SOFTWARE-RELIABILITY MODELING

Probability models and statistical methods are a popular technique for evaluating the reliability of computer software. This paper reviews t he literature concerning these methods, with an emphasis on the histor ical perspective. The use of stochastic techniques is justified, and t he various probability models that have been proposed, along with any associated statistical estimation and inference procedures, are descri bed. Examples of the models applied to real software failure data are given. A classic software development problem-how long software should be tested before it is released into the marketplace-is analyzed from a decision theoretic standpoint, Finally, the direction of future res earch is contemplated.