Static Analysis

Run the Clang Static Analyzer over a CMake build of Z3, parse the resulting plist diagnostics, and record each finding with file, line, category, and description. This skill wraps scan-build into a reproducible, logged workflow suitable for regular analysis sweeps and regression tracking.

Step 1: Run the analysis

Action: Invoke the script pointing at the CMake build directory. The script runs scan-build cmake -S . -B <build-dir> followed by a scan-build-wrapped cmake --build and writes checker output to the output directory.

Expectation: scan-build completes within the timeout, producing plist diagnostic files in the output directory (defaults to a scan-results subdirectory of the build directory).

Result: On success: diagnostics are parsed and findings are printed. Proceed to Step 2. On failure: verify that clang and scan-build are installed and that the build directory contains a valid CMake configuration.

python3 scripts/static_analysis.py --build-dir build
python3 scripts/static_analysis.py --build-dir build --output-dir /tmp/sa-results --debug
python3 scripts/static_analysis.py --build-dir build --timeout 1800

Step 2: Interpret the output

Action: Review the printed findings and the summary table grouped by category.

Expectation: Each finding shows its source location, category, and description. The summary table ranks categories by frequency for quick triage.

Result: On zero findings: the codebase passes all enabled static checks. On findings: prioritize by category frequency and severity. Address null dereferences and use-after-free classes first.

Example output:

[Dead store] src/ast/ast.cpp:142: Value stored to 'result' is never read
[Null dereference] src/smt/theory_lra.cpp:87: Access to field 'next' results in a dereference of a null pointer

Step 3: Review historical findings

Action: Query z3agent.db to compare current results against prior analysis runs.

Expectation: Queries return category counts and run history, enabling regression detection across commits.

Result: On stable or decreasing counts: no regressions introduced. On increased counts: cross-reference new findings with recent commits to identify the responsible change.

python3 ../../shared/z3db.py query "SELECT category, COUNT(*) as cnt FROM findings WHERE run_id IN (SELECT run_id FROM runs WHERE skill='static-analysis') GROUP BY category ORDER BY cnt DESC"
python3 ../../shared/z3db.py runs --skill static-analysis --last 10

Parameters