CrossTalk: The Journal of Defense Software Engineering. Volume 21, Number 6

Abstract

CONTENTS: 1) The Software Quality Challenge by Watts S. Humphrey: As software in systems grow larger, it also contains more defects that adversely affect the systems. Article explains why common test-and-fix software quality strategy is no longer adequate, and offers suggestions for improvement. 2) Measuring Defect Potentials and Defect Removal Efficiency by Capers Jones: Discusses two measures that have strong influences on the outcomes of software projects: defect potentials and defect removal efficiency; relates positive effects that can be achieved by increasing defect removal efficiency to 95 % and beyond. 3) Quality Processes Yield Quality Products by Thomas D. Neff: Article lists steps than can be taken to achieve that goal and more. The author draws on 15 years of experience in process improvement to sift through helpful tips including: not looking for a quick fix, keeping it short, and not reinventing the wheel. 4) The Use and Limitations of Static-Analysis Tools to Improve Software Quality by Dr. Paul Anderson: Advanced static-analysis tools have been found to be effective at finding defects that jeopardize system safety and security. In this article, the author describes how these work and outlines their limitations. 5) Automated Combinatorial Test Methods - Beyond Pairwise Testing by D. Richard Kuhn, Dr. Yu Lei, and Dr. Raghu Kacker: This article introduces new tools for automating the production of complete test cases covering up to 6-way combinations, going beyond the popular Pairwise testing. Pairwise (2-way) is low in cost, but is not sufficient for assurance of mission-critical software. 6) Software Quality Unpeeled by Dr. Jeffrey Voas: The term software quality has many interpretations and meanings. The author helps readers understand the underlying considerations that underscore software quality. Software quality is a lot more than standards, metrics models, and testing, and the mystique behind this elusive area is explored.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 2008
Accession Number
ADA487060

Entities

People

  • Capers Jones
  • Jeffrey Voas
  • Paul Anderson
  • Raghu Kacker
  • Richard J Kuhn
  • Thomas D. Neff
  • Watts Humphrey
  • Yu Lei

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Cyber
  • Engineered Resilient Systems
  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Human Systems
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Agile Software Development
  • Air Force
  • Aircrafts
  • Application Software
  • Beta Testing
  • Business Administration
  • Computer Programming
  • Computer Programs
  • Computers
  • Operating Systems
  • Performance Tests
  • Software Development
  • Software Metrics
  • Software Testing
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Test Methods
  • Web Browsers

Fields of Study

  • Computer science
  • Engineering

Readers

  • Military History
  • Software Engineering.
  • Systems Analysis and Design