Software Testing - Static Testing Techniques: Reviews and Inspections

Static testing is a technique used to evaluate software artifacts without executing the actual code. It focuses on reviewing documents such as requirements, design specifications, and source code to identify defects early. By detecting issues before development progresses further, static testing helps reduce rework and improves overall quality.

Role of Reviews in Static Testing

Reviews involve examining software documents or code to check for errors, inconsistencies, and missing information. These reviews can be informal or structured, depending on project needs. Peer reviews help share knowledge within the team and allow defects to be identified through collective understanding rather than individual effort.

Inspections as a Formal Technique

Inspections are a more formal type of static testing. They follow a defined process with specific roles such as moderator, author, and reviewer. Checklists are used to guide the inspection and ensure thorough coverage. Inspections are effective in identifying logical errors, standard violations, and documentation gaps.

Benefits of Static Testing

Static testing helps detect defects at an early stage when they are less costly to fix. It improves clarity of requirements and design, reducing misunderstandings during development. By preventing defects rather than finding them later, static testing increases efficiency and enhances product quality.

Limitations of Static Testing

Although static testing is valuable, it cannot identify runtime issues such as performance problems or memory leaks. It should be used alongside dynamic testing for complete coverage. Combining static and dynamic testing provides a balanced approach to quality assurance.