Generating Tests from UML Specifications

Although most industry testing of complex software is conducted at the system level, most formal research has focused on the unit level. As a result, most system level testing techniques are only described informally. This paper presents a novel technique that adapts pre-de ned state-based speci cation test data generation criteria to generate test cases from UML statecharts. UML statecharts provide a solid basis for test generation in a form that can be easily manipulated. This technique includes coverage criteria that enable highly e ective tests to be developed. To demonstrate this technique, a tool has been developed that uses UML statecharts produced by Rational Software Corporation's Rational Rose tool to generate test data. Experimental results from using this tool are presented.