Software Debugging Methodology. Volume I.

Abstract

A debugging study was conducted which surveyed current research being performed n the area of software debugging during integration-level testing. Particular emphasis was placed on assessing debugging tools and techniques which were applicable to embedded software developments. The purpose of the debugging study was to define a software debugging methodology applicable to diverse environments to be utilized during integration testing of system software. The results of the study are contained in three volumes. This volume presents a discussion of generic debugging information requirements which are used in the activities needed for integration-level debugging. Those activities are described in a debugging methodology which defines a logical progression of steps, or processes, deemed necessary to solve complex errors in system software. Many of the steps in the methodology are characterized as human thought processes and are, at best, rudimentarily described. Other processes are presented as support activities to these thought processes and include information identification, derivation, and collection. These processes require the use of debugging tools, which are generically described, for optimizing the efficiency of debugging activities. Considerations of the effect of different hardware/software environments on the debugging methodology and information requirements are also described.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 01, 1979
Accession Number
ADA069539

Entities

People

  • Dan Casey
  • Jon Fellows
  • Marcia Finfer

Organizations

  • System Development Corporation

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Application Software
  • Computer Programming
  • Computer Programs
  • Computers
  • Debugging
  • Environment
  • Software Design
  • Software Development
  • Software Development Tools
  • Software Testing
  • System Software
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Test Methods

Fields of Study

  • Computer science
  • Engineering

Readers

  • Software Engineering.
  • Systems Analysis and Design