Testing and debugging of distributed software

This paper introduces the topic of testing and debugging of distributed sof tware in this special issue of the Computers and Artificial Intelligence Jo urnal. A global picture is given of the problems involved in developing dis tributed applications in order to motivate the need fur testing and debuggi ng activities. The main issues and approaches of testing and debugging are surveyed, the focus being on the identification of current and future trend s. We conclude by introducing the papers which were selected for this speci al issue.