In the context of developing software, what is a significant challenge of static testing?

In the context of developing software, a significant challenge of static testing is its inability to detect runtime errors. Static testing involves examining the code, requirements, and other project artifacts without executing the software. This means that issues that only manifest during execution, such as logical errors or integration problems that occur at runtime, cannot be identified through static analysis alone. When developers analyze code statically, they may miss conditions or paths that only reveal themselves when the software is running in a certain environment or under specific conditions.

This limitation highlights the importance of complementing static testing with dynamic testing, where the software is executed to uncover defects that static methods cannot reach. As a result, while static testing can offer valuable insights into code quality and potential issues, it does not address all possible defects, particularly those related to the interaction of software components during execution.