Model Based Testing – MBT
Model-based testing or MBT is a general term that signifies an approach that bases common testing tasks such as test case generation and test result evaluation on a model of the application under test.
Model-based testing involves developing and using a data mode to generate tests. The model is essentially a specification of the inputs to the software. The suite includes inputs, expected outputs and necessary infrastructure to run the tests automatically. Testers using MBT approach concentrate on a data model and genration infrastructure instead of hand crafting individual tests.
It is essentially meant for functional testing and is a black box testing technique.
MBT is based on the premise that the reliability of the test process that can ensure the high quality of software demands that the test cases be derived form functional specifications. The test cases should guarantee that the functionality called out in specifications is completely covered and that the application can be fully excercised through execution of test cases. If testers can indeed develop such test cases directly from functional specifications, the at least functional specifications can not be faulted for corresponding deficiency in the application and it can be reasonably hoped that the desired functionality may have been sucessfully translated into the delivered application. MBT models tests based on the specifications.
MBT separates the testing logic from the actual test implemantation. This allows the developer to focus on developing good tests specific to the application while relying on the automation tool’s test execution environment to solve problems related to test execution.
MBT has as its roots applications in hardware testing, most notably telephone switched and recently has spread to a wide variety of software domains.
MBT is directly applicable for supporting mission critical applications, in fact MBT becomes imperative. NASA and the Europe space agency have already implemented model based testing.
There is promising future for MBT as software becomes even more ubiquitous and quality becomes the only distinguishing factor between brands. Modelling in general seems to be gaining favour particularly in domains where quality is essential and less than adequate software is not an option.
MBT is a natural choice for testers concerned about completeness, effectiveness and efficiency.
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One Response to “Model Based Testing – MBT”
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Good post.
A couple quick points for others wanting additional background on model-based testing and free model-based testing tools:
1. For additional background reading on model-based testing, I would recommend: Practical Model-Based Testing: A Tools Approach by Mark Utting and Bruno Legeard.
http://www.amazon.com/Practical-Model-Based-Testing-Tools-Approach/dp/0123725011/sr=1-1/qid=1157585827/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books
2. Hexawise, at http://www.hexawise.com, is a model-based test design tool and we have a free version available. Its strength is in identifying what conditions should be run in each test case once a tester has input a slightly simplified model of the System Under Test. (For an example of a simplified model of the SUT, see slide 4 of the presentation currently on our home page; it is more straightforward than it sounds). Once that simplified model is entered, Hexawise uses well-proven optimization methods (similar to ones my dad helped develop that have since been refined for more than 20 years) to determine how to maximize coverage in the fewest possible test cases. Hexawise does not have visual modeling capabilities such as UML figures, however and it seems as though you might be interested in those capabilities.
3. Therefore, if you are seeking free UML tools, you might want to check out UML Pad for example (see http://web.tiscali.it/ggbhome/umlpad/umlpad.htm). Or for a list of multiple options, please see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Free_UML_tools
4. Lastly, for an amusing, quick, and easy-to-read but nonetheless insightful introductory piece on model-based testing, I would recommend Robinson’s article “Intelligent Test Automation”. It is told in a “fairy tale” perspective. I like the way how it explicitly ties together Exploratory Testing and Model-based Testing, among other things.
- Justin
______________________
Justin Hunter
Founder and CEO of Hexawise
“More coverage. Fewer tests.”