Applying diagnostic techniques to improve software quality

Abstract

The author describes the use of diagnostic techniques in the design, testing, and maintenance of software. The goal in applying diagnostic techniques to software is twofold. First, design-for-test techniques can be applied to help ensure that software failures can be diagnosed when they occur. Second, testing software using techniques which are normally applied to the testing of diagnostics can help detect and eliminate software failures before the product is delivered. This means that the diagnostic design techniques are applied to make the software more testable, and that the software is tested more thoroughly using methods which are applied to testing of diagnostic capabilities.<>