Best C++ static & run time tools

Question

Apologies if I missed this question already, but I searched and couldn't find it.

I have been out the C/C++ world for a little while and am back on a project. I was wondering what tools are preferred today to help with development.

The types of tools I'm referring to are:

• Purify
• Electric Fence
• PC-Lint
• cscope

Thanks!

Answer 1

You already have mentioned some of the (mostly free) alternatives. This depends on the platform again.

Windows:

• VSTS 2008 is pretty good with its /analyze and profiling tools
• Rational Purify (as you've mentioned)
• BoundsChecker

Linux:

• Valgrind

Mac:

• Shark
• CHUD
• Sleuth
• MalloDebug

Answer 2

I am quite impressed by Coverity. It's not perfect but it's the best static analysis tools I've worked with.

My favorite tool is still Valgrind.

Answer 3

I recently discovered cppcheck probably not the best static checker but has highlighted some basic errors that has been dormant in our code for years.

It is quick and easy to use. It is free and open source. It is actively developed so I expect to see it catch new error soon.

Answer 4

Perhaps you could look at:

What open source c++ static analysis tools are available

Answer 5

Windows:

• Memory Validator
• Performance Validator
• Coverage Validator

Disclaimer: I am part of the team that makes those tools.

You've mentioned PC-Lint, you may want to try Visual Lint by RiverBlade which puts a nice GUI onto the results and integrates with Visual Studio.