AppSec Blog

Explore the quirky world of async security code scanning and how not to lose your mind while waiting.

In this blog, we dive into the challenges of asynchronous security code scanning in the software development lifecycle. We’ll discuss why it feels like waiting for a bus when you’re already late, provide real-world examples, and offer practical solutions to speed up and streamline the process.

Why Async Scanning?

Imagine you're at a coffee shop trying to order a latte, but the barista insists on writing a poem about each order before making any coffee. That's somewhat how synchronous scanning works — it holds up the line! Asynchronous scanning, on the other hand, takes your order, lets you chill, and notifies you when it’s ready. You get your coffee, and life goes on.

The Waiting Game of Async Security Scanning

So you've kicked off an asynchronous scan. It's like planting a magic bean; you never really know how long it will take to grow. It could be minutes or hours before you get results. Meanwhile, you go about coding, running more scans, maybe refactoring some parts, or catching up on 'Stranger Things'. The suspense is killer, but it’s all part of the game.

Best Practices for Asynchronous Scanning

First, set realistic expectations: don’t expect instant results like microwave popcorn. Use notifications effectively. Enable clear and frequent status updates. Avoid the 'no news is good news' mindset; it doesn't apply here. Next, keep yourself engaged. Dive into other tasks, or better yet, automate other parts of your workflow to sync with the scanning progress.

Tools That Make Async Scanning Smoother

There are tools out there that treat asynchronous scanning like a queue at Disneyland — with a FastPass. Tools like SonarQube, Checkmarx, and GitLab offer features that manage scans efficiently, report findings in digestible formats, and integrate seamlessly into your CI/CD pipeline, making your wait feel more like a ride than a line.