Static analysis tools are software applications that examine source code without executing it. They help developers identify potential errors, security vulnerabilities, and coding standard violations early in the development process. By analyzing the code structure, these tools can provide insights that improve code quality and maintainability. These tools can be integrated into the development workflow, allowing for continuous feedback as code is written. Popular static analysis tools include SonarQube, ESLint, and FindBugs. Using these tools can lead to more reliable software and reduce the time spent on debugging later in the development cycle.