Compilers and libraries play a critical role in any software development process. That is why functional safety standards such as ISO 26262, IEC 61508, EN 50128, and IEC 62304 require that compilers and libraries are qualified. If you proactively test your compiler and library from day one, you save time and effort in the long run.
Proactive testing of compilers and libraries helps you select a high-quality compiler and library right from the start of your development process. By regularly testing your evolving compiler and library configuration, you ensure that every part of your development process is continuously monitored. Even if the compiler or library has weak spots, proactive testing ensures that you are aware of them and prevents them from impacting your software application, helping you avoid surprises when you’re about ready to go to market.
From Testing to Qualification
That is exactly what functional safety standards require you to do, too. Functional safety standards do not require that a compiler or library be error-free. Instead, they require you to be aware of potential errors and mitigate them.
A compiler qualification approach involves testing the compiler against its specification, requiring traceability between the programming language specification and the tests used to demonstrate test completeness. The approach for library qualification is similar. Instead of traceability on the level of the programming language specification, traceability on the level of individual implementation requirements is required.
Using a test suite that not only verifies all aspects of the compiler and library, but also has an organization that meets functional safety standards, allows you to go from proactive testing to full safety qualification with no additional effort.
Testing Compilers and Libraries Since 1984
SuperTest is such a test suite. It has tracked the evolution of the C and C++ programming languages, including their standard libraries, since 1984. Initially developed to support the development of compilers, its organization according to the C and C++ specifications has made it the de facto test suite for compiler qualification as well.
The Final Link for Library Qualification
Based on the foundation of SuperTest, SuperGuard provides a detailed breakdown of the ISO C and C++ library specifications into requirements and provides traceability from these requirements to the test suite. SuperGuard’s unique requirements traceability evidence provides the final link to go from library testing to library qualification in compliance with functional safety standards.
Stay Ahead of Potential Roadblocks
It’s essential to ensure your development process is of the highest possible quality and on track with functional safety standards right from the start. By bringing high-quality test suites into your workflow early, you’re setting yourself up for smooth, high-quality, and safe software development.
If you want to see this Blog in action, register for the upcoming webinar: SuperTest and SuperGuard: Ensuring Safety-Critical Software is Built on a Solid Foundation, held on May 22nd at 10 AM or 6 PM CEST.
Remi van Veen, Qualification Lead Engineer