static analysis

theory, programming A family of techniques of program

analysis where the program is not actually executed (as

opposed to dynamic analysis), but is analyzed by tools to

produce useful information.

Static analysis techniques range from the most mundane

(statistics on the density of comments, for instance) to the

more complex, semantics-based techniques.

Qualities sought in static analysis techniques are soundness

and completeness.

(2003-04-12)