Future-Proofing Salesforce DevOps with Code Analyzer Tools
An automated code analyzer is critical to maintaining secure and reliable Salesforce DevOps practices as you move your organization into the future.
Why It Matters: The steps you take today to secure your Salesforce environment will reap benefits now and later. The success of these precautions depends on the tools and processes you use to achieve them.
- The health of the code that makes up your applications and updates directly impacts the product’s ability to meet user needs.
- 2023 saw a 72% increase in data security incidents over the previous year, setting a new high.
Here are 6 ways a Salesforce code analyzer tool prepares your DevOps strategy for the future:
- Guarantees Reliable Updates
- Fortifies Applications
- Eliminates Technical Debt
- Streamlines Processes
- Enables Flexibility and Adaptability
- Simplifies Maintenance
1. Guarantees Reliable Updates
Security patches and updates to functionality are frequently necessary to keep an application operating as smoothly and securely as possible. Rectifying vulnerabilities as soon as they are found gives you the best chance at staying safe.
Salesforce code analyzer tools ensure the code that goes into every update supports a strong data security strategy instead of introducing vulnerabilities.
Your platform might be secure today, but things change. Faulty operations and insecure applications threaten your data and the overall security of your platform.
2. Fortifies Applications
Introducing new applications is another great way to combat emerging threats while staying relevant in the marketplace. Businesses need to constantly reintroduce themselves to their users to stay relevant. Preparing for the future means planning out useful applications—while also ensuring your offerings are secure and reliable.
Flawless code is possible with the help of a static code analysis tool, ensuring your new applications won’t introduce bugs that could harm security or functionality.
The quality of the applications you offer users determines your future success. Strong code creates reliably strong applications.
3. Eliminates Technical Debt
The ability to quickly introduce updates and applications is a huge asset when responding to quality or security vulnerabilities. However, prioritizing speed over quality leads to bugs and errors in your live environment that threaten the stability of your platform.
A high-quality code analyzer tool will scan your Salesforce org for technical debt so it can be flagged and fixed.
Eliminating technical debt reduces the chances of costly misfires and security vulnerabilities down the road. A more secure environment is one void of bugs and errors.
4. Streamlines Processes
Every tool takes a little getting used to when it’s first introduced. Your DevOps team already has processes in place to perform their duties, so there might be an awkward period as they grow accustomed to new tools and processes. Don’t let this deter you from trying something new.
Integrating a code analysis tool today will give your team members the time they need to get their updated processes in order, so you are better prepared to optimize your code in the future.
Hammering out the specifics of how a new tool will impact your DevOps workflow leads to smoother processes and more reliable results.
5. Enables Flexibility and Adaptability
Once your team has fully integrated the power of a Salesforce code analyzer tool, you will see an increase in release velocity. Your ability to quickly release updates and applications improves because you have eliminated time-consuming, error-prone manual processes.
Static code analysis enables you to quickly adapt to emerging threats and the needs of users because you can produce reliable applications much more quickly.
Not only have you made your development processes faster, but you have also made them more secure. A reduction in errors means your releases won’t experience costly misfires, bugs, or outages.
6. Simplifies Maintenance
Updating your platform, applications, and network prepares you for a more secure future. But what about the processes and tactics used by your team? Analyzing metrics such as deployment success rates, number of errors located, and deployment times will help your team find areas for improvement.
Salesforce code analysis tools compile their findings into useful dashboards and reports that should be frequently reviewed to find successes and failures.
These insights can be used to update your DevOps strategy. Refining these processes over time increases security and quality, positioning your organization for a brighter future.
Next Step…
Static code analysis tools offer a wide array of benefits. Now that we understand why they’re critical to confidently addressing evolving needs, it’s time to dig into how they impact your team.
Check out our blog, 7 Ways Static Code Analysis Software Increases Productivity, to learn more.
FAQs
What are some key security vulnerabilities that code analysis tools can help detect in Salesforce applications?
Injection flaws, such as SOQL injection and XSS (Cross-Site Scripting) vulnerabilities, can be detected by code analysis tools. DevOps teams are alerted so they can fix the issue before sensitive data is exposed or minimize the exposure if it’s already begun. Insecure authentication and authorization practices can be detected to support existing access controls and ensure they are properly implemented. These tools can also flag insecure permissions configurations and enforce adherence to internally defined data security best practices.
How does a Salesforce code analyzer integrate with Salesforce CI/CD pipelines?
A Salesforce code analyzer is generally configured as a step within the development life cycle. It is triggered when new code changes are entered into the repository or committed to version control. The automated code review tool scans updates to the codebase for performance and security issues to ensure adherence to internal requirements for coding standards. Notifications are sent to developers when issues are detected so they can be fixed immediately. This process incorporates into early stages of the CI/CD pipeline to streamline ensuing testing and integration processes.
How can you make sure you’re getting the most from your Salesforce code analysis tool?
A code analysis tool can provide great benefits, but only if it’s used properly. This includes defining clear objectives and specific criteria for what high-quality code looks like for your organization and configuring it to align with these standards. The tool can then be integrated into your Salesforce CI/CD workflow by reviewing code as it’s written and when integrated into the main code repository. Train your team members on how to properly use the tool so they understand the feedback it provides to them.
