volume_mute

Common-Mode Failures in Software Diversity

publish date: 2026/10/08 19:55:50.994967 UTC

Even when different teams independently develop separate software versions to achieve diversity, the versions may still fail in a similar way (common-mode failure). What are two main reasons for this occurrence?

Using different operating systems on redundant server hardware.

Applying static analysis tools during code build phases.

Shared misunderstandings or ambiguities in the original natural language specification.

Common programmer biases, logical fallacies, or standard algorithm choices shared across engineers.

Reference

Software Engineering, Ian Sommerville, 9th edition

Quizzes you can take where this question appears

Dependable Systems - Review

Common-Mode Failures in Software Diversity

Correct Answer

Explanation

Reference

Quizzes you can take where this question appears