Abstract Desk checking is known to be an effective reading technique for early detection of sequential program errors. This paper discusses how to extend desk checking for concurrent and distributed programs. In addition to exponential possible schedules, concurrent and distributed programs have execution states that include more than one process. The new distributed desk‐checking technique supports the selection of schedules and execution states to be reviewed. The cross‐product functional coverage technique assists in the selection process. Schedule selection guidelines that facilitate early detection and coverage are introduced. It is demonstrated that code inspection can be applied effectively to large industrial applications using the selection mechanism introduced by this technique. Industrial pilots show that distributed desk checking is an effective early error‐detection review technique. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Summary form only given. This paper discusses how to extend desk checking for concurrent and distributed programs. In addition to unbounded possible schedules, concurrent and distributed programs have execution states that include more than one process. Schedule selection guidelines that facilitate early detection and coverage are introduced. The cross-product technique assists in the selection process. Industrial pilots show that concurrent desk checking is a promising review technique for early error detection.