Semgrep

Name: Semgrep
Brand: Semgrep

Find security bugs fast with customizable pattern‑matching rules

softwareSecurity Auditingstatic analysissecuritycode scanning

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Our Verdict

Best for

Teams needing fast, customizable static analysis across multiple languages

Skip if

You require a full-featured GUI or out‑of‑the‑box SaaS

What is Semgrep?

Semgrep is a lightweight static analysis engine that lets you write expressive, pattern‑matching rules to locate security vulnerabilities and enforce coding standards across many languages. It runs quickly on local machines or in CI pipelines, giving developers immediate feedback without heavyweight setup. The tool is open source and also offers a hosted SaaS platform for enterprise‑grade reporting, collaboration, and policy management, making it suitable for both individual developers and large security teams.

SpecificationsAI-estimated

open source✅ Yes

api available✅ Yes

support optionsEmail, Community Forum

key integrationsGitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket, Slack, Jira

Key Features of Semgrep

Semgrep lets you write rules using a simple syntax that matches code patterns across dozens of languages.

It can be run locally, in CI pipelines, or as a hosted service, providing flexibility for any workflow.

Custom rules can be shared and version‑controlled, enabling teams to enforce consistent security policies.

The engine integrates with GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket, and other SCMs to comment on pull requests automatically.

Built‑in rule packs cover OWASP Top 10, CWE, and language‑specific best practices out of the box.

Semgrep’s SaaS dashboard aggregates findings, tracks remediation trends, and supports role‑based access control.

It provides a REST API for programmatic rule execution and result retrieval, facilitating automation and custom tooling.

Use Cases for Semgrep

CI/CD security scanning

Run Semgrep in your build pipeline to catch vulnerabilities before code merges.

Codebase policy enforcement

Define custom rules that enforce company‑wide coding standards across all repositories.

Developer education

Use rule explanations to teach developers about secure coding patterns in real time.

Enterprise compliance reporting

Leverage the SaaS dashboard to generate audit‑ready reports for regulatory standards.

Pros & Cons of Semgrep

Pros

Highly customizable rule language
Supports many programming languages
Fast local execution suitable for CI
Open source core with free community rules

Cons

Advanced SaaS features require paid subscription
Rule authoring has a learning curve for beginners
Limited GUI compared to some commercial SAST products

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Semgrep free to use?

Yes, the core engine and many rule packs are open source and free; a hosted SaaS tier is available for paid teams.

Which languages does Semgrep support?

Semgrep supports over 20 languages including Python, JavaScript, Java, Go, Ruby, C, C++, and more.

Can Semgrep be integrated with GitHub Actions?

Yes, Semgrep provides official actions and can comment on pull requests with findings.

Do I need to host anything for the SaaS version?

No, the SaaS offering is fully managed; you can also self‑host the open‑source engine if preferred.

Pricing Overview

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Freemium

Detailed plans are not listed. Visit the official website for pricing information.

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