article

Automatic generation of random self-checking test cases

Authors:

D. L. Bird,

C. U. MunozAuthors Info & Claims

IBM Systems Journal, Volume 22, Issue 3

Pages 229 - 245

Published: 01 September 1983 Publication History

Abstract

A technique of automatically generating random software test cases is described. The nature of such test cases ensures that they will execute to completion, and their execution is predicted at the time of generation. Wherever possible the test cases are self-checking. At run-time their execution is compared witht he predicted execution. Also described are implementations of the technique that have been used to test various IBM programs-- PL/I language processors, sort/merge programs, and Graphical Data Display Manager alphanumeric and graphics support.

References

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K. V. Hanford, "Automatic generation of test cases," IBM System Journal 9, No. 4, 242-257 (1970).

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P. Purdom, "A sentence generator for testing parsers," BIT 12, 366-375 (1972).

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A. Celentano, "Compiler testing using a sentence generator," Software Practice and Experience 10, 897-913 (1980).

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F. Bazzichi and I. Spadafora, "An automatic generator for compiler testing," IEEE Transactions Software Engineering FE-8, No. 4, 343-353 (July 1982).

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R. P. Seaman, "Testing high level language compilers," IEEE Computer System and Technology Conference (October 1974). pp. 6-14.

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D. L. Bird, T. Clowes, and R. E. Weir, "Method of Operating a Computer to Produce Test Case Programs," U.K. Patent Number: 1,479,122 (July 6, 1977), p. 2.

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D. L. Bird, "Internal representation of arrays in automatically generated test case programs," IBM Technical Disclosure Bulletin 19, No. 3, 1112-1113 (August 1976).

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D. L. Bird, T. Clowes, D. G. Jacobs, and R. E. Weir, A Test Program Generator for Testing Compilers of PL/I-Like Languages, IBM United Kingdom Laboratories Limited, Winchester, Hampshire, United Kingdom (February 1977).

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D. L. Bird, "Method of Operating a Computer to Produce Test Case Programs," U. K. Patent Number: 1,510,240 (May 17, 1978).

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D. L. Bird, "Generating Graphics Test Case Programs," European Patent Application 52684. (Application also made for USA patent.)

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D. L. Bird, "Test case generation for multiple device support," IBM Technical Disclosure Bulletin 25, No. 7B, 3765-3767 (December 1982).

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C. U. Munoz, Test Case Generator Tutorial, Technical Report 03.122, IBM CDorporation, Santa Teresa Laboratory, P.O. Box 50020, San Jose, CA 95150 (November 1980).

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Published In

IBM Systems Journal Volume 22, Issue 3

September 1983

127 pages

ISSN:0018-8670

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IBM Corp.

United States

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Published: 01 September 1983

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Raselimo MFischer BNierstrasz OGray JOliveira B(2019)Spectrum-based fault localization for context-free grammarsProceedings of the 12th ACM SIGPLAN International Conference on Software Language Engineering10.1145/3357766.3359538(15-28)Online publication date: 20-Oct-2019
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