on Jakarta BCEL) from the University of Maryland.
Hammurapi (Free for non-commercial use only) versatile
code review solution.
PMD A static ruleset based Java source code analyzer that
identifies potential problems.
Soot A language manipulation and optimization framework
consisting of intermediate languages for Java.

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f)

Squale A platform to manage software quality (also available

for other languages, using commercial analysis tools though).

JavaScript
a)

Closure Compiler JavaScript optimizer that rewrites

JavaScript code to make it faster and more compact. It also

checks your usage of native javascript functions.
b) JSLint JavaScript syntax checker and validator.

Objective-C
a)

Clang The free Clang project includes a static analyzer. As of

version 3.2, this analyzer is included in Xcode.

5.2. Commercial Products

5.2.1. Multi language Support
Axivion Bauhaus Suite A tool for C, C++, C#, Java and Ada
code that comprises various analyses such as architecture
checking, interface analyses, and clone detection.
b) Black Duck Suite Analyze the composition of software source
code and binary files, search for reusable code, manage open
source and third-party code approval, honor the legal
obligations associated with mixed-origin code, and monitor
related security vulnerabilities.
c) CAST Application Intelligence Platform Detailed, audiencespecific dashboards to measure quality and productivity. 30+
languages, SAP, Oracle, PeopleSoft, Siebel, .NET, Java, C/C++,
Struts, Spring, Hibernate and all major databases.
a)

d)

e)

f)
g)

h)
i)

Coverity Static Analysis (formerly Coverity Prevent)

Identifies security vulnerabilities and code defects in C, C++,
C# and Java code. Complements Coverity Dynamic Code
Analysis and Architecture Analysis.
DMS Software Reengineering Toolkit Supports custom
analysis of C, C++, C#, Java, COBOL, PHP, VisualBasic and
many other languages. Also COTS tools for clone analysis, dead
code analysis, and style checking.
Compuware DevEnterprise Analysis of COBOL, PL/I, JCL,
CICS, DB2, IMS and others.
Fortify Helps developers identify software security
vulnerabilities in C/C++, .NET, Java, JSP, ASP.NET, ColdFusion,
"Classic" ASP, PHP, VB6, VBScript, JavaScript, PL/SQL, T-SQL,
python and COBOL as well as configuration files.
GrammaTech CodeSonar Analyzes C,C++.
Imagix 4D Identifies problems in variable usage, task
interaction and concurrency, particularly in embedded

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j)
k)
l)

m)
n)

o)

p)

applications, as part of an overall solution for understanding,

improving and documenting C, C++ and Java software.
Intel - Intel Parallel Studio XE: Contains Static Security Analysis
(SSA) feature supports C/C++ and Fortran
JustCode Code analysis and refactoring productivity tool for
JavaScript, C#, Visual Basic.NET, and ASP.NET
Klocwork Insight Provides security vulnerability and defect
detection as well as architectural and build-over-build trend
analysis for C, C++, C# and Java.
Lattix, Inc. LDM Architecture and dependency analysis tool
for Ada, C/C++, Java, .NET software systems.
LDRA Testbed A software analysis and testing tool suite for
C, C++, Ada83, Ada95 and Assembler (Intel, Freescale, Texas
Instruments).
Logiscope Logiscope is a software quality assurance tool that
automates code reviews and the identification and detection of
error-prone modules for software testing.

Micro Focus (formerly Relativity Technologies) Modernization

Workbench Parsers included for COBOL (multiple variants

q)

r)

s)

t)

u)
v)

w)

including IBM, Unisys, MF, ICL, Tandem), PL/I, Natural (inc.

ADABAS), Java, Visual Basic, RPG, C & C++ and other legacy
languages; Extensible SDK to support 3rd party parsers.
Supports automated Metrics (including Function Points),
Business Rule Mining, Componentisation and SOA Analysis. Rich
ad hoc diagramming, AST search & reporting)
Ounce Labs (from 2010 IBM Rational Appscan Source) Automated
source code analysis that enables organizations to identify and
eliminate software security vulnerabilities in languages including
Java, JSP, C/C++, C#, ASP.NET and VB.Net.
Parasoft Analyzes Java (Jtest), JSP, C, C++ (C++test), .NET
(C#, ASP.NET, VB.NET, etc.) using .TEST, WSDL, XML, HTML,
CSS, JavaScript, VBScript/ASP, and configuration files for
security[3], compliance[4], and defect prevention.
Polyspace Uses abstract interpretation to detect and prove
the absence of certain run-time errors in source code for C,
C++, and Ada
ProjectCodeMeter Warns on code quality issues such as
insufficient commenting or complex code structure. Counts code
metrics, gives cost & time estimations. Analyzes C, C++, C#,
J#, Java, PHP, Objective C, JavaScript, UnrealEngine script,
ActionScript, DigitalMars D.
Rational Software Analyzer Supports Java, C/C++ (and
others available through extensions)
ResourceMiner Architecture down to details multipurpose
analysis and metrics, develop own rules for masschange and
generator development. Supports 30+ legacy and modern
languages and all major databases.
SofCheck Inspector Provides static detection of logic errors,
race conditions, and redundant code for Java and Ada. Provides
automated extraction of pre/postconditions from code itself.

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Sotoarc/Sotograph Architecture and quality in-depth analysis

and monitoring for Java, C#, C and C++
y) Syhunt Sandcat Detects security flaws in PHP, Classic ASP
and ASP.NET web applications.
z) Understand Analyzes C,C++, Java, Ada, Fortran, Jovial,
Delphi, VHDL, HTML, CSS, PHP, and JavaScript reverse
engineering of source, code navigation, and metrics tool.
aa) Veracode Finds security flaws in application binaries and
bytecode without requiring source. Supported languages include
C, C++, .NET (C#, C++/CLI, VB.NET, ASP.NET), Java, JSP,
ColdFusion, and PHP.
bb) Visual Studio Team System Analyzes C++,C# source codes.
only available in team suite and development edition.
x)

5.2.2. Language Specific

.NET
Products covering multiple .NET languages.
a)

b)

c)

d)

e)

f)

CodeIt.Right Combines Static Code Analysis and automatic

Refactoring to best practices which allows automatically correct
code errors and violations. Supports both C# and VB.NET.
CodeRush A plugin for Visual Studio, it addresses a multitude
of short comings with the popular IDE. Including alerting users
to violations of best practices by using static code analysis.
JustCode Add-on for Visual Studio 2005/2008/2010 for realtime, solution-wide code analysis for C#, VB.NET, ASP.NET,
XAML, JavaScript, HTML and multi-language solutions.
NDepend Simplifies managing a complex .NET code base by
analyzing and visualizing code dependencies, by defining design
rules, by doing impact analysis, and by comparing different
versions of the code. Integrates into Visual Studio.
ReSharper Add-on for Visual Studio 2003/2005/2008/2010
from the creators of IntelliJ IDEA, which also provides static
code analysis for C#.
Kalistick Mixing from the Cloud: static code analysis with
best practice tips and collaborative tools for Agile teams

Ada
Ada-ASSURED A tool that offers coding style checks,
standards enforcement and pretty printing features.
b) AdaCore CodePeer Automated code review and bug finder
for Ada programs that uses control-flow, data-flow, and other
advanced static analysis techniques.
c) LDRA Testbed A software analysis and testing tool suite for
Ada83/95.
a)

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d)

SofCheck Inspector Provides static detection of logic errors,

race conditions, and redundant code for Ada. Provides
automated extraction of pre/postconditions from code itself.

C / C++
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)
i)
j)

FlexeLint A multiplatform version of PC-Lint.

Green Hills Software DoubleCheck A software analysis tool
for C/C++.
Intel - Intel Parallel Studio XE: Contains Static Security Analysis
(SSA) feature
LDRA Testbed A software analysis and testing tool suite for
C/C++.
Monoidics INFER A sound tool for C/C++ based on
Separation Logic.
PC-Lint A software analysis tool for C/C++.
PVS-Studio A software analysis tool for C/C++/C++0x.
QA-C (and QA-C++) Deep static analysis of C/C++ for
quality assurance and guideline enforcement.
Red Lizard's Goanna Static analysis for C/C++ in Eclipse
and Visual Studio.
CppDepend Simplifies managing a complex C\C++ code
base by analyzing and visualizing code dependencies, by
defining design rules, by doing impact analysis, and by
comparing different versions of the code. Integrates into Visual
Studio.

Java

b)

Jtest Testing and static code analysis product by Parasoft.

LDRA Testbed A software analysis and testing tool suite for

c)

SemmleCode Object oriented code queries for static program

a)

Java.
analysis.
d)

SonarJ Monitors conformance of code to intended

architecture, also computes a wide range of software metrics.

e) Kalistick A Cloud-based platform to manage and optimize
code quality for Agile teams with DevOps spirit

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6. References
The following references were taken while preparing the
document.
1. http://www.en.wikipedia.org

2.

https://developer.mozilla.org/en/Code_Review_FAQ
https://developer.mozilla.org/en/Code_Review_FAQ

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