Data Coupling and Control Coupling Analysis Guide

This technical white paper discusses data coupling and control coupling in the context of software development, particularly in relation to the DO-178C standard. It outlines the importance of these concepts for ensuring that modular software components interact as expected, which is critical for maintaining software quality. The document explains the requirements for requirements-based testing, detailing the stages involved in this testing approach, including test case design, execution, and verification. It emphasizes the need for Change Impact Analysis (CIA) to assess the effects of modifications in one component on others, highlighting the benefits of automating this process. The paper further defines data coupling and control coupling, explaining their significance in the analysis of software components. It advocates for a hybrid approach that combines static and dynamic analysis methods to meet the DO-178C requirements effectively. The document concludes by addressing the implications of multicore processor adoption on coupling analysis.