In the latest Preview release of Visual Studio 2019 version 16.1, we’ve added two quick fixes to the Code Analysis experience focused around uninitialized variable checks. These quick fixes are available via the Quick Actions (lightbulb) menu on relevant lines, accessed by hovering over the line or squiggle, or by pressing Ctrl+Period.
The first release of Visual Studio 2019 brought in-editor code analysis and various C++ productivity improvements, including a quick fix for the NULL to nullptr rule and others. In implementing further code analysis quick fixes, we are basing decisions on the following criteria: 1) the warning should have a low false positive rate; 2) the warning should be high-impact and have a potentially significant downside if not corrected; 3) the warning should have a relatively simple fix. Looking at the most feasible warnings, Preview 3 provides quick fixes for the following:
C6001: using uninitialized memory <variable>
Visual Studio reports warning C6001 when an uninitialized local variable is used before being assigned a value, which can lead to unpredictable results. This warning may be fixed by adding empty curly braces so that the variable/object is value-initialized (will be all zeros).
This warning and corresponding quick fix are enabled by default in the Microsoft Native Minimum ruleset.
C26494: VAR_USE_BEFORE_INIT
This warning goes hand-in-hand with the previous one and is fixed in the same way. However, while warning C6001 is generated where the uninitialized variable is used, warning C26494 shows up where the variable is declared.
Note that this warning and corresponding quick fix are not enabled in the default ruleset, but rather under the C++ Core Check Type Rules. To change rulesets in an MSBuild project, navigate to Property Pages > Code Analysis > General; for projects using CMake, add the "codeAnalysisRuleset" key into your CMakeSettings.json with the value set to the full path or the filename of a ruleset file.
Send us feedback
Thank you to everyone who helps make Visual Studio a better experience for all. Your feedback is critical in ensuring we can deliver the best Code Analysis experience. We’d love for you to download Visual Studio 2019 16.1 Preview 3, give it a try, and let us know how it’s working for you in the comments below or via email. If you encounter problems or have suggestions, please Report A Problem, or let us know via Visual Studio Developer Community. You can also find us on Twitter @VisualC.
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