ReplayDebugging of Complex Real-Time Systems: Experiences from Two Industrial Case Studies

Title: ReplayDebugging of Complex Real-Time Systems: Experiences from Two Industrial Case Studies

Research Question: Can replay debugging, a method for allowing complex multi-tasking real-time systems to be debugged using standard interactive debuggers, be successfully implemented in full-scale industrial software projects?

Methodology: The researchers collaborated with ABB Robotics and SAAB Avionics, two leading manufacturers of industrial robots and electronic warfare technology, respectively. They implemented replay debugging techniques in these systems, which are known for their high software complexity and safety-critical nature.

Results: The case studies demonstrated that replay debugging is feasible in large-scale, real-world software projects. The researchers were able to reproduce and debug issues in the industrial systems, despite their complexity and the overhead introduced by the instrumentation. The benchmarking results showed that the instrumentation overhead was acceptable and affordable.

Implications: The successful implementation of replay debugging in these industrial case studies provides evidence that the method can be applied to real-world software projects. This could potentially lead to significant improvements in testing, debugging, and maintenance efficiency for complex real-time systems. The research also highlights the importance of developing effective tools and methods for debugging such systems, given their critical nature and the challenges associated with reproducing bugs.

Link to Article: https://arxiv.org/abs/0311019v1 Authors: arXiv ID: 0311019v1