IBM's code scanner offers on-the-go checks

New Rational tool checks code for errors as its written

IBM has updated its Rational software testing tools, adding features that can spot defects as the code is written.

IBM Rational Software Analyzer will help users cut software development times by scanning up to 700 lines of code at a time, "grammar checking" it before it goes in to production.

"Software project failures impact the bottom line and as levels of complexity in software continue to rise, software developers need to create more stable software in less time," said Daniel Sabbah, general manager, IBM Rational Software in a statement.

Software Analyzer has been developed as a plug-in for the Eclipse application development platform.

Available immediately, a developer version is priced at £1,770 per user, while an enterprise version, with unlimited licences, costs £25,300.