Static Analysis is the examination of software code without executing it, often done using automated tools to detect potential bugs, security vulnerabilities, and code quality issues. Unlike dynamic analysis, which checks software during runtime, static analysis evaluates the code structure, syntax, and logic at compile time or earlier.

Static analysis tools like SonarQube, ESLint, or Pylint provide insights into coding standards violations, unoptimized code, potential security risks, and even performance bottlenecks. Developers use these tools to ensure that the code adheres to best practices, reducing the likelihood of introducing errors that could cause issues later in the development lifecycle.

By identifying issues early, static analysis helps developers fix problems before the code reaches production, reducing technical debt and improving overall software quality. It also supports Continuous Integration (CI) by integrating with CI pipelines, ensuring that code is automatically checked every time it is committed, resulting in faster feedback and fewer bugs in production environments.