Automating the Testing of Software,

Abstract

Continuing growth in the number of high-integrity software-based systems is causing a corresponding growth in the problems of software testing (or, more generally, software validation). In recent years there has been growing interest in a variety of validation techniques but the problem of how to apply these in a practically useful, cost-efficient, automated form has not been resolved. This paper classifies some available techniques against a concept of automatability and identifies direction in which they can be improved for usefulness rather than for academic interest. One promising technique is 'symbolic execution' and the results of a detailed study are presented. A reduction in routine testing costs by a factor of two to three, as well as other benefits, can be achieved in many cases. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 01, 1983
Accession Number
ADP002873

Entities

People

  • N. J. B. Young

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Avionics
  • Computing-Related Activities
  • Software Testing
  • Validation
  • Weapon Systems
  • Weapons

Fields of Study

  • Computer science
  • Engineering

Readers

  • Software Engineering.
  • Software Verification and Validation.
  • Theoretical Analysis.