High integrity software

High-integrity software is software whose failure may cause serious damage with possible "life-threatening consequences." "Integrity is important as it demonstrates the safety, security, and maintainability of... code." Examples of high-integrity software are nuclear reactor control, avionics software, automotive safety-critical software and process control software.

"[H]igh integrity means that the code:
 * Does what it should.
 * Can be tested.
 * Has security features.
 * Lacks security vulnerabilities.
 * Is easy to understand and follow logically.
 * Is easy to edit and upgrade without introducing new errors."

A number of standards are applicable to high-integrity software, including:
 * DO-178C, Software Considerations in Airborne Systems and Equipment Certification
 * CENELEC EN 50128, Railway applications - Communication, signalling and processing systems - Software for railway control and protection systems
 * IEC 61508, Functional Safety of Electrical/Electronic/Programmable Electronic Safety-related Systems (E/E/PE, or E/E/PES)
 * ISO 26262, Road Vehicles - Functional Safety (especially 'part 6' of the standard, which is titled "Product development at the software level"