This book investigates the fundamental principles and methodologies of computer program testing as understood in the early 1980s. It compiles the proceedings of a summer school, bringing together researchers and practitioners to explore the state of the art in ensuring software reliability and correctness.

The Authority Perspective: This collection of papers from a 1981 summer school likely represents a snapshot of academic and industrial thinking on software testing at that time. The focus would be on foundational concepts and early methodologies, serving as a historical reference for the evolution of the field. Its reception would be among computer science professionals and academics interested in the history of software engineering.