The rapid growth and increasing complexity of Python based web applications and systems have made robust security testing more important than ever.
Cyber criminals are constantly evolving their tactics, looking for vulnerabilities they can exploit to steal data or disrupt operations. Traditional security testing for Python applications is still complex, time-consuming, and expensive.
Creating secure Python software is not simple, so using a good simple static security validation of Python code takes little time and is crucial to prevent potential security disasters.
The number of good and maintained FOSS Python SAST tools is small. But there are some options. So time for a comparison between the currently most used Python SAST tools:
- Python Code Audit and
- Bandit
What is Python Code Audit
Python Code Audit is a modern Static Application Security Testing (SAST) tool designed specifically for Python programs.
It is a powerful security solution that automates the review of your Python source code. By being tailored to Python’s unique syntax and constructs, it effectively analyzes your codebase for a wide range of potential vulnerabilities that could have a severe impact on security.
Python Code Audit is engineered to be:
- Simple to Use: Get up and running quickly.
- Simple to Extend: Easily adapt it to various use cases and custom checks.
- Powerful: Determine and highlight potential security issues hidden deep within your Python code.
What is Bandit
Bandit is a Static Application Security Testing (SAST) tool written in Python designed to find security issues in Python code.
Bandit is a FOSS (Free and Open Source) project licensed under the Apache License 2.0. It was originally developed within the OpenStack Security Project, which is still reflected in its codebase, and was later rehomed to PyCQA.
Bandit is currently maintained by the organization known as the “Python Code Quality Authority,” abbreviated as PyCQA. This organization (or, more accurately, community) maintains several tools for code quality for the Python programming language.
The name PyCQA is somewhat misleading: it is not actually an authority; the people who formed this organization simply found the name adequate for their activities. Eric Brown, one of the original developers and still a core maintainer of the Bandit project, requested the project’s migration to the PyCQA organization in 2018. He remains one of the four core maintainers of Bandit and is now also part of the PyCQA community.
Quick comparison: Python Code Audit vs Bandit
| Feature | Python Code Audit | Bandit |
| Validation of Python Standard Library (PSL) calls (1) | 70+ checks | Very limited |
| Complexity Analysis | ✔️ Yes, for quick security risk insight. | ❌ No |
| Custom reporting API | ✔️ Yes | ✔️ Yes |
| Ease of use (2) | ✔️ Simple and beginner-friendly | ❌ Steeper learning curve |
| Transparency of used security rules | ✔️ Rules have clear, descriptive names with informative details, including the Python constructs used for checking. | ❌ Rules are identified only by numbers with vague or cryptic descriptions. |
| Documentation with mitigation guidance | ✔️ Clear, with actionable tips | ❌ Limited, assumes security expertise |
| Documentation style | Extensive, designed for all user groups | Adequate, but heavy on Python/security jargon |
| Local-first philosophy | ✔️ Yes | ✔️ Yes |
| OpenSSF Best Practices Badge | ✔️ 100% compliance | ❌ Not certified |
| License | GPLv3 | Apache License 2.0 |
| Pricing | Free & Open Source | Free & Open Source |
- Python Standard Library (PSL): The Python Standard Library (PSL) is the term and collection of Python modules that are part of a Python distribution aka standard installation.
- Python Code Audit is designed to be simple for all types of users.
Goodbye Bandit, Hello Python Code Audit
The Bandit maintainers have done an outstanding job over the years. Their expertise and commitment to maintaining this Python SAST tool deserve genuine appreciation.
However, in 2025, it’s reasonable to ask whether Bandit is still the best choice for modern Python security needs. While it laid important foundations, Bandit was never designed to address today’s complex Python ecosystems, evolving threat landscape, and advanced security requirements.
In 2025 you need a Python Application Security Testing tool that delivers deeper insights, higher accuracy, and stronger protection!
