What Do We Know about Defect Detection Methods?

  • Authors:

  • Per Runeson;Carina Andersson;Thomas Thelin;Anneliese Andrews;Tomas Berling

  • Affiliations:

  • Lund University;Lund University;Lund University;University of Denver;Ericsson Microwave Systems

  • Venue:
  • IEEE Software
  • Year:
  • 2006

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Abstract

Serious efforts are spent on defect detection during software development. So, it's important to use the most efficient and effective defect detection methods. This guide can help practitioners choose efficient and effective defect detection methods using the evidence-based software engineering (EBSE) approach. Using 12 empirical studies, including 10 experiments and two case studies, the authors compare inspection and testing techniques and then derive practical implications. While research results are often inconclusive, the authors recommend that practitioners generally use inspections for requirements and design, and testing for code. Also, because different defect detection methods find different types of defects, the methods might be complementary. Finally, they list factors that help frame the question and guide practitioners in further steps to integrate and evaluate the detection methods in their environments.