In which phase of development is SAST most effective?

SAST, or Static Application Security Testing, is most effective during the development phase because it allows security vulnerabilities within the application's source code to be detected early in the software development lifecycle. By integrating SAST tools early on, developers can identify and remediate potential security risks while the code is still being written and modified. This proactive approach not only enhances the overall security posture of the application but also reduces the cost and effort involved in fixing vulnerabilities that might be discovered later in the process.

Utilizing SAST during this phase fosters a security-first mindset among developers, encouraging them to consider security implications as they design and build the software. Early detection and resolution of vulnerabilities can significantly cut down on post-deployment issues, making it a more efficient and effective strategy for ensuring robust application security.