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clang-tidy

clang-tidy is a free, open-source Clang-based linter for C++ that diagnoses programming errors, style violations, interface misuse, and bugs detectable throu…

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#13 of 33
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6.2
clang-tidy's website

What clang-tidy is

clang-tidy is a free, open-source Clang-based linter for C++ that diagnoses programming errors, style violations, interface misuse, and bugs detectable through static analysis. Its checks cover bug-prone code, CERT secure coding, the C++ Core Guidelines, performance, portability, and readability; it can also run Clang Static Analyzer checks. Developers choose checks with the `-checks=` option, which accepts comma-separated positive and negative globs. The `-fix` flag applies corrections when the relevant checks support them. Settings can be stored in `.clang-tidy` files, including check selections, check-specific options, and custom checks based on Clang-Query syntax. clang-tidy uses LibTooling and works with a compilation database such as `compile_commands.json`, or compiler options supplied on the command line. Its `run-clang-tidy.py` script analyzes files concurrently. `clang-tidy-diff.py` filters displayed diagnostics to changed lines, but still analyzes whole files and may miss issues outside those lines. Developers can write custom checks using preprocessor callbacks or AST matchers. Integrations include clangd, CLion, KDevelop, Qt Creator, Visual Studio tools, Vim, and Emacs Flycheck.

Good

  • Checks cover security, performance, portability, and readability.
  • Applies supported automatic fixes.
  • Supports custom checks and configuration files.
  • Can analyze files concurrently.

Watch out

  • Changed-line filtering still analyzes whole files.
  • Diff filtering may miss issues outside changed lines.
  • Some builds omit analyzer and MPI checks.

Who it suits

clang-tidy suits C++ developers who want configurable linting and static analysis in a build or editor workflow. It also supports teams creating custom checks or analyzing CUDA source.

Verdict

clang-tidy offers configurable C++ diagnostics, supported autofixes, and editor integrations. Its changed-line workflow limits displayed diagnostics rather than the scope of analysis, and analyzer checks depend on build configuration.

Plans and prices

From clang-tidy's own pricing page, checked 11 Oct 2001.

All about pricing
PlanPriceWhat it gives you
clang-tidyFreeNo paid plans or usage limits stated

The facts

Each one read from clang-tidy's own pages, with the date it was checked.

What it does

Automatic fixes
The -fix option applies suggested fixes when supported by the corresponding checks.checked 11 Oct 2001
Build integration
clang-tidy can use a compile command database, which CMake can generate with CMAKE_EXPORT_COMPILE_COMMANDS=ON.checked 11 Oct 2001
Build options
If built with `CLANG_TIDY_ENABLE_STATIC_ANALYZER=NO`, clang-tidy does not include support for `clang-analyzer-*` or `mpi-*` checks.checked 11 Oct 2001
Changed-line analysis
`clang-tidy-diff.py` filters reported diagnostics to changed lines, but still analyzes the entire file and does not improve analysis performance.checked 11 Oct 2001
Check categories
Its check groups include bug-prone code, CERT guidelines, C++ Core Guidelines, performance, portability, and readability checks.checked 11 Oct 2001
Checks
It provides its own checks and can also run Clang Static Analyzer checks.checked 11 Oct 2001
Check selection
Checks can be selected with the `-checks=` option, which accepts comma-separated positive and negative globs.checked 11 Oct 2001
clangd support
The Clang team recommends clangd, which integrates clang-tidy and is available in major editors through plugins including Vim, Emacs, Visual Studio Code, and Sublime Text.checked 11 Oct 2001
Configuration
Checks can be selected with comma-separated positive and negative globs, and configuration can be read from a .clang-tidy file.checked 11 Oct 2001
CUDA support
clang-tidy supports CUDA source analysis, with the CUDA toolkit path specified using --cuda-path for correct header resolution.checked 11 Oct 2001
Custom checks
The tool provides an interface for writing custom checks, which can use preprocessor callbacks or AST matchers and attach fix-it hints to diagnostics.checked 11 Oct 2001
Diff workflow
clang-tidy-diff.py filters diagnostics to changed lines, but still analyzes the entire file and may miss issues reported outside those lines.checked 11 Oct 2001
Extensible checks
The tool is modular and provides a framework for writing new checks.checked 11 Oct 2001
IDE/editor integrations
The documentation links to a Clang-tidy IDE/Editor Integrations page.checked 11 Oct 2001
IDE integrations
The documentation lists integrations including clangd, CLion, KDevelop, Qt Creator, Visual Studio tools, Vim plugins, and Emacs Flycheck.checked 11 Oct 2001
License
The LLVM project states that its code is licensed under the Apache 2.0 License with LLVM exceptions.checked 11 Oct 2001
Parallel analysis
The included `run-clang-tidy.py` script runs analysis over files in a compilation database concurrently.checked 11 Oct 2001
Parallel runs
The included run-clang-tidy.py script runs analysis concurrently across files in a compilation database or specified path.checked 11 Oct 2001
Project setup
clang-tidy is based on LibTooling and works with a compilation database such as `compile_commands.json`; compiler options can also be supplied on the command line.checked 11 Oct 2001
Purpose
clang-tidy is a Clang-based C++ linter for diagnosing and fixing typical programming errors, including style violations, interface misuse, and bugs detectable by static analysis.checked 11 Oct 2001
Security checks
The documented check groups include CERT secure coding checks and Clang Static Analyzer checks, among other categories.checked 11 Oct 2001
Static analysis
clang-tidy includes its own checks and can also run Clang Static Analyzer checks.checked 11 Oct 2001

The company

Maker
LLVM describes itself as a collection of modular and reusable compiler and toolchain technologies, and identifies clang-tidy as an LLVM project tool.checked 11 Oct 2001

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