Automatic Generation of Test Suites from Decision Table - Theory and Implementation

Abstract

Several methods for automatic test case generation have been proposed in the past. But most of these techniques are structural testing techniques that require the understanding of the internal working of the program. We propose a generic framework for automating test suite generation based on decision tables which is a black-box testing technique. Although, decision table is an old technique for testing, they are increasingly used by IT analysts and developers to manage, integrate and execute complex logic more effectively. They are powerful for finding faults both in implementation and specifications. In this framework, the business rules are laid down in the form of decision tables, and the testing is performed based on those rules. Since the data is in the domain objects while the logic is in the rules, such an implementation breaks the tight coupling of data and logic. This will foster close collaboration between testers and domain experts while making ideal separation of concern. Our framework provides a basic platform with an end-to-end functionality for automation of generation of test suites which can further be enhanced by commercial or open source rule engines.