static analysis tools

noun

UK /ˈstætɪk əˈnæləsɪs tuːlz/

US /ˈstætɪk əˈnæləsɪs tulz/

Computer programs that check code for mistakes without running it.

The team used static analysis tools to find bugs before testing the app.

SYNONYMS

code checkers linters code analyzers source code scanners

RELATED WORDS

compiler debugging code review software testing lint

OTHER MEANINGS

2. Software that inspects programs for security weaknesses without executing them.

Security engineers ran static analysis tools to spot unsafe functions in the codebase.

3. Utilities that enforce coding style and quality rules automatically.

Our build fails if static analysis tools report style violations.

4. Programs that examine source code structure to catch errors early in development.

Static analysis tools flagged an unused variable during the first build.