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Toward Replacing Structure-Based Testing with Analysis. Vdot Santhanam Boeing. Structure-Based Testing. DO-178B measures efficacy of software verification through structural coverage measures Level C – Statement Coverage Level B – Decision Coverage
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Toward Replacing Structure-Based Testing with Analysis Vdot Santhanam Boeing
Structure-Based Testing • DO-178B measures efficacy of software verification through structural coverage measures • Level C – Statement Coverage • Level B – Decision Coverage • Level A – Modified Condition/Decision Coverage • Often this leads to significant amount of time spent achieving structural coverage for the sake of coverage
Certification • Contrary to EASA and MoD practices, the FAA has not embraced analysis as a means of software verification • There are no requirements to perform even simple forms of analysis • We’d like to see that culture change because it will • Reduce the cost of verification • Enhance the reliability of the process • Improve our confidence in the software • With DO-178C planning starting, the time is right
Where Do We Want To Go? • Would like to see • Varying degrees of analysis by assurance level, e.g., • Set-use analysis for level C • Range-constraint analysis for level B • Exception and memory leak analysis; RMA for level A • Alternate form of credit for verification-by-analysis (in lieu of structural coverage testing)
Research Needed • Devise analysis techniques that achieve the same/similar objectives as testing • Devise new, more powerful techniques that can surpass testing in cost-effectiveness • Stream-line research toward more pragmatic applications for existing formal techniques (rather than pursue the elusive goal of proving programs correct)