Bug Example

Why will systems fail?

The moment a system's internal clock hits the year 2000, computer programs will recognize the current date as the year 1900 due to the reasons stated in Main Body and Y2K facts. Possible outcomes are:

  1. Calculation of age of a person born in 1970:
    Today: 99-70=29
    Normal: 2000-1970=30
    What will happen: 00-70=-70 or 70 (since some programs just takes the difference)

  2. Calculation of interest from 1998 to 2000:
    Normal: 2000-1998=2 years
    What will happen: 00-98=-98 or 98 years

  3. Comparing dates:
    Normal: 2000 > 1998
    What will happen: 00 < 98


It is a simple problem, but there are so many things to be fixed...

  • Data storage files (past and present)
  • Data output format (screen and printer)
  • Interface between systems
  • External interface
  • Tape backup system
  • Computer hardware (Mainframe and PC)
  • All components related to calculation of dates in in-house developed programs or third-party programs

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