Analysis of Error Processes in Computer Software

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Authors
Schneidewind, Norman F.
Subjects
software measurement
software reliability
software error analysis
software quality control
stochastic processes
Advisors
Date of Issue
1975
Date
Publisher
Language
Abstract
A non-homogeneous Poisson process is used to model the occurrence of errors detected during functional testing of command and control software. The parameters of the detection process are estimated by using a combination of maximum likelihood and weighted least squares methods. Once parameter estimates are obtained, forecasts can be made of cumulative number of detected errors. Forecasting equations of cumulative corrected errors, errors detected but not corrected, and the time required to detect or correct a specified number of errors, are derived from the detected error function. The various forecasts provide decision aids for managing software testing activities. Naval Tactical Data System software error data are used to evaluate several variations ~of the forecasting methodology and to test the accuracy of the forecasting equations. Because of changes which take place in the actual detected error process, it was found that recent error observations are more representative of future error occurrences than are early observations. Based on a limited test of the model, acceptable accuracy was obtained when using the preferred forecasting method.
Type
Article
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Organization
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Naval Electronics Laboratory Center
Fleet Material Support Office
Office of Naval Research
Funder
Format
10 p.
Citation
Schneidewind, Norman F. "Analysis of error processes in computer software." ACM Sigplan Notices. Vol. 10. No. 6. ACM, 1975.
Distribution Statement
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.
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