Which one of the following is not a definition of error?
2014
Which one of the following is not a definition of error?
- A.
It refers to the discrepancy between a computed, observed or measured value and the true, specified or theoretically correct value.
- B.
It refers to the actual output of a software and the correct output.
- C.
It refers to a condition that causes a system to fail.
- D.
It refers to human action that results in software containing a defect or fault.
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Correct answer: C
Based on standard software engineering and IEEE definitions, the statement that is not a definition of error is:
“It refers to a condition that causes a system to fail.”This statement actually defines a Fault/Defect, not an Error.
In software engineering, there is a standard hierarchy:
Error → Fault/Defect → FailureError: A human mistake such as a coding mistake, misunderstanding of requirements, or incorrect logic.
Fault/Defect: The flaw or bug introduced into the software because of that error.
Failure: The incorrect behavior of the software during execution.
Therefore, “a condition that causes a system to fail” refers to a defect/fault present in the system, not the human error itself.
The other statements correctly describe error in different contexts:
Difference between computed and true value → mathematical/metrology definition of error.
Difference between actual and expected output → software testing definition of error.
Human action resulting in a defect → software engineering definition of human error.
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