Semgrep in Practice: The Complete Guide for Developers and Engineers

"Semgrep in Practice"

"Semgrep in Practice" is a comprehensive guide to mastering the use of Semgrep, an advanced static application security testing (SAST) tool renowned for its powerful pattern-matching capabilities and developer-friendly workflows. Beginning with a thorough exploration of Semgrep’s core architecture, parsing mechanisms, and pattern syntax, this book equips readers with the foundational knowledge needed to author effective rules, understand the engine’s inner workings, and leverage the full spectrum of supported programming languages. It offers a pragmatic view on configuring and optimizing the tool, benchmarking Semgrep’s strengths and limitations in comparison to other static analysis solutions.

Building upon this foundation, the book delves into expert-level techniques for authoring advanced detection rules, including multi-line patterns, context-sensitive analysis, dataflow and taint tracking, and automation using auto-fix capabilities. Readers will learn strategies for scaling Semgrep in large, complex codebases, integrating seamlessly into CI/CD pipelines, and balancing thorough detection with performance and developer experience. Rich, real-world case studies demonstrate Semgrep’s application in detecting critical security vulnerabilities, mapping to industry standards like the OWASP Top 10 and SANS CWE, and prioritizing actionable findings with minimal noise in production environments.

Beyond security, "Semgrep in Practice" broadens its scope to cover code quality enforcement, legacy modernization, compliance automation, and collaboration between AppSec and engineering teams. The book also illuminates the vibrant Semgrep open-source ecosystem, offering guidance for contributing custom rules, engaging with the community, and navigating the evolving landscape of code analysis. Concluding with a forward-looking discussion on the future of static analysis—including the roles of AI, dataflow analysis, and DevSecOps—this book empowers practitioners to unlock the full potential of Semgrep and help shape the next generation of code security and quality.

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Release date

Ebook: 12 July 2025