Smart contracts are the backbone of decentralized applications (dApps), but even the most innovative code can harbor vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities can lead to disastrous consequences, putting user funds and project integrity at risk. Traditionally, smart contract audits were expensive and time-consuming, often leaving developers with unreviewed code.

Here at SolidityScan, we’re committed to empowering developers with the tools they need to build secure and reliable smart contracts. That’s why we’re excited to announce the launch of our SolidityScan VS Code Plugin, your personal smart contract audit tool directly in your IDE.

This powerful plugin integrates seamlessly into your VS Code development environment, letting you utilize the smart contract scanner & providing real-time security analysis directly within your workflow. Let’s explore the benefits of using the SolidityScan VS Code Plugin:

Identify Vulnerabilities Early & Often:

• Scan on the Fly: Write code with confidence. The SolidityScan VS Code Plugin scans your smart contracts as you write, highlighting potential vulnerabilities right in your editor.
• Proactive Approach: Catch bugs early in the development process, saving you time and effort compared to traditional post-development audits.

Fix Issues Directly in VS Code:

• Detailed Reports: The plugin provides comprehensive vulnerability reports, pinpointing the exact location of the issue within your code.
• Streamlined Workflow: No need to switch between environments. Fix vulnerabilities directly within VS Code, maintaining your development flow.

Additional Features:

• Automated Audits: Generate in-depth security reports with a single click, providing a comprehensive analysis of your smart contract’s security posture.
• QuickScan Integration: Utilize the plugin’s built-in functionalities for a rapid vulnerability assessment of your code.
• Always Up-to-Date: The plugin automatically updates with the latest security checks, ensuring you have access to the most advanced vulnerability detection capabilities.

Getting Started with the SolidityScan VS Code Plugin:

Here’s a quick guide on how to install and use the SolidityScan VS Code Plugin:

Installation:

1. Open the VS Code Marketplace by navigating to the Extensions tab. 
2. Search for “SolidityScan” and select “Install”.
3. Simply Reload or Restart VS Code after installing the plugin.

Configuration:

1. Locate SolidityScan in the Activity Bar and click on Sign in to SolidityScan.

2. You will be redirected to the SolidityScan login page.
3. Upon successful authentication, please return to Visual Studio Code.
4. You are now logged in and can start scanning your Solidity code.

Usage:

1. Open your Solidity smart contract file in VS Code & activate the SolidityScan plugin.
2. Once you write code, you can click on the Start Scanning button in the Activity Bar or use these commands to run a scan.

• Scan Current File: Ctrl+K Ctrl+S (macOS: Cmd+K Cmd+S)
• Scan Entire Workspace: Ctrl+K Ctrl+Alt+S (macOS: Cmd+K Cmd+Option+S)

3. Upon scanning the code, you can view a security score for the smart contract along with suggestions for gas optimization.
4. When provided with an API token, you can also see an analysis view which displays a breakdown of vulnerabilities ranging from critical to low.
5. Select the vulnerability you want to check and the Activity Bar will display a description & remediation for the same.

6. All that’s left to do is fix the bugs, and rescan your contracts. Stay Secure with SolidityScan!

Conclusion-

The SolidityScan VS Code plugin empowers you to seamlessly integrate security into your smart contract development workflow. Download the plugin today to supercharge your development process and build secure, reliable smart contracts.