Severity Levels of Inconsistent Code

Martin Schäf, Ashish Tiwari

Abstract: Inconsistent code detection is a variant of static analysis that detects statements that never occur on feasible executions. This includes code whose execution ultimately must lead to an error, faulty error handling code, and unreachable code. Inconsistent code can be detected locally, fully automatically, and with a very low false positive rate. However, not all instances of inconsistent code are worth reporting. For example, debug code might be rendered unreachable on purpose and reporting it will be perceived as false positive.