Algorithm source codes generation for ensuring N-version software diversity

Abstract

Diversity is one of the fundamental principles for N-version software development. The development of redundant versions can significantly improve the reliability of software, but it is more time and labour consuming. Business and manufacturing require a higher level of software reliability. The task of reducing the lead-time and cost effectiveness becomes more important when developing N-version software for such industries. It is proposed to use automatic source code generation to create N-version software. The use of domain-specific language for the intermediate representation of the algorithm simplifies code generation in the target programming language. The authors discuss a new conceptual model of two-step code translation for N-version software. The proposed approach will simplify the process of N-version software development and reduce the number of required resources. The paper contains an example of C code generation as a target programming language, using flowcharts as a graphical representation of the source algorithm. The described approach is intended for use in safety-critical industries.