Mathematical Approaches to Software Quality

ISBN-13: 9781849965644 / Angielski / Miękka / 2012 / 232 str.

Gerard O'Regan

Opis

This book provides a comprehensive introduction to various mathematical approaches to achieving high-quality software. An introduction to mathematics that is essential for sound software engineering is provided as well as a discussion of various mathematical methods that are used both in academia and industry. The mathematical approaches considered include:

• Z specification language
• Vienna Development Methods (VDM)
• Irish school of VDM (VDM)
• approach of Dijkstra and Hoare
• classical engineering approach of Parnas
• Cleanroom approach developed at IBM
• software reliability, and
• unified modelling language (UML).

Additionally, technology transfer of the mathematical methods to industry is considered. The book explains the main features of these approaches and applies mathematical methods to solve practical problems. Written with both student and professional in mind, this book assists the reader in applying mathematical methods to solve practical problems that are relevant to software engineers.

Recenzje

From the reviews:

"A software engineer should have a strong mathematical qualification likewise to the qualification of other engineers taking into account the specific needs of software engineering. The emphasis needs to be on the application of mathematics to solve practical problems. A recommended choice of appropriate mathematical disciplines is given in the book. ... Small examples illustrate the approaches. ... The book is suitable for students in introductory courses and for software engineers who are interested in methods which can assist in achieving high-quality software." (G. Riedewald, Zentralblatt MATH, Vol. 1106 (8), 2007)

Spis treści

Introduction.- Software Engineering Mathematics.- Logic for Software Engineering.- Z Specification Language.- Vienna Development Method.- Irish School of VDM.- Dijkstra and Hoare.- The Parnas Way.- Cleanroom and Software Reliability.- Unified Modeling Language.- Technology Transfer.- Glossary.

O autorze

Dr. Gerard O'Regan is a CMMI software process improvement consultant at SQC Consulting, and a visiting lecturer at Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, Malaysia.

Blurb

The now customary expectation for high-quality software products places an immense demand on industries and organizations to fulfill this need and to consistently produce quality software.

Mathematical Approaches to Software Quality provides a comprehensive introduction to various mathematical methodologies needed for developing this high-quality software. The book explains the main features of these approaches and applies these mathematical methods to solve practical problems. For instance the chapter on technology transfer presents an overview of how these technologies may be transferred to industry.

Topics and features include:

• Expansive overview of popular formal specification methods such as Z and VDM

• Introduction to Cleanroom and software reliability

• Understanding on how to predict reliability of a software product using Cleanroom

• Broad discussion of ideas of Parnas, Hare and Dijkstra on software quality

• Introduction to UML

• Technology transfer of formal methods

This book considers the potential and limitations of the various mathematical approaches and thereby aims to give a balanced view of the usability of each mathematical approach. Written with both student and professional in mind, this book assists the reader in applying mathematical methods to solve practical problems that are relevant to software engineers. It is suitable for coursework or self-study and there is helpful material on tools to support the various mathematical approaches.

 A companion volume entitled A Practical Approach to Software Quality, also written by Gerard O’Regan, offers a comprehensive introduction to the field and pragmatic guidance on the implementation of a sound quality system in the organization.