A static analysis tool that detects weak boolean assumptions in PHP code and suggests converting them to assertions.
PHP Assumptions is a static analysis tool that scans PHP code to detect weak boolean assumptions, such as null checks without type verification. It helps developers identify code that may lead to runtime errors by encouraging the use of stronger assertions like type or instance checks.
PHP developers and teams focused on improving code quality, reliability, and maintainability through static analysis and best practices.
Developers choose PHP Assumptions for its simplicity and focused approach to detecting a specific class of code smells, helping to enforce better coding standards without the complexity of broader static analysis tools.
Tool to detect assumptions
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Scans specifically for weak assumptions in boolean expressions, as demonstrated in the README examples with null checks vs. instanceof, targeting a common source of bugs.
Installs easily via Composer as a dev dependency and runs with a CLI command (bin/phpa), making setup straightforward for developers.
The documentation includes clear comparisons of assumptions and assertions, helping developers learn and improve code reliability through specific examples.
Outputs results in a readable table format, which can be parsed or displayed in continuous integration pipelines for automated quality checks.
Only detects boolean assumptions, missing other static analysis aspects like type inference, code style, or security issues, limiting its utility as a standalone tool.
The README does not mention configuration options, which may lead to false positives or inability to adapt to project-specific coding standards.
Inspired by a blog post and labeled as a proof of concept, it might lack active maintenance or advanced features compared to established static analyzers.