ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book addresses four essential areas of software reliability: measurement and analysis, development techniques for reliable software, improvement of the process and management of the process. The measurement and analysis techniques include software metrics, software reliability models, and software analyses such as fault trees and failure modes effects and criticality. The techniques are for the design, code, unit test, integration test, acceptance test, maintenance test, and maintenance phases. These techniques include: requirements tracing and translation to design and code, design methodologies, code methodologies, unit testing methodologies, system testing methodologies, inspections and walkthroughs, and error prevention and fault tolerance. Versions of each of these techniques have been shown to be effective in reducing errors and improving maintainability and reliability. Management is performing tradeoffs of software design parameters including reliability, scheduling personnel effectively, and implementing procedures for measurement, development, and improvement.
