Simplify Complex Testing

New applications must accommodate a growing number of business changes, provide increased test efficiency, and exceed performance and reliability. To meet these expectations while minimizing testing costs and cycles, the role of model simulation continues to grow. The testing methodology has evolved from a test-centric to a model-based testing approach, but its practical realization relies on the quality of the models. Model-based system testing is a framework of solutions that optimally balances the combined use of test and simulation. It enhances the productivity of the test approach and provides better insights. Model-based testing solutions help test and dev enhance application performance, including ROI dynamics and solutions for complex business requirements.

Model-Based Testing

Model-Based Testing (MBT) is an approach to software testing where test cases are derived from a model that represents the desired behaviour of the system under test. This model can be a visual representation, a formal specification, or even a mathematical model of the system. The Models comprises State transition path, Conditions, Data Flows, Integrations, etc. which has been used as design component for the Test Design and Test Automation process.

MBT mainly supports the systematic generation of Test Cases through an automated process that improves test coverage, reduces manual efforts, and reduces test case redundancies and maintenance.

MBT requires an upfront effort to create a model of the system behaviour with the support of the market standard MBT tool to generate test cases. Sogeti has MBT accelerators that support the testing process and aim to increase the efficiency, effectiveness, and coverage of software testing while reducing the time and resources required.

Model-Based Testing Process

Model Creation – Create a System/Business model of the System Under Test (SUT) from the Business Use Case. The different types of Model representations are the Control Flow, Decision Tree, and Data Flow model. The Model describes how a system should behave in response to an action. The Input required is Business Use Cases/Requirements in any acceptable format that illustrates the SUT. The output of the task is the High-level Functional/System process flow model of the SUT.

Model Refinement – Refine the Model by including the Low-level details of Business requirements including the Test Conditions, Boundary value, Negative scenarios, functional/system components, and Actors for comprehensive Test Case generation.

Test Case Generation – Generate Test Cases automatically by traversing through the path/process flow of the Model as per the defined conditions with Prerequisites, Test Case Description, Test Steps, and Expected outputs. The graphical representation of the Test Case process flow can be generated based on the MBT Tool features.

Test Execution – To execute the test cases against the system under test. Below activities also covered in this phase,

1. To verify the actual test results per the expected results and to document them.
2. To log defects (for failed test cases); retest them and track them until closure.

Test Evaluation - The effectiveness of the model-based testing is assessed based on criteria such as coverage, fault detection rate, and the ability to find defects. If necessary, the models and test cases are refined to improve test coverage or defect detection.

Benefits of MBT

1. It improves test efficiency, test coverage, and speed due to the model-based testing process.
2. Early Detection of Defects – helps to identify the design gaps in the early phase of the testing.
3. Consistency – Consistent test cases are generated through MBT with the help of models, and it reduces the chances of human errors.
4. Test Reusability and Maintainability – The models can be reused for different phases of testing and the subsequent releases of the software. This promotes consistency and reduces the effort required for test maintenance.

In summary, Model-Based Testing offers a systematic approach to software testing, leveraging visual or formal models to generate comprehensive and efficient test cases. While it requires expertise and careful planning, its ability to enhance test coverage, improve efficiency, and facilitate early issue detection makes it a valuable methodology in the realm of software testing.

Contact our team for more details to leverage MBT using Sogeti’s accelerators.