IBM tool catches Java errors

IBM's has released a tool that lets companies to inspect code for a range of problems--during the development process and once an application is already implemented. The tool, called J2EE Code Validator, can analyze code and detect common errors in Java applications. It is designed to be used with other debugging tools, which typically spot syntax problems in how source code is written. J2EE Code Validator can verify that a program conforms to a set of predefined patterns, or rules, which have been shown to generate high-quality code, said Danny Yellin, director of software technology at IBM Research.

For example, J2EE Code Validator can be programmed to ensure that the code conforms to preferred localization guidelines. In the initial version released last Wednesday, IBM included checks for about 400 programming defects. IBM expects to incorporate the code-checking capabilities into its WebSphere Studio Java development tool next year.