SAST vs DAST — Which Security Testing Should Your Pipeline Use?
Security testing is a critical part of any DevSecOps pipeline. Two of the most common approaches are SAST and DAST.
But which one should you use?
In this guide, we compare SAST vs DAST in detail.
What is SAST?
Static Application Security Testing analyzes source code without running it.
What is DAST?
Dynamic Application Security Testing tests a running application.
Key Differences
| Feature | SAST | DAST |
|---|---|---|
| Testing Type | Static | Dynamic |
| Stage | Early | Late |
| Speed | Fast | Slower |
Pros and Cons
SAST Pros
- Early detection
- Fast
Cons
- False positives
DAST Pros
- Real-world testing
- Finds runtime issues
Cons
- Slower
When to Use SAST
- During development
- Code review stage
When to Use DAST
- After deployment
- Production testing
Best Approach
👉 Use both together
Real-World Insight
Companies that combine SAST + DAST:
👉 reduce vulnerabilities significantly
Final Thoughts
Choosing between SAST and DAST is not about picking one — it’s about using both effectively.