Semgrep is an open-source static analysis tool for finding security vulnerabilities, bugs, and code quality issues by writing or using pattern-matching rules that look like the code being analyzed. Unlike traditional SAST tools, Semgrep rules are written in readable patterns rather than complex regex — making it accessible for security engineers to write custom rules for their specific codebase. Semgrep supports 30+ languages and integrates into CI/CD pipelines for automated security scanning on every pull request.
Semgrep
Static analysis and SAST tool for code security.
Best for: Security engineers who want to write custom security rules and perform static analysis across polyglot codebases.
- Free plan
4.6/5 ratingEditorial score 90/100semgrep.dev
The editorial note
What to know about Semgrep
Is it right for you?
Who Semgrep suits
Choose it if
- Security engineers who want to write custom security rules and perform static analysis across polyglot codebases.
Look elsewhere if
- Teams needing deep enterprise SAST with sophisticated dataflow analysis for complex vulnerabilities — Checkmarx or Veracode provide more comprehensive interprocedural analysis for enterprise security programs
What you get
Key features
- Static analysis for 30+ languages
- Pattern-matching security rules
- 3,000+ community rules (Semgrep Registry)
- CI/CD pipeline integration
- Secrets detection
- Supply chain security scanning
- Semgrep Cloud Platform
- Custom rule authoring
Works with
Integrations8
What it costs
Pricing
| Plan | Price | What it includes |
|---|---|---|
| Community | FreeBilled monthly | Open-source SAST, 3,000+ rules, CLI, CI integration, community support |
| Team | $40 / developer / monthBilled monthly | Managed cloud, custom rules, supply chain analysis, secrets scanning, team dashboard |
| Enterprise | CustomBilled monthly | SSO, SAML, advanced compliance, dedicated support, custom integrations, SLA |
Prices are recorded from the vendor's public pricing page and can change. Check before you buy.
The trade-off
Pros and cons
Pros
- Open-source core with 3,000+ community-maintained security rules out of the box
- Semgrep rules are readable patterns — security teams can write custom rules without regex expertise
- Lightning fast — scans large codebases in seconds for quick CI/CD integration
- Language-agnostic approach covers Python, JavaScript, Go, Java, Ruby, and 30+ more
- Semgrep Cloud Platform provides a managed experience with triage and security posture metrics
Cons
- Pattern-based analysis can produce false positives for complex dataflow vulnerabilities
- Interprocedural analysis (tracking data across function calls) is limited compared to enterprise SAST tools
- Rules quality in the community registry varies — requires evaluation before trusting findings
- Enterprise pricing for Semgrep Cloud Platform scales with developer seats
Quick read
At a glance
- Category
- Cybersecurity & Privacy
- Pricing model
- Freemium
- Entry plan
- Free
- Free plan
- Available
- Free trial
- Not listed
- Website
- semgrep.dev
The verdict
Our take on Semgrep
The most flexible SAST tool — custom security rules enabling security teams to codify their exact vulnerability patterns for any codebase.
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