Determining an optimal time interval for testing and debugging software

A decision-theoretic procedure for determining an optimal time interval for testing software prior to its release is proposed. The approach is based on the principles of decision-making under uncertainty and involves a maximization of expected utility. Two plausible forms for the utility function, one based on costs and the other involving the realized reliability of the software, are described. Using previous results on probabilistic models for software failure, the ensuing optimization problem (which can be addressed using numerical techniques) is outlined for the case of single-state testing. The sensitivity of the results to the various input parameters is discussed, and some directions for future research are outlined