LDRA facts for kids

LDRA, which used to be called Liverpool Data Research Associates, is a company that makes special computer programs. These programs help check other software to make sure it works perfectly and is safe. They look at software in two main ways: by checking its code without running it (static analysis) and by watching it work when it's running (dynamic analysis).

How LDRA Started

LDRA was founded in 1975 by Professor Michael Hennell. He started the company to share a special software checker he had created. He developed this checker while doing research at the University of Liverpool. His research involved nuclear physics, and he needed to make sure the math programs he used were very accurate.

Professor Hennell also invented a method called Linear Code Sequence and Jump (LCSAJ). This method helps analyze how software works.

LDRA's Software Tools

The LDRA Tool Suite

The LDRA tool suite is a set of computer programs that help check software. It looks at code without running it (static code analysis). It also checks how much of the code is tested (code coverage). This suite helps make sure software is high quality and designed well. It's based on the special checker Professor Hennell created.

These tools are mostly used for software that needs to be super reliable and free of errors. This includes software for things like airplane electronics (called Avionics). The tools can also find and fix security weaknesses in software.

The LDRA tool suite includes several helpful programs:

• TBrun — This tool automatically tests small parts of software.
• TBmanager — This helps keep track of what the software is supposed to do.
• TBevolve — This supports managing different versions of software.
• TBsafe — This helps software meet important safety rules, like those for airplanes.
• TBpublish — This creates easy-to-read reports about the software.
• TBaudit — This makes reports for programs like Microsoft Word.
• LDRAcover — This checks how much of the code has been tested.
• LDRArules — This makes sure the software follows coding rules.
• TBmisra — This is an add-on for LDRArules that applies specific safety and security rules.
• Tool Qualification Support Packages — These help with making sure tools meet strict safety and security rules.

LDRA Testbed

LDRA Testbed was a core set of tools for checking software. It performed both static (without running) and dynamic (while running) analysis. It helped make sure software followed coding rules, like those from MISRA. It also found hidden problems that might otherwise go unnoticed.

LDRA Testbed automatically checked if code followed programming rules. It reported any rule breaking in text and on graphical displays. It also showed how well the software was tested. The tool measured software quality, like how complex the code was.

Some companies that use LDRA products include MathWorks (which makes Simulink tools), IBM Rational Rose, and Wind River.

FAA/EASA Software Checks

In March 2012, LDRA announced a solution to help companies get their software approved by important aviation safety groups. These groups include the FAA in the United States and the EASA in Europe. LDRA helps guide companies through many safety standards, such as:

• DO-178C (and DO-178B), DO-278A, DO-254
• IEC 62304
• ISO 26262
• EN 50128
• IEC 60880

Industry Rules and Standards

LDRA helps create many important rules for the software industry. These include standards like DO-178C, MISRA C, and MISRA C++. LDRA also works with the Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) at Carnegie Mellon's Software Engineering Institute. They help with the CERT C Secure Coding Standard, which focuses on making software safe from security attacks.

In September 2012, the LDRA team in the United States joined a group called The Open Group's Future Airborne Capability Environment (FACE) Consortium. In this group, LDRA acts as a Verification Authority, helping to check if software meets the FACE standards for airborne systems.