What is the difference between static analysis and dynamic analysis?

Software Testing And Quality Assurance Questions



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What is the difference between static analysis and dynamic analysis?

Static analysis and dynamic analysis are two different approaches used in software testing and quality assurance.

Static analysis refers to the examination of software code or documentation without actually executing the program. It involves reviewing the code or documentation for potential defects, vulnerabilities, or violations of coding standards. Static analysis techniques include code reviews, walkthroughs, and inspections. It helps in identifying issues early in the development process and can be performed manually or using automated tools.

On the other hand, dynamic analysis involves the execution of the software to observe its behavior and performance during runtime. It focuses on evaluating the software's functionality, reliability, and performance under various conditions. Dynamic analysis techniques include unit testing, integration testing, system testing, and performance testing. It helps in identifying defects, errors, and performance bottlenecks that may occur during the execution of the software.

In summary, the main difference between static analysis and dynamic analysis is that static analysis is performed without executing the software, while dynamic analysis involves executing the software to observe its behavior. Static analysis is more focused on code and documentation review, while dynamic analysis is focused on evaluating the software's behavior and performance during runtime. Both approaches are important in ensuring software quality and identifying potential issues.