Rationale for the development of the UK defence standards for safety-critical computer software

Abstract

Developments leading to the publication of the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) draft standards, specifically directed toward the development and certification of safety-critical computer applications are discussed. Highlights of the draft UK standards are presented, although they are working documents that are liable to change and do not represent settled MOD policy. The use of ADA for safety-critical software is also discussed. This discussion includes a list of programming design practices that, according to the draft standards, are to be avoided.<>