AN OVERVIEW AND COMPARISON OF SPREADSHEET ERROR DETECTION AND DEBUGGING APPROACHES

  • Lena Đorđević Fakultet organizacionih nauka, Univerzitet u Beogradu
  • Danica Lečić-Cvetković Fakultet organizacionih nauka, Univerzitet u Beogradu
Keywords: Spreadsheets, errors, error detection, debugging

Abstract

Spreadsheets are applied in wide range of organizational functions for realization of different activities. They are used for financial calculations, planning, data aggregation, decision making, etc. However, a number of researches have shown that such programs are particularly error-prone. Some of the most important causes for spreadsheet error occurrence are that spreadsheet models are developed by end users and that standard software quality assurance (QA) processes are usually omitted. Correspondingly, researchers proposed a number of approaches aimed at supporting end users in developing and using the error-free spreadsheet models. In this paper, we provide a literature review on the topic of error detection and debugging approaches, including spreadsheet visualization, static analysis and quality reports, automated fault localization and repair, testing, model-driven development approaches, design and maintenance support. Based on this review, we outline directions for future research.
Published
2019-01-15
Section
Articles