Globstar is an open-source static analysis toolkit designed for finding security vulnerabilities in infrastructure-as-code (IaC). It supports various IaC formats like Terraform, CloudFormation, Kubernetes, and Dockerfiles, enabling users to scan their infrastructure configurations for potential weaknesses. The tool aims to be developer-friendly, offering features like easy integration into CI/CD pipelines and detailed vulnerability reports with actionable remediation guidance. It's built using the Rust programming language for performance and reliability.
The Hacker News post introduces Globstar, an open-source static analysis toolkit designed for analyzing a broad spectrum of programming languages. Globstar distinguishes itself through its modular architecture, which allows users to construct custom analyses by combining smaller, reusable components called "extractors" and "checkers." Extractors are responsible for gathering specific information from source code, such as function calls or variable definitions, while checkers utilize this extracted information to identify potential issues or enforce coding standards. This modularity fosters flexibility and extensibility, enabling users to tailor Globstar to their specific project needs without modifying its core codebase. The post emphasizes that Globstar is language-agnostic, meaning it can be adapted to support new languages relatively easily through the development of corresponding extractors and checkers. Globstar itself is implemented in Rust, contributing to its performance and reliability. The toolkit is available under the Apache 2.0 license, promoting community involvement and contribution. Furthermore, the post highlights the availability of pre-built extractors and checkers for several languages, including Python, Java, and Go, offering users a starting point for common analysis tasks. The post links to the project's GitHub repository where further details, documentation, and the source code can be found. The stated aim of the project is to provide a robust and versatile static analysis platform that can be readily integrated into existing development workflows.
Summary of Comments ( 14 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43207942
HN users discuss Globstar's potential, particularly its focus on code query and simplification compared to traditional static analysis tools. Some express interest in specific features like the query language, dataflow analysis, and the ability to find unused code. Others question the licensing choice (AGPLv3), suggesting it might hinder adoption in commercial projects. The creator clarifies the license choice, emphasizing Globstar's intention to serve as a collaborative platform and contrasting it with tools offering "source-available" proprietary licenses. Several commenters commend the technical approach, appreciating the Rust implementation and its potential for performance and safety. There's also a discussion on the name, with suggestions for alternatives due to potential confusion with the shell globstar feature (
**).The Hacker News post for "Show HN: Globstar – Open-source static analysis toolkit" has a moderate number of comments, sparking a discussion around the tool's functionality, potential use cases, and comparisons to existing solutions.
Several commenters express interest in the project, praising its approach and potential. One user highlights the importance of static analysis in preventing bugs and improving code quality, suggesting Globstar could be a valuable addition to a developer's toolkit. They also appreciate the open-source nature of the project, allowing for community contribution and extension.
A significant portion of the discussion revolves around comparing Globstar to other static analysis tools, particularly Semgrep. Commenters discuss the perceived advantages and disadvantages of each. Some suggest that Globstar's focus on specific use cases and simpler rule definitions might make it easier to learn and use compared to Semgrep's more complex and comprehensive approach. Others argue that Semgrep's maturity and broader feature set make it a more robust option for larger projects. There's also discussion about the relative performance of the two tools.
One commenter questions the project's name, "Globstar," finding it somewhat confusing and suggesting alternative names that might better reflect the tool's purpose. They express concern that the name doesn't immediately convey the concept of static analysis.
Another user inquires about the specific programming languages supported by Globstar, emphasizing the importance of language support in choosing a static analysis tool. This highlights the practical considerations developers face when evaluating new tools.
Some comments delve into more technical aspects of the tool, such as its implementation and the types of analysis it performs. One user asks about Globstar's handling of complex code structures and its ability to detect subtle bugs. This showcases the interest in the technical capabilities and limitations of the tool.
Finally, a few commenters offer suggestions for future development, including potential integrations with other development tools and the possibility of expanding the range of supported languages. This demonstrates the community's engagement with the project and their desire to contribute to its growth.