EXP15-C. Do not place a semicolon on the same line as an if, for, or while statement

Do not use a semicolon on the same line as an if , for , or while statement because it typically indicates programmer error and can result in unexpected behavior.

Noncompliant Code Example

In this noncompliant code example, a semicolon is used on the same line as an if statement:

if (a == b); {
  /* ... */
}

Compliant Solution

It is likely, in this example, that the semicolon was accidentally inserted:

if (a == b) {
  /* ... */
}

Risk Assessment

Errors of omission can result in unintended program flow.

Recommendation	Severity	Likelihood	Detectable	Repairable	Priority	Level
EXP15-C	High	Likely	Yes	Yes	P27	L1

Automated Detection

Tool	Version	Checker	Description
Astrée	25.10	empty-body	Fully checked
Axivion Bauhaus Suite	7.2.0	CertC-EXP15	Fully implemented
CodeSonar	9.1p0	LANG.STRUCT.EBS	Empty branch statement
Helix QAC	2025.2	C3109
Klocwork	2025.2	SEMICOL
LDRA tool suite	9.7.1	11 S, 12 S, 428 S	Fully Implemented
Parasoft C/C++test	2025.2	CERT_C-EXP15-a	Suspicious use of semicolon
PC-lint Plus	1.4	721, 722	Partially supported: reports missing body from if, for, or while with semi-colon immediately following predicate
Polyspace Bug Finder	R2025b	CERT C: Rec. EXP15-C	Checks for semicolon on same line as for, if or while statement (rule fully covered)
PVS-Studio	7.42	V529 , V715
SonarQube C/C++ Plugin	3.11	S1116
RuleChecker	25.10	empty-body	Fully checked


SEI CERT Oracle Coding Standard for Java	MSC51-J. Do not place a semicolon immediately following an if, for, or while condition
ISO/IEC TR 24772:2013	Likely Incorrect Expression [KOA]
MITRE CWE	CWE-480 , Use of incorrect operator

Bibliography