How does static code analysis contribute to secure development?

Static code analysis plays a crucial role in secure development by examining the source code without executing it. This method allows developers to identify potential vulnerabilities, coding errors, and security flaws early in the software development process. By analyzing the code's syntax and structure, static code analysis tools can uncover issues such as buffer overflows, SQL injection vulnerabilities, and other common security weaknesses that could be exploited if left undetected.

Since this analysis occurs before execution, it provides a proactive approach to security, allowing for the remediation of issues before the software is run. This can significantly reduce the risk of security breaches and enhance the overall quality and reliability of the software product. In contrast, other options that involve execution or focus on aspects unrelated to security do not align with the primary purpose of static code analysis.