PERFIDE: an environment for evaluation and monitoring of software reliability metrics during the test phase

The need to use reliability metrics to improve the software production process, particularly during the test phase is outlined. A new approach for the organisation of testing activities based on the concept of `step-by-step integration´ is introduced. The benefits derived from the adoption of reliability metrics as test targets during system integration are explained. Finally, it is shown how these concepts have inspired the conception of PERFIDE (performance integrated development environment), an innovative tool bridging the gap between software reliability theory and the day-to-day practice of software engineers