Static analysis (SCA) is a process of analyzing software to detect potential errors without running the code. SCA tools analyze source code or other software artifacts and report on issues such as coding standard violations, potential defects, and security vulnerabilities.

On the other, composing software is a method of designing and developing software systems by combining existing software components into more complex ones. This approach can be used to develop both new applications and new system versions or service packs for existing applications.

While they both have their upsides and downsides, it's important to know how they can impact your software development process. In this article, we'll figure out if they're friends or foes, and reasons why you should and shouldn't use them.

Understanding Static Analysis

As we previously said, static analysis is the practice of analyzing software to find flaws without executing them. It is ultimately a great practice to simplify your software deployment process. 

Static analysis tools scan source code and other software artifacts for problems including coding standards breaches, potential bugs, and security flaws.

The Upside

One of the main advantages of using SCA is that it can be done early in the software development cycle. In such cases, potential issues can be found and fixed before they have a chance to impact the final product. SCA can be done automatically as well, which makes it a very efficient way to find and fix problems.

The Downside

On the downside, static analysis tools can generate false positives. This means that they might report an issue where none actually exists. While false positives can be frustrating, they can usually be fixed by tweaking the SCA tool's settings.

Another potential downside of static analysis is that it can be time-consuming. If you're working on a large project with hundreds or even thousands of files, it might take a while for the SCA tool to finish its analysis.

Understanding Composing Software

To create a new system version or service pack for existing applications, you may use composing software. Composing software is the process of combining existing program components in order to make more complex systems.

This technique can be used to design and construct both fresh apps and new system versions or service packs for existing applications.

The idea behind composing software is to reuse existing code as much as possible, which saves time and effort during development. It also allows developers to focus on adding new features, rather than rewriting existing code.

The Upside

As we've just said, composing software has a number of advantages. Perhaps the most significant one is that it can save a lot of time and effort during development. By reusing existing code, you don't have to rewrite everything from scratch every time you want to create a new software system.

Another upside of composing software is that it can improve code quality. When done correctly, composing software can lead to more maintainable and error-resistant code. Existing components are generally well-tested and debugged before they're reused in new projects.

The Downside

However, composing software also has its drawbacks. One of the main disadvantages is that it can be difficult to reuse existing code. In some cases, you might have to make significant changes to the existing code in order to use it in your project. This can lead to decreased code quality and increased development time.

Another potential downside is that you might not be able to find existing code that meets your needs. If you can't find suitable components, you'll either have to write them yourself or use subpar components that might not work well with the rest of your system.

So, Are They Friends or Foes?

Static code analysis and composing software are both powerful tools that can impact your software development process. They each have their own advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to weigh those carefully before deciding whether to use them.

In general, static code analysis is a friend of composing software. SCA can help you find and fix problems early in the development cycle, which can save you time and effort in the long run. However, SCA can also generate false positives, which can be frustrating.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to use static code analysis and composing software is up to you. If you think they would be helpful in your development process, then by all means give them a try. But if you're not sure, or if you think they might do more harm than good, then it might be best to steer clear.