Technology Glossary-D

• Data Mode. In this mode of execution of keysave files, text is interpreted as saved keystrokes to be played back along with timing information which is inclosed in brackets. The Data mode is supported by CAPBAK/X and CAPBAK/UNIX.
• DD-path. See Logical branch.
• De-instrumentation. When certain parts of your code have already been tested, you can use TCAT's and S-TCAT's de-instrumentations utilities to exclude those parts from instrumentation. For large programs, this can save time.
• Debug. After testing has identified a defect, one "debugs" the software by making certain changes that repair the defect.
• Decision node. A node in the program directed graph which corresponds to a decision statement within the program.
• Decision statement. A decision statement in a module is one in which an evaluation of some predicate is made, which (potentially) affects the subsequent execution behavior of the module.
• Decision-to-decision path. See Logical branch.
• Decisional depth. The number of decisions that must take on a particular value prior to arriving at a specified logical branch. "The decisional depth for this logical branch is..."
• Defect. Any difference between program specifications and actual program behavior of any kind, whether critical or not. What is reported as causing any kind of software problem.
• Deficiency. See Defect.
• Delay multiplier. The multiplier used to expand or contract playback rates.
• Directed graph. A directed graph consists of a set of nodes which are interconnected with oriented arcs. An arbitrary directed graph may have many entry nodes and many exit nodes. A program directed graph has only one entry and one exit node.
• Dynamic analysis. A process of systematically demonstrating properties of programs by a series of constructed executions. The STW/Coverage suite of tools performs dynamic analysis.
• Dynamic call-tree display. An organic diagram showing modules and their call-pair structure, where the call-pairs are "animated" based on behavior of the instrumented program being tested.
• Dynamic directed graph display. An organic diagram showing the connection between logical branches in a program, where the logical branches are "animated" based on behavior of the instrumented program being tested.