Using the Interaction Flow Modelling Language for Generation of Automated Front-End Tests

In the paper we explore the possibilities of automated test-case generation from the IFML model of application front–end. As opposed to the previous core UML standard, IFML captures the structure and properties of the application user interface, which gives us new possibilities in model–based test case generation: produced test cases have a higher probability of being consistent and of respecting the real feasibility of the tests in the tested application. In the presented solution we leverage the capabilities of an IFML model to capture details of front–end components to generate front–end automated tests, exercising particular actions in the tested application front–end to verify its expected behaviour according to an IFML model. The approach is based on the transformation of an IFML model to an application front–end test model — a more straightforward structure for the automated generation of test cases. Then, based on the defined rules, the abstract test cases are created from the model. The abstract test cases are then transformed using a template engine, to particular physical automated test cases which can be run to test the application.