Enhancing Single-File Scans with Central Scan Results

Code Sight Documentation

Version
2026.5.0

When performing a single-file scan with Coverity, you can significantly improve result accuracy by referencing a previously run full central scan. This approach allows your local scan to leverage the analysis context from the central scan.

Important: This enhancement requires that a full scan has already been run on the server for the stream or project you reference.

Configuration Options

Add one of the following Coverity configuration files at the root of your repository (working directory):

  • Using a Coverity YAML/JSON Configuration

    • Compatible with: Coverity Connect

    • File type: coverity.yaml or coverity.json

    • Configuration: Specify the stream from the central scan

    • Performance impact: Downloads analysis summaries only

    • Benefit: Improves single-file scan accuracy while minimizing network traffic

  • Using a Coverity CONF Configuration

    • Compatible with: Coverity Connect and Coverity on Polaris

    • File type: coverity.conf

    • Configuration: Specify the stream (Connect) or project (Coverity on Polaris) from the central scan

    • Performance impact: Downloads both analysis settings and summaries

    • Benefit: Provides the highest fidelity for single-file scans

Benefits of Synchronizing with Central Scan Results

  • Improved Accuracy: Single-file scans use the same configuration and context as the full scan

  • Time Efficiency: Avoids running a full local scan for single-file analysis

  • Result Consistency: Local findings align more closely with central scan results