What method is used to analyze source code for security vulnerabilities?

Static Application Security Testing (SAST) is a method used to analyze source code for security vulnerabilities by examining the code without executing the program. This approach allows security teams to identify potential weaknesses such as flaws in logic, insecure coding practices, and violations of secure design principles early in the software development life cycle. By analyzing the code statically, developers can find issues before the code is run or deployed, enabling easier and less costly corrections.

Static Application Security Testing utilizes various tools and techniques to automate the analysis, making it efficient and effective for identifying a range of vulnerabilities, including those that may not be apparent through dynamic testing methods, which analyze running applications. This proactive methodology is crucial for building secure software and ensuring that vulnerabilities are addressed effectively before they can be exploited in a production environment.