External Code Audits: The Overlooked Quality Control Tool
In software development, small flaws can have outsized consequences. Subtle coding errors can open up gaps in security, inflict frustration on users and otherwise wreak havoc on a perfectly good software application. Even if you’ve been using a piece of software for a while, it can still contain hidden problems or lose effectiveness over time. The result could be a catastrophic failure, or it could be a slow yet costly drag on efficiency.
In light of these risks, it may help to bring in an outside party to vet the code of software you’ve internally developed. An independent team can make an evaluation free of bias. It may also have expertise in security threats and coding problems that your organization hasn’t seen before.
Your auditor should have proven expertise in developing, testing and reviewing code for the type of software in question. Be sure to rule out any conflicts of interest.
What Goes Into a Software Code Audit?
Programmers use a combination of automated testing and manual review to check for problems, document their findings and recommend fixes. A single audit could involve several different kinds of review, depending on the nature of the software and the needs of its users. For example:
Code security review. Hackers, using manual and automated attacks, try to exploit holes in software code. A well-conducted review will examine your code for vulnerabilities, then suggest ways to seal the gaps.
Functionality testing. In this phase of an audit, a programmer tries to break the code and documents his or her findings. The goal is to identify scenarios where users’ activities could cause the system to fail or malfunction.
Performance analysis. Programmers test the software and review its code to find any bottlenecks that will appear with high usage, as well as problems that may turn up when the system is used in certain ways. This information can help you optimize the system’s speed and efficiency.
Elegance and maintainability review. As your organization’s needs change, so do the demands you make on your software. An auditor can assess how simple or complex it is to alter a system and add new features or functionality, and what changes to the code could make the process easier.
Inline comments. The creators of a piece of code often insert text to explain its nuances to future programmers. By making sure these comments are meaningful and cogent, a skilled reviewer can prevent confusion later on.
Documentation review. An auditor can review all documentation of the source code and make sure it is accurate. This is crucial when an application has complex programming or an expected life of three years or more—when the original programmers may not be around to interpret the text.
An Investment in Your Business
To be sure, an audit takes time, and it adds to the expense of development in the short run. But it may save you far more time, money and trouble down the road.
When you’ve invested in developing a piece of software, it only makes sense to ensure it is solid from top to bottom. By adding an extra layer of quality control, you are buying confidence that vital systems will work when you need them.
