What is static code analysis?

This episode of Techsplainers explores static code analysis, a development practice that inspects source code without running the application. Building on the series opener about shift-left security, it explains how static analysis helps teams identify potential bugs, security flaws and code quality issues earlier in the software development lifecycle, when fixes are typically simpler and less costly. The episode walks through how these tools work by scanning code and less costly. The episode walks through how these tools work by scanning code against rules and models, and it clarifies the difference between simple rule checks and deeper data flow analysis. It also explains how static code analysis can reveal issues such as insecure input handling, hardcoded secrets, dead code and possible SQL injection risks. Along the way, the episode examines the benefits of consistent automated scanning, faster feedback for developers and better support for code review, while also addressing practical limitations like false positives and the fact that static analysis cannot detect every runtime problem. Finally, it places static code analysis within a broader strategy that also includes testing, debugging and secure review practices. Find more information at https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/static-code-analysis Find all the Techsplainers episodes here https://www.ibm.biz/techsplainers-podcast Narrated by Ian Smalley