Building a software development project is a bit like a game of Jenga.
All elements create one perfect tower. Usually, it might be tweaked and worked on with no consequences. But if it has even one vulnerable place, a wrong move might ruin all the hard work.
Okay, so it’s not a perfect analogy. A software program requires much more work than a pile of wooden blocks and we don’t necessarily strip it of its parts, but rather add the next ones.
However, the “poke one and all will fall” metaphor still stands. If your project has any weak points, they might doom the entire construction.
It doesn’t matter how well written the rest of your code is if that one tool you used is outdated and might cause serious security breaches. And the more sensitive data your product is dealing with, the more careful you have to be.
A code audit is vital to ensure your product is of good quality, secure, and ready to launch.
In this article, you will find a detailed guide on what a code audit is, why you need it and how to perform it, step by step. As a Python-centered software house, we decided to focus on how to run an audit of Python-based code. However, you will find some of the tips and guidelines relevant regardless of your technology choice.
We will also provide you with a checklist and a sample report from an audit so that you can see what a well-prepared, comprehensive auditing process looks like. The exemplary audit is over 20 pages long and will serve as a fantastic point of reference for your future work! Download the checklist and sample report here!
With our guide, you will be able to run a Python code audit yourself, and learn what you should expect from one. Read on!