Checking program elements and program element behaviors for adherence to software development rules. An analysis engine receives a rule assembly containing metadata and intermediate language instructions representing one or more rules. The analysis engine also receives a target assembly containing metadata and intermediate language instructions representing one or more program elements and/or one or more program element behaviors. The analysis engine identifies (e.g., through reflection or retrieval of intermediate language instructions) a program element or program element behavior from the target assembly that is to be checked for adherence to a rule from the rule assembly. The analysis engine applies the rule to the program element or program element behavior to check the program element or program element behavior for adherence to the rule. Results can be stored for later viewing by a programmer.