The methods for assessing and predicting the reliability of software, based on a life-cycle approach to software reliability engineering, are prescribed in this recommended practice. It provides information necessary for the application of software reliability (SR) measurement to a project, lays a foundation for building consistent methods, and establishes the basic principle for collecting the data needed to assess and predict the reliability of software. The recommended practice prescribes how any user can participate in SR assessments and predictions.

Software reliability (SR) models have been evaluated and ranked for their applicability to various situations. Many improvements have been made in SR modeling and prediction since 1992. This revised recommended practice reflects those advances in SR since 1992, including modeling and prediction for distributed and network systems. Situation specific usage guidance was refined and updated. The methodologies and tools included in this recommended practice are extended over the software life cycle (SLC).

The recommended practice promotes a systems approach to SR prediction. Although there are some distinctive characteristics of aerospace software, the principles of reliability are generic, and the results can be beneficial to practitioners in any industry.