Specifying Operational Profiles for Modules

We describe a technique for specifying operational profiles for modules. The technique is more general than those of the current literature and allows more accurate specification of module usage. We also outline an algorithm for automatically generating random test cases from any such operational profile specification for a module, such that the test cases correspond to a random sampling of the module's input in actual operation. Operational-based statistical estimations, such as operational reliability, may be more meaningful when our specification method and generation algorithm are used, because our method permits more precise specifications than do other methods in the current literature. 1 Introduction There is substantial literature detailing the various ways of calculating statistical estimations for software, based on the results of testing. These calculations will produce operational-based statistical estimations, such as operational reliability, when the test cases correspon..

Estimating Software Reliability with Hypothesis Testing

We present a method for estimating software reliability, based on statistical hypothesis testing. Our estimations are based on the current version of the software only, and our method is applicable when the current version has not yet failed any random tests. Our method is particularly useful when one desires reliability estimates that are practical to calculate, and that are more accurate than estimations obtainable with current models. Acknowledgements I would like to thank my supervisor, David Parnas of McMaster University, for his advice support, and guidance. Thanks also goes to Roman ViverosAguilera of McMaster University for his helpful discussions regarding this work. ii Contents 1 Introduction 1 1.1 Applications of our Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 1.1.1 Module Terminology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 1.1.2 Memoryless Program Terminology . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 1.1.3 Modes of Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 2 Relevant Re..

Denise M. Woit

We present a method for estimating software reliability, based on statistical hypothesis testing. Our estimations are based on the current version of the software only, and our method is applicable when the current version has not yet failed any random tests. Our method is particularly useful when one desires reliability estimates that are practical to calculate, and that are more accurate than estimations obtainable with current models. ii Acknowledgements I would like to thank my supervisor, David Parnas of McMaster University, for his advice support, and guidance. Thanks also goes to Roman ViverosAguilera of McMaster University for his helpful discussions regarding this work. iii Contents 1 Introduction 1 1.1 Applications of our Method : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : 1 1.1.1 Module Terminology : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : 1 1.1.2 Memoryless Program Terminology : : : : : : : : : : : : 2 1.1.3 Modes of Use : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : 3 2 Relevan..