US 2006/0190923 A1 · Custom API modeling for source code static analysis simulator

Abstract

In processing an external function for which source code is not available, such as an application program interface (API), a model is used to evaluate whether the external function is properly invoked. An error potentially resulting from improper invocation of the external function and at least one condition that will result in the potential error are identified. The model is created to test for the condition that will result in the potential error. When the condition is found, generation of an error message is triggered. The model is associated with a source code analyzer such that when the source code is analyzed by the source code analyzer, the model is applied to evaluate invocation of the external function. The potential error and conditions that result in the error, such as input/output parameter errors and dependency errors, may be derived from documentation describing the operation of the external function or API.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A method for analyzing invocation of an external function for which function source code implementation is not available, comprising the steps of:

(a) identifying at least one potential error resulting from improper invocation of the external function by source code;
(b) identifying at least one condition that will result in the potential error;
(c) creating a model of the function to test for the at least one condition that results in the potential error and that will trigger generation of an error message when the condition is found;
and
(d) associating the model with a source code analyzer such that when the source code is analyzed by the source code analyzer, the model is applied to evaluate invocation of the external function.

2 more elements

A method for adapting a source code analyzer to evaluate an external function for which function source code implementation is not available, comprising the steps of:

(a) adapting the source code analyzer to recognize and analyze the external function;
(b) identifying at least one potential error resulting from improper invocation of the external function by source code;
(c) identifying at least one condition that will result in the potential error;
(d) creating a model of the function to test for the at least one condition that results in the potential error and that will trigger generation of an error message when the condition is found;
(e) incorporating the model within the source code analyzer such that when the source code is analyzed by the source code analyzer, the model is applied to evaluate invocation of the external function;
and
(f) including the error message triggered by the model in an error report generated by the source code analyzer when analyzing the source code.

4 more elements

A system for analyzing invocation of an external function for which function source code implementation is not available, the system comprising:

(a) at least one user input device;
(b) a display;
(c) a processor in communication with the input device and the display;
and
(d) a memory in communication with the processor, the memory storing data and machine instructions that cause the processor to carry out a plurality of functions, including:
(i) identifying at least one potential error resulting from improper invocation of the external function by source code;
(ii) identifying at least one condition that will result in the potential error;
(iii) creating a model of the function to test for the at least one condition that results in the potential error and that will trigger generation of an error message when the condition is found;
and
(iv) associating the model with a source code analyzer such that when the source code is analyzed by the source code analyzer, the model is applied to evaluate invocation of the external function.

7 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Custom API modeling for source code static analysis simulator

Life of this patent

Custom API modeling for source code static analysis simulator

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20