A static library is a collection of precompiled code that can be linked into a program during the build process. Unlike dynamic libraries, which are loaded at runtime, static libraries become part of the final executable file. This means that all the necessary code is included, making the program self-contained and potentially faster to execute. Static libraries are typically used in programming languages like C and C++. They help developers organize code into reusable components, simplifying the development process. When a program is compiled, the linker combines the static library with the program's code, ensuring that all required functions are available without needing external dependencies.