Chapter 3 – Static Testing
Data Flow Analysis – ISTQB Definition
Last Updated: July 12, 2026 · SoftwareTestPilot QA Team
Official ISTQB Definition
A form of static analysis based on the definition and use of variables.
In simple words
Static-analysis technique that tracks where variables are set and read to find bugs like use-before-define.
Exam tip
Data-flow analysis finds subtle bugs (uninitialised variables, unused assignments) that reviews miss.
Related terms
- Static AnalysisTools scan source code, models or documents to find defects without running the software.
- Control Flow AnalysisStatic analysis that maps every possible execution path to check for unreachable or infinite loops.
- White-Box TestingYou design tests using knowledge of the code — branches, statements, paths — to hit specific structural coverage targets.
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