ABSTRACT

We describe in this paper a choice relation framework for supporting category-partition test case generation. We capture the constraints among various values (or ranges of values) of the parameters and environment conditions identified from the specification, known formally as choices. We express these constraints in terms of relations among choices and combinations of choices, known formally as test frames. We propose a theoretical backbone and techniques for consistency checks and automatic deductions of relations. Based on the theory, algorithms have been developed for generating test frames from the relations. These test frames can then be used as the basis for generating test cases. Our algorithms take into consideration the resource constraints specified by software testers, thus maintaining the effectiveness of the test frames (and hence test cases) generated. Keywords: Category-partition testing, choice relation framework, choice relation table, specification-based testing, test case construction, test frame

1. This research is supported in part by the Research Grants Council of Hong Kong (project nos. 702901 and 104801). 2. Centre for Software Analysis and Testing, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn 3122, Australia. 3. Department of Accountancy, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong. 4. (Corresponding author.) Department of Computer Science, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong. Email:

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