Detecting and fixing bugs when developing software can be difficult, expensive and time-consuming; not surprisingly, validation can easily be many times more demanding and labor-intensive. As the complexity and sophistication of software in end-use applications increases, there is a need for more regimented and automated procedures to ensure thorough testing and help with code validation. Additionally, software used in test-fixtures for production of a critical or complex product faces increased scrutiny and therefore many of the same software engineering practices for testing and validation apply.
Requirement-based testing and validation is a well-recognized part of the software engineering process and standard practice for anyone who has to prove it works. Proving software works is more complex than merely showing that the application runs; it requires validating that it works correctly. This task requires documentation and test results to demonstrate that the application behaves exactly in the way it was designed to.
In addressing the challenge of testing complex software, some advanced tools have been developed. An example is the Unit Test Framework from National Instruments, which is a tool for LabVIEW to automate unit testing, requirement-based validation and regression testing of virtual instruments. Automating this process reduces the amount of time developers have to spend on performing tests, and enables more exhaustive testing. This not only helps to ensure that the software is in high quality, but also saves cost by catching problems earlier and reducing the amount of time developers spend performing these tests.
by National Instruments Corp
Full article:
http://techon.nikkeibp.co.jp/NEA/solutions/0905001.pdf
Nikkei Electronics Asia magazine is available each month free of charge to engineers, managers and other qualified readers.
Nikkei Electronics |
Nikkei Monozukuri |
Nikkei Automotive Technology |
|---|---|---|
 |
 |
 |
| The magazine for electronics designers and managers. | Design You Won't Regret - How to Reduce the Risk of Accidents | The comprehensive automotive technology magazine. |
Copyright © 1995-2010 Nikkei Business Publications, Inc. All rights reserved.
All editorial content and graphics on this Web site may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express permission of the copyright owner.
March 2010
February 2010
January 2010