The Cleanroom software development approach is intended to produce highly reliable software by integrating formal methods for specification and design, nonexecution-based program development, and statistically based independent testing. In an empirical study, 15 three-person teams developed versions of the same software system (800-2300 source lines); ten teams applied Cleanroom, while five applied a more traditional approach. This analysis characterizes the effect of Cleanroom on the delivered product, the software development process, and the developers.

Discusses how structured programming methodology has been introduced into a large production programming organization using an integrated but flexible approach. It next analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of each component of the methodology and presents some quantitative results on its use. It concludes with recommendations based on this generally successful experience, which could be useful to other organizations interested in improving reliability and productivity.