Prediction of reliability growth and warranty cost of software with fault reduction factor, imperfect debugging and multiple change point

This paper is concerned with the software reliability growth model (SRGM) to study the imperfect debugging, fault reduction factor (FRF) and multiple change point. To evaluate the total expected cost, a warranty cost model using non‐homogeneous Poisson process along with change‐point phenomenon is presented. Optimal release policies based on cost and reliability criteria are established for determining optimal release time of the software. The parameter estimation by using maximum likelihood estimation method has been suggested. For the validity of analytical results, numerical results have been obtained. The sensitivity of parameters on the software reliability and optimal release time is also examined.