PHPStan vs SonarQube: What are the differences?

Comparison between PHPStan and SonarQube

1. Static Analysis: PHPStan is a static analysis tool specifically designed for PHP that provides detailed and accurate results for code analysis. It performs type inference and detects potential bugs, unused variables, and unreachable code. On the other hand, SonarQube is a more general static analysis tool that supports multiple programming languages, but it does not provide the same level of accuracy and specificity as PHPStan for PHP code.

2. Custom Rules: PHPStan allows developers to define and use their own custom rules and coding standards. It provides a way to extend its built-in rules and add additional checks tailored to specific project requirements. In contrast, SonarQube has a limited number of built-in rules and customization options, making it less flexible for enforcing specific coding standards.

3. Integration: PHPStan seamlessly integrates with popular PHP frameworks and tools, such as PHPUnit and Laravel, providing more accurate analysis and code validation within the context of these frameworks. SonarQube, while it supports PHP, does not offer the same level of integration with specific PHP frameworks, which may result in less accurate analysis and limited understanding of the codebase.

4. Real-time Analysis: PHPStan enables developers to perform real-time code analysis by integrating it with their IDEs. It provides instant feedback on code quality and potential issues while writing code, allowing developers to address them before committing to the repository. SonarQube, on the other hand, is typically used as a separate process that analyzes the codebase at set intervals, making it less effective for real-time analysis during code development.

5. Scalability: PHPStan is lightweight and can be easily integrated into existing development workflows. It is suitable for small to medium-sized projects and does not require significant computational resources. SonarQube, on the other hand, is more resource-intensive and is designed to handle large-scale codebases. It can analyze and track code quality metrics for complex projects, making it more suitable for enterprise-level applications.

6. Reporting and Visualization: SonarQube provides comprehensive and visually appealing reports and dashboards that give an overview of code quality and maintainability. It offers various metrics and charts that help identify areas for improvement and track progress over time. PHPStan, although it generates detailed analysis results, does not offer the same level of reporting and visualization capabilities as SonarQube.

In summary, PHPStan is a specialized and highly accurate static analysis tool specifically designed for PHP code. It offers customizable rules and integrates well with PHP frameworks, providing real-time analysis and instant feedback during code development. On the other hand, SonarQube is a more general static analysis tool that supports multiple languages, but it lacks the same level of accuracy, customization, and integration for PHP code as PHPStan. It excels in scalability and provides comprehensive reporting and visualization features for monitoring code quality in large-scale projects.