Static testing

Static testing is a form of software testing where the software isn't actually used. This is in contrast to dynamic testing. It is generally not detailed testing, but checks mainly for the sanity of the code, algorithm, or document. It is primarily syntax checking of the code or and manually reading of the code or document to find errors. This type of testing can be used by the developer who wrote the code, in isolation. Code reviews, inspections and walkthroughs are also used.

From the black box testing point of view, static testing involves review of requirements or specifications. This is done with an eye toward completeness or appropriateness for the task at hand. This is the verification portion of Verification and Validation.

Even static testing can be automated. A static testing test suite consists in programs to be analyzed by an interpreter or a compiler that asserts the programs syntactic validity.

Bugs discovered at this stage of development are less expensive to fix than later in the development cycle.