What is meant by static typing in programming?

Static typing in programming refers to a method where the type of a variable is known at compile-time, rather than at runtime. This means that when a programmer writes code, they explicitly define the data types of variables when they are declared. The compiler checks these types for consistency during the compilation process, which helps to catch type-related errors before the program is executed.

This early detection of type errors can lead to increased performance and reliability, as well as improved code clarity and maintainability. By enforcing type constraints at compile-time, static typing ensures that the arithmetic operations, function calls, and other type-specific behavior will function as intended when the program runs.

In contrast, options that refer to runtime type determination or flexibility in types do not align with the definition of static typing, which strictly adheres to compile-time checks. Thus, static typing enhances the robustness of the code by reducing the number of potential runtime errors related to type issues, which is a fundamental characteristic of compiled languages.