Metric-based software reliability prediction approach and its application

This paper proposes a software reliability prediction approach based on software metrics. Metrics measurement results are connected to quantitative reliability predictions through defect information and consideration of the operational environments. An application of the proposed approach to a safety critical software deployed in a nuclear power plant is discussed. Results show that the proposed prediction approach could be applied using a variety of software metrics at different stages of the software development life cycle and could be used as an indicator of software quality. Therefore the approach could also guide the development process and help make design decisions. Experiences and lessons learned from the application are also discussed.