Efficient allocation of testing resources for software module testing based on the hyper-geometric distribution software reliability growth model

Abstract

A considerable amount of testing resources is required during software module testing. In this paper, based on the HGDM (Hyper-Geometric Distribution Model) software reliability growth model, we investigate the following optimal resource allocation problems in software module testing: (1) minimization of the number of software faults still undetected in the system after testing given a total amount of testing resources, and (2) minimization of the total amount of testing resources repaired, given the number of software faults still undetected in the system after testing. Furthermore, based on the concepts of "average allocation" and "proportional allocation", two simple allocation methods are also introduced. Experimental results show that the optimal allocation method can improve the quality and reliability of the software system much more significantly than these simple allocation methods can. Therefore, the optimal allocation method is very efficient for solving the testing resource allocation problem.