Comparing Semgrep Community Edition and Semgrep Code for Static Analysis Sensitivity

An independent research study by Doyensec compared the Semgrep Community Edition and the commercial Semgrep Code, focusing on their effectiveness as static application security testing (SAST) tools. The research, supported financially by Semgrep but conducted with full editorial independence, utilized standardized vulnerable applications, OWASP WebGoat and OWASP Juice Shop, to evaluate detection capabilities and reliability. The findings indicated that Semgrep Code offers a significantly higher true positive rate in detecting vulnerabilities compared to the Community Edition, without increasing false positives, thanks to enhancements like inter-file dataflow analysis, inter-procedural analysis, and additional security rules. While the Community Edition is a cost-effective entry point for basic security scanning, the study suggests that upgrading to Semgrep Code can provide substantial improvements in detection rates, especially as organizational needs evolve, making it a worthwhile investment for those requiring enhanced security coverage and developer efficiency.