GOST 19.402-78 PDF

Full title and description

GOST 19.402-78 — Единая система программной документации. Описание программы. Standard that defines the required content, structure and basic presentation rules for the software document called "Program description" within the Unified System for Program Documentation (ЕСПД).

Abstract

This standard specifies the composition and mandatory sections of a program description document used for software products and modules. It sets out the required headings and minimum content for each section (general information, functional purpose, logical structure, hardware used, loading and invocation, input and output data, etc.), and allows for addition or combination of sections depending on program specifics.

General information

• Status: Active (listed as действующий in official Russian standards databases).
• Publication date: Approved 18 December 1978; came into effect 1 January 1980.
• Publisher: Approved by the State Committee for Standards of the USSR (Gosstandart); published through the standards publishing channels (Издательство стандартов).
• ICS / categories: Information technology; software documentation (OKS/ICS classification around 35.080 — documentation for software).
• Edition / version: Original designation ГОСТ 19.402-78 (1978). Contains at least one recorded amendment (Change No.1, early 1980s); later republications/reissues and text updates have been recorded in databases.
• Number of pages: Short technical standard — typically published as a 4‑page document in electronic/print listings.

Scope

Applies to the preparation of the "Описание программы" (Program description) document within the Unified System for Program Documentation (ЕСПД). The standard establishes the mandatory sections and minimal content requirements so that program descriptions are consistent, complete and interoperable across development, procurement and maintenance contexts. It is intended for use where formal program documentation is required (development projects, deliveries, certification and archival records).

Key topics and requirements

• Mandatory structure and section list for the program description (examples: general information, functional purpose, logical structure, used technical means, invocation and loading, input data, output data).
• Rules for what each section must contain (identification of the program, brief description of functions, relationship between components, interfaces with other programs and hardware).
• Allowance to add or combine sections depending on the program's nature and complexity; cross-reference to other ЕСПД standards for document layout and presentation.
• Normative references to related ЕСПД standards (for example, rules for program-document design and headings set out in companion standards such as ГОСТ 19.101‑77 and ГОСТ 19.105‑78).

Typical use and users

Used by software developers, technical writers, system integrators, certification bodies, procurement and archival units that require standardized program documentation. Typical applications include internal and delivered software documentation packages, tender/contract materials, acceptance and verification artifacts, and archival records of software configurations.

Related standards

Part of the ЕСПД (Unified System for Program Documentation) family (ГОСТ 19.x series). Commonly referenced companion standards include ГОСТ 19.101‑77 (general requirements for program documentation) and ГОСТ 19.105‑78 (document structure and presentation rules). Later, other national and industry software documentation standards (and some modern GOST R standards covering software lifecycle and embedded systems) may also be relevant when more detailed or domain‑specific rules are required.

Keywords

Program description; software documentation; ЕСПД; ГОСТ 19; program specification; documentation standard; program identification; input/output description.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ГОСТ 19.402-78 is a national standard that defines the required content and structure of the document "Описание программы" (Program description) as part of the Unified System for Program Documentation (ЕСПД). It prescribes which sections must appear and the minimum information each should contain.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the composition and content requirements for a program description: identification and general information about the program, functional purposes, logical structure, used technical means, invocation and loading procedures, input and output data, and allowed additional materials or combined sections depending on program specifics.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Software developers, documentation specialists, system integrators, procurement teams and certification/acceptance bodies that need a standardized program description as part of delivery, verification or archival processes.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The standard is recorded in Russian standards databases as действующий (active) and has recorded amendments and republications; however, it is a historic (1978) ЕСПД standard. For some modern or domain‑specific needs, newer or supplementary standards (for example national GOST R standards on software lifecycle and embedded systems) may be applicable in addition to or instead of relying solely on this document. Users should check current regulatory requirements for their sector before relying on it as the only source.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is part of the ГОСТ 19 series (ЕСПД), a family of standards that together specify documentation types, content rules and presentation formats for software-related documents. Other standards in the series define different document types (requirements, design documents, test documentation, etc.).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Program description, software documentation, ЕСПД, ГОСТ 19.402-78, program identification, input/output, logical structure.