N-version programming (NVP) For Enhancing Fault Tolerance
N-version programming (NVP) is a software fault-tolerance technique in which multiple functionally equivalent versions of a program are independently developed from the same software specification. The different versions are then run concurrently, and the output of the majority of the versions is used to determine the correct output. NVP is based on the principle that the probability of two or more independently developed versions of a program containing the same fault is very low. This is because different programmers are likely to make different mistakes, and the chances of them making the same mistake are very small. NVP can be a very effective way to improve the reliability of software systems. However, it is important to note that NVP does not guarantee reliability. For example, if all of the versions of the program contain the same fault, then the NVP technique will not be able to detect the fault. Here are some of the benefits of using N-version programming: Increased reliabilit...