Member Avatar for ftl25

Hi,

Does anyone know of some code analysis tools (add-ins) for VB6? I used to use checkstyle and some other tools for Java, and am looking for something similar for our VB6 project. There is a huge codebase, and as I'm just starting out in VB coding, I'd like advice from some experienced users before downloading stuff willy-nilly. Also, if anyone can suggest a good bug-tracking/call management system for VB that would be welcome too.

Any suggestions appreciated.

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by IssamLahlali

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Short, practical plan that builds on the thread: start small, get measurable data, then act. As is working into a large VB6 codebase, try a three-step loop: (1) gather metrics to find the highest-risk modules, (2) run static checks to expose complexity, dead code and COM/OCX issues, (3) triage results into an issue tracker and fix incrementally. Trying a commercial analyzer on trial (as suggested) and vendor trials (as noted) makes sense, but do a lightweight pass first so you know where to spend time.

Tools to try quickly: MZ-Tools — a small IDE add-in that improves headers, templates and routine-level hygiene; SourceMonitor — free metrics and complexity reports with explicit VB6 support; and a deeper static-analysis engine that understands VB6 rules for maintainability and security. Use MZ-Tools for quick cleanup, SourceMonitor to rank modules by size/complexity, then run the deeper analyzer on the top hotspots. (vbcorner.net)

A simple, repeatable workflow: create a clean, buildable checkout and fix compile/reference errors first; run metrics and pick the 20% of modules that contain most complexity; run the static analyzer against those; convert findings into tracked issues that link to commits and test evidence. Pick an issue tracker that integrates with your VCS and CI; tune rules to cut false positives; and always audit COM/OCX/runtime deps before automated refactors. For tracker options and VB6 runtime cautions see the references. (atlassian.com)

Recommended Answers

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Member Avatar for AndreRet

Smart Bear is quite a nifty tool to use. You can download it for a trial period here.

Project Analyzer is also nice to use, find it here.

Member Avatar for ftl25

Thank you, I'll give those a try. Do you happen to know of any free ones?

Member Avatar for AndreRet

Have a look at this link here. It might help.

Member Avatar for ftl25

thanks, that's a real help - for the moment I just want it myself - perhaps I can convince the company to buy something in the future :)

Member Avatar for AndreRet

It's a pleasure. Happy coding.:)

Member Avatar for IssamLahlali

The trial version of VBDepend can be sufficient for your needs.

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