Usage Based Test Scenario Generation from Object-Z Formal Specification

Abstract

Usage-based testing is a technique for more effective generation of test cases based on the relative frequency of usage of different test scenarios. More frequently excuted scenarious give rise to greater numbers of test cases than do rarely executed scenarious. Thus, the distribution of test cases among the scenarios mirrors the actual usage that the system is expected to receive. We use a formal specification as a basis for usage-based testing of programs that use Object-Oriented Technology (OOT). OOT is widely considered the best methodology ofr programs that are large. OOT has gained wide acceptance in the software engineering community, however better test methods are still needed. This paper introduces an approach to usage-based test scenario generation based on an Object-Z formal specification. The paper presents the methodology and applies it to an example.