For example, this can be a linear snmall-signal ac analysis which calculates frequency-dependent properties (under steady-state conditions).
However, before any analysis in the TIME domain is done, it is necessary to find the correct operating point of a device because all non-linearities are taken ito account.
This is a dc anaysis (for determining the operating point). This analysis finds the initial values to start the transient analysis.
I agree with the idea of Lutz von Wangenheim. The first step is to determine the operation point of a system, then you can start the transient analysis. For example, in the power system state estimation, especially for the dynamic state estimation, you must perform the power flow calculation to get the initial state of power system, then apply the corresponding dynamic state estimation methods, such as Kalman Filter, Extend Kalman Filter to get the dynamic or transient states of a power system.
Just like Omala said. The first step is to run the power flow. Next, consider the derivative dx / dt = 0, and after some manipulations, you will have the initial conditions by substituting the result of power flow in the equations with zero derivative.