Static code analysis

Static code analysis is a set of methods for analysing software source code or object code in an effort to gain understanding of what the software does and establish certain correctness criteria.

Related Topics:
Software - Source code - Object code - Understanding

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Schematically, there are several types of static analysis (which may be used in combination, even inside the same programming tool):

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• tools such as lint essentially look for constructs that "look dangerous" from an informal point of view;
• formal methods consider the mathematical definition of the behaviors of programs, known as their semantics.

Some software metrics can also be seen as a form of static analysis.

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Static code analysis: Formal methods ►