Introduction to Software Quality

Software is: “Computer programs, procedures, and

possibly associated documentation and data
pertaining to the operation of a computer system”.
IEEE definition
Introduction to Software Quality

 Software problems:
1. Errors
2. Faults
3. Failures
Introduction to Software Quality
 Reasons of software errors:
-Faulty requirements definition
-Client-developer communication failures
- Deliberate deviations from software requirements
- Logical design errors
-Coding errors
Introduction to Software Quality

 Reasons of software errors:

- Non-compliance with documentation and coding
instructions
-Shortcomings of the testing process
-User interface and procedure errors
-Documentation errors
Introduction to Software Quality
What is an error?

Error is deviation from actual and expected value.

It represents mistake made by people.

What is a fault?

Fault is incorrect step, process or data definition in a computer program which causes the program to
behave in an unintended or unanticipated manner. 
It is the result of the error.

What is a bug?

Bug is a fault in the program which causes the program to behave in an unintended or unanticipated
manner.
It is an evidence of fault in the program.
Introduction to Software Quality

What is a failure?

Failure is the inability of a system or a component to perform its required functions within specified
performance requirements.
Failure occurs when fault executes.

What is a defect?

A defect is an error in coding or logic that causes a program to malfunction or to produce incorrect /
unexpected results.
A defect is said to be detected when a failure is observed.
Introduction to Software Quality
Introduction to Software Quality
Example 1:

1        #include<stdio.h>
2       
3        int main ()
4        {
5        int value1, value2, ans;
6       
7        value1 = 5;
8        value2 = 3;
9       
10      ans = value1 - value2; 
11     
12      printf("The addition of 5 + 3 = %d.", ans);
13     
14      return 0;
15      }

When you compile and run this program you see the printed statement as below:

The addition of 5 + 3 = 2.
Introduction to Software Quality
 Software quality is (IEEE):
- The degree to which a system, component, or process meets
specified requirements.
- The degree to which a system, component, or process meets
customer or user needs or expectations.

 Software quality is (Pressman):

Conformance to explicitly stated functional and performance
requirements, explicitly documented development standards, and
implicit characteristics that are expected of all professionally
developed software.
Introduction to Software Quality

 Software quality assurance SQA is (IEEE):

A planned and systematic pattern of all actions necessary
to provide adequate confidence that an item or product
conforms to established technical requirements.

A set of activities designed to evaluate the process by which

the products are developed or manufactured.
Introduction to Software Quality
The objectives of SQA in software development:
- Assuring an acceptable level of confidence that the software
will conform to functional technical requirements.
- Assuring an acceptable level of confidence that the software
will conform to managerial scheduling and budgetary
requirements.
- Initiation and management of activities for the improvement
and greater efficiency of software development and SQA
activities.
Introduction to Software Quality
 The objectives of SQA in software maintenance:
- Assuring an acceptable level of confidence that the software
maintenance activities will conform to the functional technical
requirements.
- Assuring an acceptable level of confidence that the software
maintenance activities will conform to managerial scheduling and
budgetary requirements.
- Initiate and manage activities to improve and increase the efficiency of
software maintenance and SQA activities.