Static code analysis is an automated process that examines source code for bugs, vulnerabilities, or privacy issues without executing the program. This technique helps developers identify potential security flaws, coding errors, and compliance violations early in the software development lifecycle. By analyzing the code's structure, syntax, and patterns, static code analysis tools can detect issues such as insecure coding practices, buffer overflows, and data leaks. This proactive approach allows teams to improve code quality, reduce security risks, and ensure adherence to industry standards before deployment, ultimately saving time and resources by catching problems early.