Using evolutionary testing to improve efficiency and quality in software testing

Abstract

The development of embedded systems is an essential industrial activity. More than 90 % of all electronic components manufactured are used in embedded systems, e.g. in aerospace technology; railway and motor vehicle technology; process and automation technology; communication technology; process and power engineering, as well as in defense electronics. Embedded systems are also used regularly in safety relevant applications. Therefore, the occurrence of errors may endanger human lives or cause costly recalls, for example in the automotive industry. Accordingly, the development of embedded systems must comply with the highest quality requirements and standards. Analytical quality assurance is of central importance to achieving high quality development of embedded systems. In practice, the most important analytical quality assurance measure is dynamic testing. The thorough testing of developed systems is therefore essential for product quality. The aim of testing is to detect errors in the system under test and to convey confidence in the correct functioning of the system if no errors are found during comprehensive testing. The effectiveness and efficiency of the test process can be clearly improved by evolutionary testing. This has been successfully proved in several case studies and industrial applications. Evolutionary Tests thus contribute to quality improvement as well as to the reduction of development costs.- 1-1