DevSkim
A security linting framework with IDE plugins and CLI tools that identifies vulnerabilities as developers write code.
What is DevSkim?
DevSkim is a security linting framework that provides inline security analysis in integrated development environments (IDEs) and via a command-line interface. It identifies potential security vulnerabilities as developers write code, offering real-time feedback and guidance to fix issues immediately. The tool supports multiple programming languages and includes a flexible rule system for both built-in and custom security checks.
Developers and development teams across various programming languages who want to integrate security analysis directly into their coding workflow, especially those using Visual Studio or Visual Studio Code.
Developers choose DevSkim for its real-time, IDE-integrated security feedback that helps catch vulnerabilities early, its support for a wide range of languages, and its extensible rule system that allows customization to fit specific security needs.
Overview
DevSkim is a set of IDE plugins, language analyzers, and rules that provide security "linting" capabilities.
Use Cases
Best For
- Real-time security vulnerability detection during coding in IDEs
- Integrating security linting into CI/CD pipelines via CLI
- Educating developers on secure coding practices through immediate feedback
- Customizing security rules for specific project or organizational needs
- Analyzing multi-language codebases for common security flaws
- Shifting security left by catching issues in the development phase
Not Ideal For
- Teams using IDEs other than Visual Studio or Visual Studio Code, such as IntelliJ IDEA or Eclipse
- Projects in environments where .NET is not installed or is avoided for dependency management
- Organizations with established security scanning pipelines that already include comprehensive tools like SonarQube or Snyk
Pros & Cons
Pros
Provides inline security analysis with IntelliSense error squiggles in Visual Studio and VS Code, catching vulnerabilities as code is written, as demonstrated in the example GIF.
Analyzes code in over a dozen languages including C, C++, Java, Python, and JavaScript/TypeScript, making it versatile for polyglot codebases.
Supports writing custom rules using JSONPath, XPATH, and YmlPath, allowing teams to tailor security checks to specific project needs.
Offers a cross-platform CLI and an official GitHub Action, enabling seamless integration into automated pipelines for continuous security analysis.
Cons
The CLI and core library are .NET-based, requiring the .NET runtime to be installed, which can be a barrier in lightweight or non-Windows environments.
Official plugins are only available for Visual Studio and Visual Studio Code, leaving users of other popular IDEs without native support.
Custom rules require learning the rule syntax and ongoing maintenance, which can add complexity and administrative burden for teams.
Frequently Asked Questions
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