CodeQL alternatives: 3 apps ranked by verified data
Common reasons people leave CodeQL: private, commercial use requires a paid GitHub Code Security licence, and QL query language takes real effort to learn. We ranked 3 alternatives by how directly each one replaces CodeQL, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. Semgrep currently ranks first.
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Show all 3 alternativesThe best CodeQL alternative for…
The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.
Best CodeQL alternative for most people
SemgrepRules look like the code they match, so custom checks are far quicker to write than QL.
Best CodeQL alternative for a free plan you can upgrade
SonarQubeCovers code quality and security together, and can be self-hosted outside GitHub.
Best CodeQL alternative for open source
SemgrepRules look like the code they match, so custom checks are far quicker to write than QL.
Best CodeQL alternative for self-hosting
SonarQubeCovers code quality and security together, and can be self-hosted outside GitHub.
Best CodeQL alternative for Mac
SnykBundles code scanning with dependency, container and IaC checks in one platform.
Best CodeQL alternative for Windows
SemgrepRules look like the code they match, so custom checks are far quicker to write than QL.
Best CodeQL alternative for Linux
SemgrepRules look like the code they match, so custom checks are far quicker to write than QL.
Best CodeQL alternative for working in the browser
SemgrepRules look like the code they match, so custom checks are far quicker to write than QL.
CodeQL alternatives: common questions
What is the best alternative to CodeQL?
Semgrep ranks first right now. Rules look like the code they match, so custom checks are far quicker to write than QL. SonarQube and Snyk follow it in our ranking.
Is there a free alternative to CodeQL?
Yes. Semgrep (free plan + paid), SonarQube (free plan + paid) and Snyk (free plan + paid) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.
Is there an open-source alternative to CodeQL?
Yes: Semgrep and SonarQube. SonarQube can also be self-hosted.
Which CodeQL alternatives work on Linux?
Semgrep and Snyk run on Linux.
Why do people switch from CodeQL?
The complaints we hear most: private, commercial use requires a paid GitHub Code Security licence; QL query language takes real effort to learn; compiled languages need a working build to create the database.
How is this list ranked?
Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces CodeQL, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.