K-P

keytrap tool

A software test tool that captures and saves the keystrokes typed by the user. Also called capture/replay and capture/playback.

linear independence

A line that is independent of other lines. For system traversals, this means that each linearly independent path through the system must traverse some unique path segment that is not traversed by any other traversal through the system.

lines of code

The count of the lines of program code in a software module or system.

load testing

Testing the load-bearing ability of a system. For example, verifying that the system can process the required number of transactions per time period.

logic flow map

Graphic depiction of the logic paths through a system, or some function that is modeled as a system.

logic schematics

A logic scheme, plan, or diagram.

magnitude of a physical quantity

Specified by a number and a unit, such as bugs per thousand lines of code or per minutes of test.

management

The act, art, or manner of managing, or handling, controlling, directing, and so on.

measure

"The act or process of determining extent, dimensions, and so on; especially as determined by a standard," (according to Websters New World Dictionary). The IEEE definition is "A quantitative assessment of the degree to which a software product or process possesses a given attribute." [IEEE043098]

menu

A program element that offers the user a number of choices; menus do not involve data entry.

metric

A measure.

metric system

A set or system of measures.

Most Important Tests (MITS)

The tests most likely to be of interest on the basis of probable importance and risk of failure.

node

From the Latin nodus, meaning knot. A dilemma or complication; a point of concentration. In logic flow mapping, both processes and decisions are nodes.

object-oriented languages

A programming system where program functions and utilities are precompiled into objects that have distinct properties and behaviors.

paper documentation

Documentation printed on paper.

path

A track or way worn by footsteps; also a line of movement or course taken; any traversal through a system.

path analysis

Examining and enumerating the paths through a program or system.

path-dependent function

A program traversal that follows a particular path regardless of the current data.

percent function coverage

The percent of all functions that are being tested.

performance

1. The act of performing; execution, accomplishment, fulfillment, and so on. 2. Operation or functioning, usually with regard to effectiveness, as of a machine. 3. Something done or performed; deed or feat. 4. (a) A formal exhibition or presentation before an audience, as a play, musical program, show, and so on. (b) One's part in this. (Webster's New World Dictionary of the American Language, Second College Edition, Prentice Hall, 1984)

performance testing

See load testing.

physical quantity

The description of the operational procedure for measuring the quantity.

plan-driven

Term coined by Barry Boehm in his article, "Get Ready for Agile Methods, with Care" to describe traditional waterfall-style development methods. See the "References."

process

A continuing development involving many changes.

processes

In logic flow mapping, a process is a collector node with multiple edges entering and one edge leaving; a process node can represent one program statement or an entire software system, as long as the contents are consistent throughout the logic flow diagram.

production system monitoring

The act of watching a production system; the object is to detect anomalies or failures as they occur.

programmatic paths

The logic flow through the code statements in a program.

proprietary

Privately owned and operated. Held under patent, trademark, or copyright by a private person or company.