What is static analysis?

Static analysis is a method used to identify defects in software without the need to execute the code. This involves reviewing the source code, software models, or documentation for potential errors or adherence to coding standards. Static analysis can be conducted through manual inspection or with automated tools that analyze the code for violations of best practices, security vulnerabilities, or other indicators of issues that might lead to defects once the code is executed.

By applying static analysis, teams can catch errors early in the development process, which can result in reduced costs and effort in the long run. This approach is particularly effective because it helps in identifying issues even before any testing takes place, providing immediate feedback to developers and ultimately leading to higher code quality.

This concept is distinct from testing techniques that require execution of the code, which is emphasized in other choices that refer to dynamic testing methodologies or specific testing phases such as system testing. Static analysis focuses purely on the examination of code structure and quality without executing the program, making it a unique and valuable part of the software development lifecycle.